KRISTEN SCHIER 

Kristen Schier is an actor, improviser, teacher, and clown. She is the current Education Programs Manager at Kickstand Comedy Theater in Portland, Oregon. Kristen has extensive improv teaching, directing, and performing experience. She holds a BFA in Performing Arts from the University of the Arts, where she taught Acting for Non-Majors, Improvisation for the Actor, and first-year Acting Studio. Kristen has toured across the United States and internationally, teaching and performing at festivals such as the Boom Chicago Comedy Festival in Amsterdam, the Rise Comedy Festival, the Detroit Improv Festival, The Seattle Festival of Improvised Theater, the Chicago Improv Festival, the Vancouver International Improv Festival, and many more. Kristen studied improv at Second City, Magnet Theater, and Annoyance. Kristen has also studied Physical Theater and clowning with Pig Iron Theater company and Movement Theater Studio

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS AND REVIEWS

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that because of Kristen's instruction, I can make the jump into studying comedic improv with more confidence, a medium which I have traditionally had trepidation around.  The practice and growth I got through learning from Kristen have made it possible for me to have solid improv skills to build on. I now have fear-proof tools to bring to scenework that enable me to listen and see my collaborators on stage with much greater ease.  I am certain these skills will be carried through into my 'day job' as a teacher and counselor." - Jenny Rayfield

“Kristen is an incredibly gifted instructor and artist. She brings abstract ideas down to earth, provides terrific examples of how to apply tools and techniques and revs up each class with new takes on established warmups. She's tuned into each student too. She consistently helped everyone feel safe taking chances and exploring new sides of themselves through games and scene work. I could go on.. I look forward to taking more classes with Kristen.” - Abby Christopher

“Incredible — Kristen peppered each class with bits of clowning education, acting education, and lots of subtle tips on stage presence, in addition to all the curricular goodness. She somehow gave feedback in a way that was inspiring and confidence-building even as it was “critical.” I’d sometimes have a hard time falling asleep when I got home because of how excited I still felt. What a talent. I’d take any class by her / see any show she’s featured in.” - Luke Basset

Thank you so much dear Kristen you are wonderful. Thank you for your love & intelligence & for steering the ship during this emotionally turbulent time. I always felt safe & happy in your class & you are a fantastic leader at every level.” - Holly Mae

Kristen is an inspiration- as a teacher and performer!” - Willow

I wanted to personally thank you for an amazing session. I loved how you were very incisive and attentive to our performances and many of the things you said were great insights for me. I hope to attend more of your classes and learn from you. If you visit Toronto I shall be grateful to meet you and share my experience in improv here, which has been great for me. Thanks again!” - Sachin

My favorite part of the show was Kristin Schier's performance as a "Junior Star" who wants to make the wishes of mortals come true. For her part in Prismagic, Schier wears a spiky star costume and chats on the phone with humans who share fears and hopes with her. Whether singing the praises of the moon or explaining why it's never too late to become a cowgirl, she sparkles with moving sincerity. Her performance fits the show, which soothes you with its sweet playfulness.” Willamette Week January, 26th 2021

Affiliated Theaters, Organizations, Festivals + Projects

THEATERS & ORGANIZATIONS

Kickstand Comedy Theater
Camp Improv Utopia
University of the Arts
Crossroads Comedy Theater
Philly Improv Theater
Commonwealth Classic Theater Company
Shakespeare In Clarke Park
Philly Young Playwrights
Drexel University
Temple University
Azuka Theater Company
Bad Dog Theater Company

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL SELECTION

FERIIR - Le Festival Internationnal d'Improvisation de la Reunion
Seattle Festival of Improvised Theater
Vancouver International Improv Festival
Improvaganza - Edmonton, AL
Combustion Festival - Toronto, ONT
Montreal Improv Festival
Boom Chicago Comedy Festival
Boston Women In Comedy Festival
Boston Comedy Arts Festival
District Improv Festival
Detroit Improv Festival
Chicago Improv Festival
Del Close Marathon
Pittsburgh Improv Festival
North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival
Richmond Improv Festival
DuoFest
We the People Improv Festival

ONGOING CREATIVE PROJECTS

Love, Shakespeare

The Future

The Amie and Kristen Show

The Wadsworth Constant