I'm an improviser who performs regularly at Chicago theaters including The Second City, Home Comedy Theater, and iO Theater. I'm on the house team, "Grief Circle" at Home Comedy Theater. I've completed conservatory programs at The Second City and Home Comedy Theater, studied the foundational work of Viola Spolin with Aretha Sills, trained in acting at Acting Studio Chicago and HB Studios in New York City, and completed the improv program at The People's Improv Theater (The P.I.T.) in New York City.
This is a compilation of clips from shows with an improv team I helped form.
Art imitating life.
Sometimes I make goofy videos. This was inpired by some of my daughter's Netflix viewing habits.
A spoof infomercial for CutliQ—the ridiculously over-engineered scissors you never knew you didn’t need.
I studies science journalism so naturally when I had to produce a journalistic video I made a tongue in cheek film about germs in the style of a 1950s PSA. (My grad school was wonderful and they gave me a lot of leeway to experiment. Thanks, CUNY.)
I teach improv to kids and adults in Chicago — in English and French. I founded the improv for kids program at Home Comedy Theater and have taught at the Lycée Français de Chicago.
I also lead workshops for professionals, with a particular focus on journalists, healthcare communicators, and brain injury survivors. My workshops use improv tools to sharpen listening, storytelling, and on-the-spot thinking.
Get in touch about booking a workshop or class.
Kids playing onstage after an improv class at Home Comedy Theater. Photo courtesy of Amy Kraft.
Amy leads a workshop at the Lycee Francais de Chicago.. Photo courtesy of Amy Kraft.
I perform original puppet shows for museums, festivals, and live events. My shows range from scripted to fully improvised — I write all of my own material. I have toured my improvised puppet show, Conversations We Can't Have, in Chicago and Amsterdam, and have performed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago for World Puppetry Day. I am currently working on a full-length solo show with all of the other characters played by puppets.
I am actively seeking venues and festivals in Chicago and beyond. Get in touch about booking a show.
Amy Kraft and Phatt Al onstage at IMPROAmsterdam. Photo courtesy of Gina Bjørgo, @notice.and.create
Amy Kraft and Gum Gum onstage at IMPROAmsterdam.
Photo courtesy of Gina Bjørgo, @notice.and.create
Amy Kraft and Gum Gum onstage at IMPROAmsterdam. Photo courtesy of Gina Bjørgo, @notice.and.create