Susan Messing, Rachael Mason

Susan Messing & Rachael Mason (US) – „The Boys”
Susan and Rachael are The Boys — an unstoppable duo known for their fearless, globe-trotting improv that leaves audiences roaring with laughter. Separately, they’re forces of nature; together, they dominate the stage with a chemistry that’s both electric and irresistible. Expect a show that’s disturbingly delightful, unapologetically bold, and utterly unforgettable. “We make it worse.”

WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?:
Susan Messing, a NJ native and graduate of Northwestern University’s Theatre School, has been doing improv stuffs for almost 40 years. She is an alumna of the iO Theatre, Second City’s Mainstage, and a founding member of Chicago’s infamous Annoyance Theatre. Susan created and teaches her curriculum at iO Chicago, iO West in Hollywood, The Annoyance Theatre, The Second City, and around the country.
Susan has taught for DePaul University, Lloyd University, The School at Steppenwolf, and is currently facilitating at The University of Chicago. The scene’s all burnt to a crisp. Her standup act with her puppet, Jolly, was featured at the HBO/US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, and on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and NBC’s Late Fridays, and her most impressive bit movie role was as a bad stripper in a halo brace in Let’s Go to Prison! Why do we even bother? Her critically acclaimed show, Messing with a Friend, ran for over ten year at The Annoyance and she currently tours the states and the globe performing and teaching with the brilliant John Lehr or the delicious Rachael Mason. None of this matters

“Improviser of the Year” – Chicago Improv Festival*
“Best Improviser” – Chicago Reader*
“Funniest Woman in Chicago” – Chicago Magazine*
*WHY??

Rachael Mason began her career in improvisation at Skidmore College, home of the National College Comedy Festival, with the Ad-Liberal Artists. After graduating with a degree in English Literature, concentrating on Shakespearean Studies, she moved to Chicago to study improv comedy with Del Close and did. She was Head of Advanced Improvisation for The Second City where she created the Scenic Improv and Dramatic Improv programs as well as The History of Satire Series. As an actor she’s performed all over the world with The Second City National Touring Company and as a cast member of The Second City Improv All-Stars. She’s performed, taught, and directed at the Annoyance Theatre. FYI, she was the iO Training Center Director. Twice. She has also performed musical improv with Baby Wants Candy at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and played with The Hot Karl at ComedySportz. She’s been an instructor at DePaul University (MFA program), Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Skidmore College, Columbia College, and National Louis University. She volunteers at Humor for Hope using improv for trauma informed care. She may be a witch/MILF, who was burned hundreds of years ago, or a jerk, or a nerd.

PEOPLE SAY…:
“Honestly I struggled to find the words for how fabulous the entire experience was! But just in case a review might be helpful…I am in absolute awe of Susan and Rachael. Two days with them and I won’t ever think about improv the same. Their workshop was life changing. The talent of these two women will blow all the things that are holding you back straight to hell. Did they improve my improv? YES! AND they expanded my mind, heart and soul in the process by challenging me in the most brilliant ways. Somehow I left the workshop feeling simultaneously like I was already enough (a new found confidence) AND like I couldn’t wait to become more! It was truly a joy to participate in this workshop and I learned so much! Thanks for a life changing weekend!” -Sumer Pixton, Improviser

„The courses are filled with greatness. From formats exploration with Mason to the coming from fun with Messing, it was a week of brilliance.” -Jules Munns, The Nursery Theater, London “Not only do we love Rachael and Susan because they are what they are…. Badasses! But our theater and the local improv scene grew tremendously from their workshops. Fuck you for waiting to bring them to your town.” -Jeromy Barber, Beta Theater. Houston, TX

“They are seasoned veterans of improvisation who give the work as much respect as they give each of their students. Their knowledge of the craft is vast and their love of watching students succeed is immeasurable. It is an exciting pleasure to work with the two of them and I always look forward to more.” -Kerstin Caldwell, The YES! Lab, Denver, CO