Mandi Bedbury is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), accredited Practitioner of Emotional Intelligence and has 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. https://www.mandibedbury.com/
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 AEA. Erin is one the founders of Crisis Actors of Minnesota, which uses professional actors and role play improvisation to empower people with crucial skills and tools that promote non-violent conflict resolution. CAMN strives to recognize and normalize mental health issues and help navigate inclusivity within communities. Please see more and reach out at www.erin-roberts.com and www.crisisactorsmn.com
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Darwin Smith was born in Chicago, but considers Minnesota a second home. He studied film and theater at Columbia College Chicago, but found more success in the improv theaters and comedy clubs. The process of improvisation became an obsession. Darwin is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory and I.O. Theater. Darwin performed with Blackout, Hammertime! and The Chicago Improv Rebellion. After a successful run in Chicago, Darwin travelled to Los Angeles and performed at Second City Hollywood with Minority Report, and at I.O. West with Dark and Lovely, and Street Cred. In 2013, Darwin moved to Minnesota. He performed in Bye Bye Liver at Camp Theater, and The Further Away Team at Huge Theater. Darwin is the Creator, Producer, and one of the cast members of L.I.T. (Legends Improv Theater) with upcoming 2024 season starting at Strike Theater in N.E. Minneapolis.
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. www.lilyrains.com
