About

6JPG.JPG
 

Creator.
I am the founder and artistic director of Impro Neuf International (INI) - Oslo’s first English improv comedy theatre. It is now Norway’s biggest international improv community with over 500 enthusiasts from over 50 countries. I am creator and director of Oslo’s first open festival A Curious Improv Comedy Festival in the Night Time. Together with Impro Neuf, we are powering Oslo’s rising improv scene.

Teacher.
I have been teaching improv for over ten years, developing entire curriculum for Impro Neuf International and heading the advanced improv programs for Impro Neuf, training and collaborating with more than 40 teachers for our community. I’m most proud that my students are now teachers, passing on the knowledge and traditions of Keith Johnstone and Del Close.

Diversity promoter.
I’m a big fan of cultural representation. I am a loud advocate for race diversity in our theatre, and have created minority representation teams Rice Eaters and Monosodium Glutamates, mixed language shows, and produced Impro Neuf's world-bending Cloud Atlas.

Performer.
I have been playing improv since 2005, starting in the Netherlands with EQD and Stranger Things Have Happened. Nowadays I am playing primarily in Norway on The Improv Speakeasy and curious projects, and internationally in Denmark, Canada, Romania, Estonia, Finland and USA. I have performed in nice theatres, a medieval church, frathouses, dark alleys, a courthouse, a farm and a Glühwein stand.

Nerd.
I am also a science teacher in the university with a Ph.D. degree in physics - which explains my overuse of science references, or why I get overexcited when you suggest Black Hole. I muse about improv a lot. Here’s my blog inspired by Impro Neuf: On Cloud Nine.

Teaching

 

I love, love, love teaching improv. I believe every improviser is their own special blend. My teaching philosophy therefore is to help players find that improv that brings joy, and then make bold choices within that style. See testimonials.

I’m fascinated by the many ways to do improv. I strive to balance as many perspectives on improv from studying with the great mæsters of the art. The following teachers have been influential:

  • Jay Sukow, Anděl Sudik, Dave Razowsky, Jonathan Pitts (Second City)

  • Susan Messing (Annoyance)

  • Will Hines, Amanda Blake Davis, Jon Lutz (UCB)

  • Jason Shotts, Colleen Doyle, Craig Cackowski (iO West)

  • Stacey Smith, Craig Uhlir (iO)

  • T.J. Mannix (Magnet)

  • Katy Schutte, Chris Mead (Maydays)

  • Adam Cawley, Rob Norman (Second City Toronto)

  • Tim Orr, Rafe Chase, Regina Saisi (BATS San Francisco)

  • Lolu Ajayi (Boom Chicago Amsterdam)