Featured
Eric Weiss began his study of improv under Ben Taxy, founder of SFI. He has since completed the improv curriculum at The Groundlings and studied extensively with Will Hines where he worked on game-based improv, monologue deconstruction, and the Harold. Other notable UCB teachers include Alex Berg (former UCBLA artistic director), Brandon Garner, and Shannon O’Neil (The Stepfathers). He has studied the Close Quarters format with Carla Kakowski of The Second City and completed additional training with Dave Razowsky and Jay Sukow. Eric has performed in the World’s Greatest Improv Festival, Will Hines' "How Was Your Week" Show, and the WGIS MiniMonothon. Currently he performs on “The Show,” New Mexico’s longest-running improv show. Eric is also involved in teaching Applied Improv, using the techniques to enhance professional performance and well-being. He has worked with UNM Hospital in various retreats and workshops and co-authored a pilot study alongside Dr. Jeff Katzman (author of “Life Unscripted” and “Ensemble!”) at UNMH. Eric is also a commercial, film, and TV actor. He is a big believer in the famous Second City teacher Martin de Maat’s favorite saying, “You are pure potential.”
Rachel Michaela began her study of improv under Ben Taxy at Santa Fe Improv. She completed the curriculum at The Box Theater in Albuquerque where she is now performing and will be teaching classes in 2020. Currently she performs in “The Show,” New Mexico’s longest-running improv show, and the long form team All The Kings Horses. Rachel is a commercial, film, and TV actress in Albuquerque represented by The O'Agency. She has studied acting for film and TV under Eb Lottimer, Lesly Kahn, and Sam Christensen. She has also been accepted into the The Barrow Group Acting School.
Mary Claire Potts is an improviser, educator, and comedy writer living in Santa Fe, NM. She has experience in both long and short-form improv.
Michael Lovato has been performing improv since 2006. After a class at Second City LA, Michael found a home at The Box Theater in Albuquerque, performing with a variety of groups, most recently "The Show," New Mexico's longest running improv show. Having accumulated over 500 performances, Michael has also enjoyed teaching classes, workshops, as well as directing "Big Feelings," a Box Theater long form house team. Outside of improv, Michael is a SAG-AFTRA actor who can be seen in EPIX's Get Shorty, recurring alongside Nick Nolte in Graves, and also recurring in Perpetual Grace, Ltd. He can soon be seen starring as Miguel in the upcoming independent feature film Millennium Bugs, as well as a supporting role as Rick in Third Act. Michael also has theatre credits with acclaimed Albuquerque theatre company Duke City Repertory Theatre.
Clare honed her management skills in the preservation and reuse of the Manderfield School on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, a long-unused but beautiful example of New Mexico Territorial architecture. Clare developed the project vision, she selected and managed the development team and was critical to the ultimate success of the project. She loves adventure travel and is only one ‘stan’ away from making visits to all the Central Asian countries. Next stop, Libya! She is also likely to bring something unexpected (and living) home from places she visits, such as her beloved dog, Dottie, who hails from India. Clare has been involved with SFI since 2018 as a student , managing director, executive director and currently VP of the board.
