the laughing academy FACULTY

Lauded comedian, author, actor, and trainer Jimmy Carrane is excited to guide a new generation of performers through the art of improvisation. Jimmy began his career at The Second City and IO, is an original member of The Annoyance Theater, and was a cast member of Jazz Freddy, Carl and the Passions, and iO's legendary troupe, Armando. 

With his co-star Stephanie Weir, Jimmy created “Naked,” one of the first 2-person improv shows, and also wrote and performed his own hit one-man shows “I Am 27, I Still Live at Home and Sell Office Supplies,” and “Living in Dwarf’s House.” 

In addition to improv, Jimmy was the longtime host of NPR radio's "Studio 312," interviewing everyone from Conan O’Brian to Cindy Crawford, and currently hosts the "Improv Nerd" podcast on Starburn Audio.

His books include "Improv Therapy" and "Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser" with co-author Liz Allen, and his performance resume includes the film and TV credits Public Enemies, The Playboy Club, Natural Born Killers, The Untouchables, ER, Early Edition and a (metric) ton of independent films.

Jimmy teaches his award-winning Art of Slow Comedy classes and workshops across the country, and leads corporate improv workshops, bringing the art of improv to the workplace.

jimmycarrane.com

Tyler Fowler is a nationally touring comedian. His debut album Friends With 401(k) Benefits premiered #1 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts and was followed by a 30 minute special with Drybar Comedy titled Little Spoon.  After studying improv and stand up at The Second City and iO theaters, Tyler has become a regular at The Laugh Factory and Zanies Comedy Clubs and regularly  performs and teaches stand up at The Laughing Academy. 

Laura Hugg is a nationally touring stand up comedian, sketch comic writer and performer, improviser, and storyteller, based in Chicago IL. Laura studied theater at Columbia College and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory. She has featured for Vince Maranto and Rocky LaPorte. Laura produces and hosts, “Keep Coming Back”, a comedy variety showcase at the Lincoln Lodge Theater in Chicago. In addition to being a stand up comedy instructor at The Laughing Academy, she hosts the open mic at Ten Ninety Brewing Co in Glenview, IL. 

Monica Matsakis is a writer and live storyteller who has shared her work at The Moth, Truth Be Told, Story Lab, This Much is True, The Laughing Academy and more. She is also a professionally trained actor, most recently appearing as Kate Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs at The Citadel Theater. Along with being entertaining, Monica believes in the transformative and healing power of live storytelling, not only for the teller but the audience as well. Connecting and feeling less alone is at our fingertips when we share our journey with one another.

Dee has worked as a performer, writer, and instructor at The Second City, and also as a producer, host, and writer for Louder Than a Mom, a theme-based storytelling show, starting in 2014. Dee also served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University's Department of Radio, Television, and Film, where she created and implemented curriculum and taught improvisational skills beginning in 2013. Dee has also worked as a freelance screenwriter, script consultant, and television writer since 1998.

In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Dee has also served as a consultant and keynote creative director for ASUG - Americas' SAP Users' Group since 2016. Dee was involved in the Nebraska Shakespeare Company as a playwright in her "Unshaken Festival" in 2021. Dee is a contributing editor for The Chicago Muse. Dee also wrote and performed her play "DeeConstruction" at various theaters across the United States, including IO, UCB, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Merrimack Repertory Theater, and Center Stage.

 Tim Soszko is very excited to work with The Laughing Academy. Tim has made a living performing, teaching, writing, directing and producing for over 15 years all over the US, Canada and Europe.  He teaches classes at The Actors Training Center, The Revival, Booth, and Quinlan, to name a few, and performs with the musical improv group The Deltones.  For fun, Tim works as an emcee, an auctioneer, and a wood worker.  He also wrote and starred in a TV Pilot for his own sketch comedy show.  Tim hopes to make millions as a voiceover artist. He has yet to reach his goal. timsoszko.com

Darren Stephens is a veteran performer, comedian and improviser whose work includes the Second City House Improv Musical Ensemble, Baby Wants Candy and Musical, The Musical. In addition to  stage, film and tv, his voiceover work has been featured in thousands of regional and national radio and television commercials. Regarded as one of Chicago’s leading Voice and Presentation Coaches, Darren is skilled at helping people overcome the stress and anxiety associated with public speaking and teaches them how to effectively use humor and incorporate storytelling to create compelling messaging.  darrenstephens.com