Jacque Arend started improvising in 2005 by attending the iO Chicago Summer Intensive. She co-founded The Torch Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona) in 2007 and was a collaborator on their training program along with the organization’s artistic mission and vision. Her focuses include applied improvisation, ensemble performance, grounded scene work, advanced formats, and specific workshop focuses, such as, Deconstruction, Harold and dramatic improvisation. Jacque was the administrator & managed operations for The Torch Theatre’s Training Center from 2007-2019 and currently the main instructor for the improv/comedy programs for actors & Associate Artistic Director at Arizona Actors Academy. Jacque started her own program at AZAA in 2013. As of 2020, she is the General Operations & Education Manager for Improv Utopia & Camp Director for the East & Yosemite camps. Jacque has taught at Camp Utopia East in 2017-2019. Jacque has coached a number of groups in Phoenix to improve specific focuses and build strong ensembles with compelling performances. She is a regular performer with a handful of ongoing troupes, such as Light Rail Pirates, JaxN Reed, Birds & Broads, MuChuChu and Skewed News Hour. Jacque has played on the main stage of the Phoenix Improv Festival for eleven years. Recently she has performed & taught at the Tucson Comedy Arts Fest, Second Beat Improv Theater & The Bridge Improv Theater. She has been to festivals around the country performing and teaching, from Washington D.C. to San Diego.