Gabby Dolan, Acting/Improv Instructor

Originally from Fort Collins, CO, Gabby is a teaching artist, actor, improviser, and singer, excited to be sharing her love of improvisation with the students at LIT. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre: Acting/Directing and English Literature from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. 

Gabby’s recent teaching credits include Treasure Trunk Theatre in Brooklyn, NY and La De Da Children’s Theatre in Fort Collins, CO. She has also worked with Fort Collins Children’s Theatre, NoCoast Artists, author/director J.A. Tyler, and Seattle-based playwright/director Tom Smith. She has competed and placed in the College Improv Tournament at Jet City Improv and The Pocket Theatre in Seattle and has also toured the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia with the Clay Crows Improv troupe. 

As a student, Gabby studied improvisation at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City under teachers Ben Rameaka, Molly Thomas, and Doug Moe. As a teaching artist, she has taught improv workshops to teens and adults in WA, CO, and NYC, focusing on long form improvisation. 

Her passion for teaching improv stems from her love of live comedy and performance  (her favorite show is the musical improv group ‘Rumpleteaser’ at Asylum NYC!). Gabby also improvises in the duo ‘Meat and Cheese’ alongside fellow teaching artist and performer Matthew Kusche. 

Aside from her theatrical work, Gabby has been an elementary school paraprofessional, tutor and nanny for 8 years. She synthesizes her passions for storytelling and a “yes, and” mentality by teaching empathy and imagination to kids and adults alike at the Lakewood Institute of Theatre.