Bill's Info
Mr. Russell is a regular performer in the "Whose Line" comedy improv show at The Comedy Shrine in Aurora, IL., where he also teaches improvisation. He studied with Del Close in the mid-80s and was a member of the original ImprovOlympic Harold troupe "Barons Barracudas," and was an ensemble member of Mr. Close's "Honor Finnegan vs the Brain of the Galaxy." He also coached new teams in Harold performance. He then performed with "Spontaneous Combustion" at The Roxy for over a decade and was a co-founder of the pioneering applied-improv company "Humor Works." He joined the Community Christian Church's theater ministry where he taught acting, directed, and led the sketch-writing team. He co-founded the improv troupe "CSI Yellow Box" which is now in its 10th year.He specializes in:
- Level 1 basics
- Level 2 & 3 advanced techniques and long-form
- Basic and advanced Harold performance. As someone who studied with and was directed by Del Close, Mr. Russell incorporates Del's philosophical and spiritual approaches to The Harold along with the mechanical techniques to present a unique and powerful learning experience.
- Applied improvisation to help businesses, sales teams, job seekers, and anyone else who wishes to learn how to utilize improv skills in everyday, non-performing situations.
Mr. Russell holds a degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences and has worked for companies such as the Chicago Tribune and the marketing firm Frankel & Co. He also has a successful career doing voice-over, theater, and on-camera TV, film & commercial acting. He was a two-time winner on "America's Funniest People" and appeared in a TV ad featured on "World's Funniest Commercials." He has been a guest-teacher at The South Bend Civic Theater, IN., taught applied improv for the non-profit organization "do-over.me," coached kids for the Fox Valley Repertory's Performing Arts Academy and for the Destination Imagination scholastic program, and provided activity workshops for residents of The Greenfield's Senior Center in Geneva, IL, in addition to many other teaching and coaching programs.
For more info: http://https://www.facebook.com/billrussellimprov