Michael Gardner

Hello! My name is Michael Gardner and I would love to coach your improv team, or direct your sketch or staged comedy show.

I have been doing improv for 11 years and have been studying specifically here in LA since 2011. I also co-wrote the shows "The Dixieland Family Band", "Who Is Funk Shuffle?", and "Funk Shuffle, A Normal Show." And I directed "Dick Cannon Wins The Lottery."

You may have seen me perform around town with my teams, Funk Shuffle, Broth Bag, and HuntTheWeak@Hotmail.com. I also host, produce, and perform in the shows "Funk Shuffle Presents" at The Clubhouse and "Funk Shuffle Presents: The Spotlight Harold" at UCB.

I have studied under or been coached by Allen McLeod, Mike Still, Eugene Cordero, Greg Tuculescu, Billy Merritt, Beckee Drysdale, Tara Copeland, Greg Hess, Miles Stroth, Andy Secunda, Mary Holland, Dan Lippert, Betsy Stover, Nick Mandernach, Susannah Becket, Robert Dassie, Rich Talarico, Craig Cackowski, Matthew Brian Cohen and somehow even more great people.

I have also studied Musical Improv with Tara Copeland and improvised clowning with John Gilkey.

Many of my teachers and coaches had very different philosophies on improv and, as a result, I have been able to approach the work from many different angles. I'm passionate about sharing different ideas on improv because I believe it makes for an improviser who is more flexible and understanding of his/her scene partner. I also love experimentation and finding ways to put on a truly unique show within an improv set. I would love to share this stuff with you!

Some specific things I love to work on in improv:
-Pattern-based Scenework
-Emotional Heightening
-Organic, "Off The Line" Scenework
-Player/Audience Relationship
-Subverting The Form

I'm down to get weird! If any of this stuff sparks your interest, let me know!