Justin Zell (Education Director/Instructor)

Originally from Binghamton, New York,  Justin is a graduate of Binghamton High School’s Rod Serling School of Fine Arts and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from SUNY New Paltz.  He first studied improvisation over two semesters at SUNY New Paltz and started two improv troupes there.

During his ten years in New York City, he studied and performed at The People’s Improv Theater (The PIT).  He also studied at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, The Magnet Theater and The Second City.  Some of his instructors include: Gary Austin, Ali Farahnakian, Armando Diaz, Pat Shay, Kevin Scott, Jay Rhoderick, Matt Donnelly, Ptolemy Slocum, Rebekka Johnson, Billy Merritt and Mark Grenier.

Justin taught and coached improv  at The PIT for two years.  He performed weekly on the PIT house team, The Wilhelm, for two years as well.  Justin has been a member of several independent improv groups and shows as well including:  Bandolero, The Brothers Zell, Willard and Birch and “In the Dark, an improvised noir.” Justin co-created and co-hosted a podcast about improvisation entitled “Improvised New York” with Elizabeth Quinn.