Jeris's Info
Jeris Donovan is an actress and comedian who has worked at all levels of the business. She has performed and directed improv for over thirty years and performed stand-up comedy all over the country. She studied improv at the renowned “Second City” in Chicago, Improv Olympic-Chicago, and Annoyance Theater, and has taught all levels of improvisation at the Improv Olympic West conservatory in Los Angeles, where she created and directed several shows such as Bitch Planet, Big, and Backyard Kilbasa and coached many teams.Jeris is a Meisner trained actor, and has worked on such television shows as Spin City, Two Guys and a Girl, and much more for networks such as ABC, CBS, and the upcoming film Words on Bathroom Walls.
In addition to guest teaching at University of North Carolina, NC Comedy Arts Festival, and schools in the Triangle area, she currently teaches improv at Moonlight Stage Company in Raleigh where she has created the only professional youth improv conservatory program in the Southeast. She also serves as an audition coach for professional actors for film and television.
Having worked closely with Paul Vaillancourt in LA, she is a certified instructor for his method "Triangle of the Scene" and edited the first edition. She has taught several branch courses for this method in Raleigh.
Jeris' specialty is the role of Meisner in improvisation and how it enhances commitment to partner, inspires organic emotional discovery, and encourages character truth.
"There is no one more passionate about her students or more committed to the craft. She has an uncanny ability to pull performances from her actors they never thought possible."
Eric Stonestreet
(Modern Family)
"Jeris Livengood was one of the most popular and influential teachers at ioWest in Hollywood during her tenure. When I started learning from her I was an unemployed nogoodnik, and now I’m a part of Fox’s Animation Domination night, and I also write for the Wits Radio Program on NPR. Her other alums include Dana Powell (Veep, Modern Family, The Office), and Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show, King of the Hill). Jeris is one of the most patient, inspirational, and experienced teachers we ever had at ioWest."
Wendy Molyneux, Emmy Nominated Writer
(Bob’s Burgers)
"Jeris Donovan is one of the most fantastic, dedicated improv teachers I’ve ever had. I’m not kidding when I say that her work with emotional heightening is something I draw on when performing on Whose Line is it Anyway. She is both well-rounded and personal. Students progress both as a class and as individuals. I wish she was back in Los Angeles; I would take her class again in a heartbeat!"
Heather Anne Campbell,
Writer
(Fox’s Animation Domination, Improvisor- CW’s Whose Line is it Anyway,“Los Angeles’ Best Improvisor” The Ultimate Xecution)
"Jeris helped me take chances in my acting. Jeris’ classroom was fun and supportive but was creatively challenging, I highly recommend her as a teacher. I would happily take it again!"
Arden Myrin
(MadTV, Shameless)
"I learned so much from Jeris about trusting my instincts and “living in the now” on stage. She taught me how to find the honest moments in any acting situation. My auditioning and performance benefited greatly from what she taught me. They are skills I still use today. If you have a chance to study with her…you should! It will change how you approach acting and writing."
Angela Kinsey
(Haters Back Off, The Office)
"Jeris provides a nurturing environment that allows actors to experiment in a judgment free environment. I highly recommend Jeris’ class to any actor or anyone who just wants to get back in touch with their own imagination."
David Ury
(Lodge 49, Breaking Bad, The Mentalist, Raising Hope)
For more info: http://www.moonlightstageco.com/jeris-donovan/
"There is no one more passionate about her students or more committed to the craft. She has an uncanny ability to pull performances from her actors they never thought possible." - Eric Stonestreet-Modern Family
"Jeris Donovan Livengood is one of the most fantastic, dedicated improv teachers I’ve ever had. I’m not kidding when I say that her work with emotional heightening is something I draw on when performing on Whose Line is it Anyway. She is both well-rounded and personal. Students progress both as a class and as individuals. I wish she was back in Los Angeles; I would take her class again in a heartbeat!" - Heather Anne Campbell
"I learned so much from Jeris about trusting my instincts and “living in the now” on stage. She taught me how to find the honest moments in any acting situation. My auditioning and performance benefited greatly from what she taught me. They are skills I still use today. If you have a chance to study with her…you should! It will change how you approach acting and writing." - Angela Kinsey-The Office