0120 Improv theater – Zmack
Improvisational theater (improv) is a form of theater and acting which trains performers to create comedy scenes from audience suggestions – at the moment, right before their very eyes. As Shanghai’s most celebrated Improv Actors, the Zmack All-Stars will perform a fantastic comedy show and deliver an innovative workshop for DKU students and faculty.
The Zmack Family is Shangh’s original Improv Comedy brand, helping the people of Shanghai (and beyond) live happier lives for over twelve years. Their guiding principle is “Life is Improvised”. They believe that the principles that make good improvisational comedy scenes are also a life philosophy, which helps people live happier, more abundant lives.
Curt Mabry is the founder of Zmack Improv Family, a co-author of the Zmack Improv Training Center curriculum who teaches multiple levels of improvisational theater to hundreds of students – including China’s first professional improv team with Kaixin Mahua Shanghai. Curt founded Zmack in 2009 and has been a guiding force in developing Zmack’s unique brand of Intercultural Improvisation, allowing a diverse cast of actors to create relatable, touching, and funny scenes and stories for audiences of any language or nationality.
Additionally, Curt is one of the world’s first Applied Improvisation Practitioners; designing and facilitating organizational learning and development programs based on Improv Principles. His areas of specialty include Interpersonal Dynamics, Empathic Communication, Collaborative Creativity, Innovation, and Persuasive/Influential Communication.
Lilian Shen is the Artistic Director of Zmack, who oversees Zmack’s 6 performing teams, regular workshops, and classes. Lilian is also a senior improv performer, coach, and applied improv corporate trainer. She conducts training with schools, consulates, and multinational corporations. Her recent corporate clients include Google, Starbucks, Loreal, Cartier, Cisco, ASML, Blaser, Astra Zeneca, and more.
Lilian is also a professional bilingual actor and voice actor working with companies such as KaixinMahua Theatre Group, and doing voice-overs for brands such as Haagen Dazs, Chrysler, Nivea, Vivo, and Costa Cruise.
Eddie Jordan III has been performing, teaching, and studying improv theater for over 15 years. He is a teacher for the Zmack Improv Training Center’s 101 Introduction to Improv course in both Shanghai and Kunshan. Eddie studied at a performing arts high school in Hartford, CT, and graduated from a conservatory in Chicago called DePau’s Theater School. Eddie is also a role-play specialist and facilitator for ZmackWorks Applied Improv Learning and Development.
Mark Skinner is the Research and Development Director of Zmack Shanghai, who oversees performing teams and helps develop new concepts for training and performance. He is a senior improv performer, coach, and applied improv corporate trainer who has conducted training with schools, consulates, and multinational corporations. He is a well-rounded improv performer specializing in musical improv.
Mark also has a passion for communication skills and personal development. He is the founder of “Man Up!” and co-founder of “The Shanghai Men’s Circle”, organizations centered around helping men develop a modern sense of masculinity and helping them express themselves in a healthier and more positive way. He is also a public speaking and interpersonal communication coach that has helped many people, young and old, from around the world, find their voice.
Chen Siyu is a Shanghai native who studied improv with the Zmack Improv Training Center. She is a permanent performer in the Chinese team of Zmack- Zhi Ma Kong. Chen also regularly performs in the duo YiPaiEr with Curt and teaches the intermediate level of Improv Theater in Chinese for the ZITC. She has studied, taught, and performed in Chicago, Bangkok, Beijing, and all across China.
Chen has also worked as a contracted performer and coach for Kaixin Mahua Shanghai, helping to develop China’s first professional improv theater troupe Kaixin Jixing, performing multiple theater and online shows to audiences of millions. With both Zmack and Kaixin Mahua, Chen became a respected Applied Improv facilitator, delivering corporate training projects for companies such as Alibaba, SC Johnson, AstraZeneca, and more.
