Our Team
Jess George – Research and Development
Jessica George (B.A. in Psychology) graduated magna cum laude from Boston University, where she played an active role in the psychology community as both a member of the B.U. Undergraduate Psychology Association and as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate physiological psychology course.
She has a passion for studying cognitive neuroscience and applying her knowledge to brain and behaviour research.
Jess also has a strong interest in eco sustainability and endeavours to integrate it into all aspects of her life.
In the past, she has worked as a research assistant in the neuropsychology ward of the Boston Veteran's Hospital and as a mental health support worker for Richmond NZ. She founded a therapeutic crafting group for women at the Auckland Women's Centre, runs events for Makeshift Art Collective and has been known to make excellent cupcakes.
Mark Scott – Trainer
Mark Scott (B.Com) has been a leader in the world of improvisation performance and training since 1998. Mark is one of NZ's most traveled performers having starred in over 25 Festivals around the world.
Mark is a Senior Trainer at the Covert Theatre, a senior member of The Improv Bandits and has the ability to bring left-field thinking into the mainstream. He is also a veteran of the comedy and acting stage and is a regular on NZ television starring in Shortland Street, Mercy Peak and numerous television commercials.
Mark is a singer songwriter, was ranked 3rd in NZ for Boxing as the 1984 Auckland Lightweight Champion and also has an amazing talent for handstands.
Natasya Yusoff – Trainer
Natasya ( Dip. Performing Arts) has been a professional actor for over ten years working in Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand.
Natasya is passionate about all forms of creative expression and also runs her own company for children's entertainment with a strong emphasis on educational entertainment and storytelling. She finds improvisation an indispensable tool when working with children... and actors.
Natasya is also an up-coming bubbleologist and can frequently be seen experimenting with giant soap bubbles near her home.
Steven Lyons – Trainer
Steven Lyons (Bachelor of Art and Design, Diploma in New Media Development) has been studying and performing improvisation since 2001 and has acted in over 300 shows.
He is a member of The Improv Bandits, has been involved in many corporate events and conferences and has a passion for teaching the art form to people from all walks of life.
Steven has the dumbfounding ability to read aloud backwards. He also can play ping-pong with his eyes – in his head, not on a table.