Training: Summer Institute Instructors
Wavelength
Wavelength is an award-winning, improvisational theatre ensemble of actors and educators using humor, laughter and spontaneity to train, motivate and inspire educational professionals. Founded in 1980 by a former high school English teacher, Wavelength has presented to over 1.5 million educators in over 2000 school systems. They have been repeat presenters at conferences in the US and internationally. Founding member and Artistic Director Rochelle Richelieu began her improvisational theatre career with the Second City Touring Company in Chicago, and performed on stage and in television sit-coms and commercials in L.A. from 1975-80. She holds a B.A. in theatre, and a Masters in Social Work. She is a trained psychodramatist, and has taught improvisation in prisons, mental health clinics, and schools nationwide, abroad. Jim Winter B.A., M.A. is the founder and President of Wavelength. A former high school English teacher, staff developer and tennis coach, Jim was voted “Most Spirited Teacher” by his students. He also worked in the corporate world as a communications trainer for Arthur Andersen. Jim is a Certified Laughter Leader and has won awards for acting, writing and producing training videos. Actor, director and playwright Michael E. Myers has a BA in Journalism from Ball State University and currently serves as an artist-in-residence in high schools from Wisconsin and Illinois. He is a member of the artistic team of Stories on Stage, Chicago and is an ensemble actor with “Unshackled”, the nation’s longest running radio drama series. He has received a Joseph Jefferson Citation for direction and most recently directed the play “Incognito” in Chicago and New York. Debbie Lauer, founding member and Associate Director of Wavelength, has a BA in Theater Arts from Colorado State University. She is a graduate of Players Workshop of Second City and studied improvisation with Rob Riley at Victory Gardens in Chicago. She has been an ensemble member in The New Revue (touring company), Satire-Day Bath (LA based), and Half-A-Deck (LA based). Lauer is known for her superb physical comedy skills and her range of comedy characters. Julie Ganey is the Director of Outreach for Next Theatre in Evanston, creating professional plays with community members around civic issues. An 18 year member of Wavelength, she has created and led workshops for teachers and executives all over the country. Ganey has worked with students pre-K – college throughout the country. Ms. Ganey is a member of Actor’s Equity Association and American Federation of Television and Radio performers, and has appeared in dozens of professional theatre productions.
