Name: Performing Gender in Improv Theatre
Start: 2026-05-02T13:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-05-02T14:30:00-05:00
Location: 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, LA, United States, Louisiana 70501

This workshop explores the meaning of “gender” in improv: How do we express, identify, and make sense of gender in a craft where our performance creates our character's whole identity and world from scratch? We explore the unique challenges of performing gender in improvisational theatre; discover connections with how we experience it in everyday life; and learn how to use it effectively, respectfully, and creatively in improv. For beginner through advanced performers.
Your Teachers!
Dr. Nico Zaunbrecher has performed, directed and taught improvisational theatre in over 400 shows over the last 25 years. Starting with the still-running Cult of the Stage Monkey at University of Louisiana–Lafayette in 1999, he later earned a Ph.D. in Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, focusing on culture, theory and history of improvisation and spontaneity. He has taught communication and performance at Lenoir-Rhyne University, South Louisiana Community College, and Southern University, and published research on improv and social theory in the journals Theatre Topics and Human Studies. He is currently Artistic Director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre and one-half of the improv duos Two for the Road, Lonelycrowd and Encounter En-Canto, as well as the creator of the daily comic strip So Much To Ask (somuchtoask.com).
Beth Chiasson is a Lafayette native and theatre arts enthusiast. She began acting and improvising in 2024 and is a member of two Lafayette improv troupes: The Weaning Process and Mawgawita Babies, as well as a performer, production worker, and frequent volunteer at Cité des Arts, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Wonderland/Looking Glass Theatre Co. and the Heymann Center. She serves on the board of Acadiana Queer Collective and the leadership team of the League of Women Voters - Lafayette. Beth is a single mom to one teen and two cats.