Tara DeFrancisco
Tara DeFrancisco (founder - current) is a world-renowned performer and producer, and co-founder of The Nest Theatre. You may know her from her work on the stages of iO Chicago, Second City, and ComedySportz, and her ongoing global touring work in "HERE the (improvised) Musical" in 24 countries/80+ cities. Currently, Tara works hard to instill codes of ethics and conduct in worldwide spaces and serves as Artistic Director at The Nest, in addition to television and commercial work (LOGOtv, ABC Family), voiceovers and more. She believes in the power of this work on a cellular level.
Patrick Rowland
Patrick Rowland (2016-current) Patrick Rowland, a writer for The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock/NBC, was widely known beforehand for his playful improvisation in 3Peat, Deltones, and his own late night project Barack All Night.
Rance Rizzutto
Rance Rizzutto (2014-current) has performed, coached, and taught improv for years at iO Chicago, ComedySportz, Second City Theatricals, Baby Wants Candy, and now The Nest Theatre. He is most known from the globally touring "HERE the (Improvised) Musical". Rance is Training Center Director at The Nest Theatre in Columbus, OH, and Coordinator of TIR.
Nnamdi Ngwe
Nnamdi Ngwe (2014-current) A sought-out improviser and writer, Nnamdi Ngwe is known for his work on several illustrious Chicago + LA teams (3Peat, Chaos Theory, Deltones), has over 200k followers on TikTok, and writes for The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock!
Andel Sudik
Andel Sudik moved to Chicago right after high school. She has performed all over the US with the Second City touring co. and all over Europe with Boom Chicago. She lived in Amsterdam for two years and Arizona for two months among other random places. She has been performing and teaching sketch comedy and improvisation for the last 10 years.
John Sturk
John Sturk has been to almost all of the Improv Retreat camps! In addition to playing at many of Chicago’s main improv theaters, he co-founded the Chicago Magic Lounge, a full-time magic bar and theater.
On top of all this, John currently serves as National President-Elect of the Society of American Magicians.
Nathan Jansen
Nathan Jansen has been improvising for 12 years. He performs at iO Chicago, The CSz Theater, and does The Improvised Musical with Baby Wants Candy. He teaches all across the nation and writes scripts for businesses that enjoy comedy. He is also a veteran stand up comic, but his heart belongs to pretend.