Biography
Joe Bill is widely regarded as one of the best teachers of Improvisation in America today.
He is one of the founding members of Annoyance Theater Chicago, was the Director of Corporate Training at iO Chicago for 15 years, and a Teacher & Guest Artist in Residence at The Second City Conservatory & Training Center for another 15 years. Joe first practiced improvisation in 1977 and studied and worked with Del Close from 1985 through the mid 90’s.
Joe is also a Senior Facilitator for The Ariel Group, specializing in Leadership & Personal Presence and Storytelling for Business People. He was the Master Facilitator of the Western U.S. for Ferrazzi Greenlight in their Trusted Advisor Initiative with General Motors from 2015-2016.
He has trained corporate clients in more than 80 Fortune 500 companies. Clients include NBC Universal, Disney, PepsiCo, Abbott Labs, Abbvie, GE, Leo Burnett, American Express, the CIA, and the Children's Miracle Network. He has taught in the Business Schools of the University of Chicago, Harvard, Yale, Northwestern, Duke, and The University of Virginia.
His clients range from C Level to new hires, in a number of vastly different industries. He is just as comfortable coaching Creative Teams, Corporate Leaders, and Television Stars as he is coaching Engineers, Analysts, and Actuaries.
Joe has also been touring internationally as an improvisational performer, teacher, and director for more than 20 years.
More information: integratedimprovisation.com
Joe’s Workshop overviews
Directing for improvisation
A small group will be “directed” by Joe while students observe. Joe will do a combo of directing, dialoguing with the students, and sharing process and philosophy with them.
The Bat (mixer show – workshop to show)
Workshopping The Bat, one of Joe Bill’s signature forms, with a group of people then having them perform after. It’s a sonic format that is performed in the dark.
Dramatic improvisation
Creating character, relationship and story through exploring emotional and psychological honesty.
Approaches to organic long form
Joe will share his process in organic Improvisation by teaching and “directing” a group or groups within the workshop.
The first 30 seconds
Optimizing you presence in the first 30 seconds of a scene. Working from the Internal to the External elements of character when playing scenes.
Testimonials
"What makes Joe such fun to work with is his proficiency in all styles of improv. Joe has tremendous range as an improviser and he’s easy to work with because he always meets you where you’re at.”
Jimmy Carrane
Host, Improv Nerd Podcast
Author, The Inner Game of Improv
“I first met Joe Bill when Children's Miracle Network hired [him] to conduct training for a radio station and hospital partners. Joe immediately embraced our mission as though it was his own, and became our partner in achieving the goals we'd set forth for the session. The results were so successful, we brought Joe back for other projects. Each time Joe delivered focused training, excellent communication, and flexibility.”
Katie Cashin, Children’s Miracle Network
“I attribute my entire Improv career to three incredible teachers...and Joe Bill is one of them. Joe is one of those rare teachers that can boost your confidence and also provide specific and articulate critical feedback that makes you a better performer. Joe is also great and helping you understand the applications of improvisation beyond the stage. He helps you understand how improvisation can improve your own confidence and the way we function with one another in the real world. If you have the opportunity to hire Joe and bring him to your community - do it. He's one of the best there is.”
