about

“In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too), those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
— Charles Darwin

what we do

Through our workshops and programs, we aim to boost morale and improve the quality of life for all, using the power of improvisation as a dynamic tool for personal growth and enrichment. Our unique approach is grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to become more confident, creative, and adaptable.

We offer a diverse range of improvisation-based experiences, from corporate team, culture, and camaraderie-building workshops that enhance collaboration and communication, to adult improv classes, to high-quality live comedy shows, featuring established groups like Sharks Barksley, improv jams, musical improv, comedic competitions, and other community-produced events.

who we are

Windhaus Improv was founded in 2023 by Jessilee Windhaus under Empire Arts Collective’s artistic incubation program before transitioning into becoming its own independent entity in August of 2024.

Windhaus Improv sets itself apart through a distinct fusion of expertise, professionalism, and a dedicated commitment to fostering both personal and professional development. Our services are distinguished by their adaptability, inclusivity, and the transformative influence of improvisation. We prioritize inclusivity and a sense of belonging for all participants and staff.

Anchored in Sacramento, our founder and foundational values are deeply rooted in community investment, offering a comprehensive understanding of Sacramento's unique essence and values. We pride ourselves on being a driving force for positive change, helping individuals and organizations of all ages unlock their full potential and embrace the power of “yes, and…”

meet our founder

Jessilee Windhaus (she/they) brings over two decades of expertise in improv education and leadership to empower individuals across diverse spheres.

Rooted in Sacramento, Jessilee has honed her craft as an improv instructor and facilitator, guiding professionals in corporate team-building exercises, adults in dynamic improv classes, and children in engaging and transformative improv summer camps. Her approach blends the power of improvisation with effective communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. With a foundation laid in theatre and dance from CSU Sacramento, Jessilee's journey encompasses a rich tapestry of experience. She co-founded the Empire Arts Collective, fostering original arts projects and mentoring aspiring artists, underscoring her commitment to nurturing creative talent.

Jessilee's dynamic career includes roles directing the High School League at ComedySportz Sacramento and mentoring young actors nationwide as a Tour Actor/Director with Missoula Children's Theatre. These experiences have uniquely equipped her to craft tailored improv programs that resonate with various age groups and skill levels. Jessilee's training with esteemed instructors and her performances at local comedy hubs like Sacramento Comedy Spot, STAB! Comedy, ComedySportz Sacramento, and Sutter Street Theatre underscore her expertise in the field. Her expertise extends beyond the stage to encompass project management, finance, and leadership roles, exemplified by her tenure in the mortgage industry and as a Project Manager at UC Davis Health's Early Psychosis Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTA), a $27+ million dollar project serving 42 California counties through a collaboration with UC Davis, Stanford, and UC San Francisco.

Now, Jessilee channels her passion for improvisation into transformative experiences, offering corporate team-building workshops, engaging adult improv classes, and vibrant improv summer camps for children. Her approach fosters creativity, communication, and teamwork, tailored to elevate professional growth and personal development in diverse settings. Jessilee's extensive training includes courses with Upright Citizen's Brigade and The Groundlings. She has trained with numerous accomplished instructors in the field, including Carla Cackowski, Brian James O'Connell, Alrinthea Carter, Guy Stevenson, Kimberly Condict, Slater Penny, Chris Alvarado, Diana Brown, Aman Adumer, Cory Willis, and Jet Eveleth, among others. Her local comedy credits encompass Sacramento Comedy Spot, Sutter Street Theatre, Garbeau's Dinner Theatre, Dangerous Men/Dangerous Women, The Dinner Detective, CSU Sacramento, Bike City Theatre Company (where she served as the Director of Sketch), and Sharks Barksley improv at Empire Arts Collective (where she served as program director and coach).

in media

Empire Arts Collective is the non-profit performing arts organization that gave birth to Windhaus Improv. Empire Arts Collective was founded in 2015 by Emily Perez and Jessilee Windhaus. Their mission is to incubate unique, inclusive performing arts opportunities that create joy and community for a variety of experience levels.

About Empire Arts Collective