Eric Weiss

Executive and Artistic Director of SFI

Eric developed his improv teaching and performance style under the mentorship of Ben Taxy—the founder of Santa Fe Improv. He went on to complete training in character-based improv at The Groundlings, Los Angeles and studied extensively with Will Hines, along with other notable Upright Citizens Brigade instructors Alex Berg, Shannon O’Neil, and Brandon Gardner. While there he worked extensively on game-based improv, monologue deconstruction, and the Harold. He received additional training from Dave Razowsky and Jay Sukow, and learned the Close Quarters format from Carla Kackowski.

Eric also teaches Applied Improv–using the techniques of improvisation to enhance professional performance and well-being. He has worked with the UNM Hospital and Medical School in various retreats and workshops, and co-authored the study, “An Experience with Improvisational Theater to Prevent Burnout in Psychiatric Residency” alongside Dr. Jeff Katzman (author of “Life Unscripted” and “Ensemble!”) which is published in the Journal of Creative Education.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=125416

Eric is a reoccurring guest on Matt Bessar’s Improv4Humans podcast. He was selected to perform at the 2023 District Improv Festival in Washington Dc. He performed at the 2024 Cloudtop Comedy Festival alongside Will Hines. Eric has also had the opportunity to share the stage on several occasions with comedy great Bob Odenkirk.

Eric performed at The Box Theater in Albuquerque as a member of The Show, the longest running improv show in New Mexico. He is also a commercial and television actor in Denver and Albuquerque. You can watch him in Season 2 of ABC’s Big Sky. He is represented by Wilhelmina in Denver and Mitchell & Associates in Albuquerque.