Dr.
Dr. Nico Zaunbrecher has performed, directed and taught improvisational theatre in over 400 shows over the last 25 years. Starting with the still-running Cult of the Stage Monkey at University of Louisiana–Lafayette in 1999, he went on to complete a Ph.D. in Performance Studies at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, focusing on culture, theory and history of improvisation and spontaneity. He has taught communication and performance at Lenoir-Rhyne University, South Louisiana Community College, and Southern University, and published research on improv and social theory in the journals Theatre Topics and Human Studies. He is currently Artistic Director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre, Curriculum Designer for Boomerang Comedy, and one-half of the improv duos Two for the Road, Lonelycrowd and Encounter En-Canto.