Michael's Info
I am an improvisor, photographer, and producer based in the San Francisco bay area in California, USA.Historically very shy, I got into improv to meet people, have fun, and get out of my comfort zone.
I've studied improv at Endgames Improv, Camp Improv Utopia, and with teachers including Dave Razowsky, Tara Defrancisco, Kevin McDonald, and Nick Armstrong.
Here's a video of my duo, Charmers Duo, from Leela in January 2021: https://youtu.be/3FYCf7I1zbg
Here's a video of me in the ensemble at the Wasatch Improv Festival 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6-6waBHhh4
Current troupes and shows:
* Puzzled Pieces (2023-) - Duo with Laura Zaro. 2 improvisors. Many characters.
* Snafu (2023-) - Duo with Debra Schifrin, exploring physicality.
* Make Your Own Damn Sandwich (2023-) - 5 players with different backgrounds coming together to tell stories.
* The Compatibles (2023-) - With Darren Busing, following human impulse.
* Cats & Dogs (2022-) - Duo with Geraldine Carolan, exploring pet stories told by audience members.
* Phasers on Stun (guest) - Improvised Star Trek, exploring characters and relationships
* Leaves of Three (2020-) - A trio that explores a world slightly differently from our own based on multiple audience suggestions.
* Unicorn Kingdom (2020-) - A house team of InterCity improv, that dances between grounded and absurd.
* Charmers Duo (Charmers Market) (2014-) - An independent team formed in 2014 that loves to play with the audience's funny bone and comfort zone at the same time.
I am currently a producer for InterCity Improv and the Improv in Action network, am an associate producer for the San Francisco Improv Festival, a volunteer for The Phoenix Improv Festival, and a volunteer for Camp Improv Utopia.
In the past produced SFBarprov in San Francisco, a show started in 2014 featuring up-and-coming comics, improv troupes, and musical acts.
I also produced Harold Night at Endgames Improv in San Francisco, from 2017 to 2020.
I love taking photos of improv and other theatre, and am the staff photographer of Leela Improv in San Francisco. You can see some of my work at https://www.facebook.com/pg/astrauskasphotos/photos/?tab=albums
Past troupes and shows:
* Team Merritt (2022) - A Vintage Improv Festival house team, directed by Billy Merritt
* Team Hermione (spring 2022) - An Armory-Highwire Barracks team
* S.U.S. (fall 2021) - An Armory Barracks team
* Giraffe Town (2020) - A Deconstruction team that loves playing with the serious and the silly.
* The Come Up (2019-2020) - A San Francisco Harold team comprised of a group with a diverse background.
* The Church of Modern Life (2019) - A show where the audience can find comfort and connection with strangers, and get a new perspective on the joys and concerns of real life.
* Vision Quest (2017) - Directed by Craig Gaspian, a show that toyed with playfulness, real emotion, and the fourth wall.
* There's Hope (2016-2017) - An Endgames Improv House Harold team.