Acting Lab

Mandi Bedbury is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and holds an Executive MBA. Mandi leads workshops around the world, via in-person or virtual, to help people build invaluable leadership, communication and relationship skills in a fun and safe environment.In her previous roles as a project manager, strategic analyst, and business development leader, Mandi utilized her acting and improv training to help with active listening, the ability to pivot/change direction, and build relationships.Mandi has been performing improv in New York and Minneapolis for over a decade. When Mandi isn't facilitating an improv, emotional intelligence or leadership workshop she is performing on stage and in film.

Erin Roberts: is an actor, teacher, improvisor, and coach that has been collaborating with Mandi Bedbury for over 10+ years. Erin has a BA in Directing from Smith College, an MFA in Acting from Penn State University, and has studied with The National Theatre Institute, The Royal Shakespeare Company and York University in Toronto, Canada. She currently teaches various acting and directing classes, at Minneapolis College, The Guthrie Theatre, Film North, and various other private studios, while being a proud member of Actors Equity Association.

Lily Rains is a Swiss Army Knife of storytelling in TV, film, theatre, and educational spaces. Highlights of her acting career include multiple recurring roles on TV networks like Showtime, TNT, NBC, and CBS; Theatre: Los Angeles premiere of Life Suck (Interact Theatre Co), Women of 4G (world premiere), and premiere readings of Untitled F*ck M*ss S**gon (Ojai Playwrights Conference), Panorama (East West Players); and over 40 national commercials. An educator since 2006, Lily has taught directing and acting in middle, high school, and college theatre and film programs, and coaches professional actors for auditions, role prep, and on-set. Lily most values community-building and mentorship in filmmaking and theatre, bringing her passion for creating brave and inclusive spaces to all of her collaborations as a teaching artist, intimacy professional, keynote speaker, and filmmaker. She is currently a board member of the local Twin Cities SAG-AFTRA chapter.

Matt Olson lives in the Twin Cities and works all over the country. He is a graduate of Lake Forest College and (regrettably) a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings. When he’s not acting, you can usually find Matt cooking and cocktailing with his wife, teaching Yoga, or doting on his lovable mutt, Akira. Matt is our go-to for all things voice-over and we are so lucky to have him at Stage Your Change.