Jackie Arko has been studying, teaching, performing, directing, and producing improv comedy since 2006. After graduating from Boston College with a degree in theater in 2005, she began her comedy journey at ImprovBoston under the artistic direction of Will Luera. She has been fortunate to learn from many other improv greats, including Rick Andrews, Jill Bernard, Matt Besser, Joe Bill, Kurt Braunohler, Don Fanelli, Rachel Klein, and others.
Jackie currently performs with long form improv teams Summer Boyfriend, Resting Bitch Face, Maxitor, and internationally renowned Big Bang Improv. She also co-produces and co-hosts The Kerfuffle, one of Boston’s most well-loved variety shows, recently winning the Best Comedy Night award in the Improper Bostonian’s Best of Boston 2016.
Jackie is an experienced, enthusiastic improvisation instructor who thinks the art form has endless potential to be anything from absurd chaos to a poignant exploration of the human condition. She incorporates a variety of acting techniques into her scenework instruction for more careful listening and more genuine reacting. Jackie helps her students fiercely commit to the realities they create through emotion and support, without losing sight of the silliness that makes improv such a fun art to explore.
