John Breen is a comedy writer, director, actor, improviser, producer. He has numerous credits for stage, film and television, including:
Portlandia
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Untraceable
Wendy and Lucy
The Auteur
As an improviser, John studied and performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC. He also trained with Mick Napier and Joe Bill at the Annoyance in Chicago, and Keith Johnstone in Calgary, Alberta.
John founded The Liberators, a highly acclaimed long form improv group, in Portland, Oregon in 2006. Another praised improv project of John's is Bang + Burn, an improvised action film duo with his good friend, Beau Brousseau. When in Los Angeles John performs with his friends in Soundtrack at the UCB Theatre on Franklin.
John has been teaching improv and comedy writing since 1998. He currently teaches long form improv classes in Bend, Oregon. He also coaches improv and writing online via Zoom.
Breen's approach to improv focuses on grounded, honest scene work, where finding, heightening, and exploring the Game are key, as developed by Del Close and the UCB Theatre. He trains his students to create long-form sets that are energetic, focused, cohesive, and build relentlessly to a powerful, hilarious climax. John is always striving to build confidence in his students by taking them through rigorous skills training, providing constant, honest feedback, all the while maintaining an air of lightness and excitement.
Next IMPROV OREGON Long Form Improv Session starts May 27!
Mondays 7pm-9:30pm
$240 - 8 weeks
Bend Masonic Lodge
1036 NE 8th & NE Greenwood
Bend, Oregon
To register contact:
John Breen
A few years ago I received a phone call from a woman friend who stated that she was part of a conversation in which several women in the Portland improv community had complained about my overly flirtatious behavior. I was mortified when I heard this. I asked her to reach out to those women and ask them if I could hear from them directly what I had done, and if they would allow me to deeply apologize.