Saturday, April 3, 2010

LET'S HEAR IT!

"What could anyone say about Jeff that isn't good?" --Ryan Stiles, "The Drew Carey Show", Whose Line Is It, Anyway?"

"The first director I had at Second City (Jeff Michalski) said, "You have to learn to love the bomb," and I didn't know what he meant for a very long time. Imagine a child drinking a beer for the first time and they can't possibly understand why you like it. And you can't possibly explain why its tastes good." --Stephen Colbert "The Colbert Report"
"When I first started improvising in Chicago almost twenty years ago, I was desperate for guidance. In my search, I encountered numerous "mentors" and "teachers" who, in lieu of any practical advice, mostly offered vague theater platitudes such as "feel the space". I felt lost. After performing in my first Second City show, Jeff, our director, walked back into the green room where Chris Farley, another member of the company, wondered out loud why a rather enormous choice fell to the stage with a thud. Jeff casually replied, "You went for the laugh and they hated you for it." We had found our leader. Jeff speaks simpy and passionately and when it comes to improv, he is always right. Jeff is such a masterful teacher, it's easy to forget he is one of the finest improvisers to ever perform on a stage." --Paul Dinello, writer/producer "Strangers with Candy" & "The Colbert Report" consultant


"Jeff was my favorite teacher at Second City. HE always reminded us to have fun and to be supportive of one another. HE encouraged playing to the top of your intelligence and trusting the audience to be smarter than you. I loved Jeff's classes and looked forward to going. Whenever I made him laugh was like a badge of honor and I would not be anywhere without his guidance."--Tim Meadows "Saturday Night Live"


"I have worked with Jeff Michalski both in improvised and scripted works. And I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to sit in some of his workshops and improv classes. Jeff's enthusiasm and obvious love of improv makes it almost impossible to leave the class without being inspired and with great respect for the craft. Watching him throughout the years, remembering some this simple but effective methods, certainly served me well when I was on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Anyone who has Jeff as a teacher has distinct advantage over anyone else." --Colin Mochrie "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?"

"I have known Jeff Michalski for over 20 years and have worked with him in many capacities. He has directed me in improvisation and sketch and I have written and performed with him. He is uniquely qualified to teach improvisation because of his experience, knowledge and passion for it. He personifies principles like "make the other person look good.
He is a treat to watch and learn from. Time with Jeff is well spent."--Dave Pasquesi Actor and Improv Olympic Alumnus

"Jeff not only teaches, he inspires. His joy and sense of play are contagious. Whenever anyone asks me who they should study improvisation with, Jeff is at the top of that list." Daniel Passer, Clown Master, Cirque de Soliel

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