Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Facklis.
Dina , please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I came to Chicago in 1994 — thinking I was going to pursue a career in classical theatre. After getting involved with the improv scenes at The Second City and iO Chicago, I realized that improv was the thing for me — the excitement, the spontaneity, and a thriving community to boot. Plus, watching those seasoned performers as I was coming up (Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephanie Weir, Bob Dassie, Scott Adsit, Adam McKay) — they would create something out of almost nothing on stage — it was pure magic and inspiration.
After 13 years — which involved touring and directing for the Second City National Touring Company and doing numerous improv shows at iO and other Chicago improv mainstays — I found my home when I started the all-female ensemble Virgin Daiquiri. This group brought me so much of, well, EVERTHING and helped me recognize the value of trust and respect and how it can empower an improviser on stage. Essentially it helped me see what the notion of ensemble can bring to the table.
So, I started the Chicago Improv Den in 2015 and devoted its curriculum to ENSEMBLE and on a larger scale, tried to nurture a community that was beyond my supportive.
I’m so proud of the work we do there — our curriculum now resides at the Chicago location of Laugh Out Loud — and continues to grow every year. And I’m so happy to say that I still have the joy of performing with the now 11-year old Virgin Daiquiri every Wednesday at iO.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road — but I don’t want it to seem that mine was atypical.
Creative people struggle because, well, we’re creative and it’s not an easy pursuit.
But I’ve always been a big fan of making the decision to keep going. I actually think that’s what life is all about: Making the decision to be happy, to succeed. Improv is similar: You have to decide to completely commit and be in the moment.
I could bitch and whine about how hard it is for women in improv — that there seem to be different rules for us sometimes. And I have bitched and whined, and it has been hard. But I think I decided to focus on the work, to work hard, to make a commitment to this.
Politics, cliques, misperceptions — they are unavoidable, but I try to not focus on those things (and it’s difficult to do that, let me tell you). But I know if I want to find happiness, I can’t dwell.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Chicago Improv Den – what should we know?
The Chicago Improv Den is a training center and theatre for improv — but the training center comes first.
Focuses are the ensemble, creating a respectful and professional breed of the improviser, and giving valuable stage time while students are still in classes.
I think we set ourselves apart because:
a) We’re smaller than the average improv theatre — and our class size is smaller.
b) We’re more of a graduate school of improv — we ask that students have at least one year of long-form improv training under their belt.
c) We don’t take your money if you’re not learning from us. We don’t waste people’s time or money
d) Our teachers and coaches are some of the most accessible and dedicated you’ll find.
e) Classes don’t end at classes, weekly shows are also part of the curriculum.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Although this is sometimes a weakness, I tend to over-communicate. And that is always better than under-communicating. I believe that transparency is the key to any successful business.
Pricing:
- Our classes range from 225 to 275
Contact Info:
- Address: at Laugh Out Loud Theater
3851 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60613 - Website: www.thechicagoimprovden.com
- Phone: 773-494-7821
- Email: thechicagoimprovden@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thechicagoimprovden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechicagoimprovden/
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