Mike Davenport, Director

Michael teaches and performs Chicago-style long form improvisational theater in Oakland, focusing on creating strong characters, deep connections between scene partners, and scenes that are funny and moving. As the founder and director of Magic Jester Theater in Oakland from 2008 to 2013, Michael directed several improv ensembles and produced monthly improv shows. He also wrote, directed and produced the sketch comedy show AF. As founder and director of Morpho Theater in Sacramento from 2014 to 2016, he directed improv ensembles and produced monthly shows. Michael moved Morpho Theater to Oakland in 2016. He currently teaches and directs at Leela Improv Theatre in San Francisco.

Michael studied and performed in the Chicago improv scene for ten years, including performances at Second City, the Annoyance Theater, Improv Olympic and the Playground. A highlight of that time was putting together an improv troupe called Melange that performed for six weeks at Second City.

His greatest improvisation influence is Mick Napier, founder of the Annoyance Theater and director at Second City, with whom he studied for four years. He has also studied Meisner acting technique with Kathy Scambiatterra at The Artistic Home in Chicago, and has studied bringing physicality to scripted work with James Wagner at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre. He also has studied acting with Jamie Jones and Michael Stevenson at B Street Theatre in Sacramento.