I am Rob Reese, a New York based Writer, Director, and Improvisational Instructor and Performer who has been lucky enough to work on these jobs (and others) throughout the country and the world.
After graduating from Boston College, I continued my education in Chicago at the sundry training centers of The Second City, The Improv Olympic, and The Annoyance Theatre. This informal grad school had me studying under and working with such improv luminaries as Del Close, Mick Napier, and Adam McKay.
My theatrical training and education continued in New York where I worked in various technical and management positions for theaters and companies including The Wooster Group, The New York Shakespeare Festival / Public Theater, Piloblous Dance, DiCapo Opera, Fred Ho, The New York Musical Theater Festival, Lincoln Center Theater and others.
I have also participated in more formal training with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company, Thomas McKenna and the The Abbey Theatre, Lincoln Center’s Director’s Lab, as well as The Vampire Cowboys and others.
I am the founder of Amnesia Wars Productions, which has produced nine fully staged scriptless productions, five original plays, two seasons of variety shows, and various appearances at venues and festivals throughout the world, all conceived and directed by yours truly. Amnesia Wars is a proud member company of the impro uber-group The International Clowns.
My most recent full production included a trip to Auckland, New Zealand to remount Keanu Reeves Saves the Universe for Mercury Jane Productions. The sold-out run was followed by an improv teaching / performing tour of New Zealand and Australia. Just before leaving for “down under”, we mounted Yahweh’s Follies for the Ars Nova ANT Festival and are still seeking producers and investors for a full run.
Earlier this year I directed Viva Pablo Neruda for Voice Afire Pocket Opera, and also completed the libretto for Opera On Tap’s Murder On The Treble Clef. A commission with Composer Kamala Sankaram. Kamala and I most recently collaborated on the Steampunk Opera Miranda, which received the 2012 Innovative Theater Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical.
Rob Reese, Resume: Director
Rob Reese, Resume: Playwright
Rob Reese, Resume: Instructor