writer. director. educator.

"Joe’s empathy is off the charts. He can enter a rehearsal space and immediately know what the next step is given the dynamics in the room. He earns immediate trust with his actors and they explore the risky terrain together with joy."

-CHAD ERIC BERMAN, PROFESSOR, NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

Education

MFA in Creative Writing - Creative Nonfiction, Roosevelt University, December 2021

MFA in Dramatic Art - Directing, University of California at Davis, June 2019

B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies, North Park University, June 2006 Minor in Visual Arts and Creative Writing

Directing

I’ve had the extreme pleasure of directing and assistant directing projects with Playmakers Laboratory Theatre, The Ruffians, The Neo-Futurists, Chicago Dramatists, Compass Players Redux, Akvavit Theatre, North Park University, Murakami Sound Machine, InGen Productions, and University of California at Davis, to name a few.  

"Joe is an actor's director. Motivating and inspiring- he's thought about the work just as much as you have and it shows. He also an amazing partner that makes performers feel successful throughout rehearsal process, not just on opening night. Working with Joe is FUN."

-Christina Anthony, Comedian

Performing & Writing

When I’m not directing, I might be found on stage or behind the writing desk. I have penned several world premiere plays, including my new work, All My Possessions For A Moment Of Time, and performed in Chicago’s long-running sketch show That’s Weird, Grandma for over 10 years. I am currently writing a book of nonfiction essays, Mirepoix: on Food, Longing, and Time Travel. I am the creator and host of Mirepoix Podcast, taking listeners on a journey through food, family, and culture via the lens of food practice and tradition.

“Joseph Schupbach… is quite a wonderful dancer and has a brilliant comic presence.”

-Scotty Zacher, Chicago Theatre Beat

Higher Education Instruction

I began my work with undergrad students through directing and guest lecturing, and now have developed a comprehensive method and curriculum for serving students in the university setting.

"Joseph is a gifted teacher and facilitator. He introduced my students to new methods of ensemble creation that were productive, inventive--and fun. He connects to students of all ages, listens to them, and pushes them to better artists."

-Chloe Johnston, PROFESSOR, Lake Forest College

“Joseph Schupbach is not only simply a delightful person to be around but he is an innovative theatre artist… Joe as a director is a breath of fresh air, because while he has a very clear idea about what he wants his work to be, he also very open to creating characters and meaning through collaboration between himself and the cast.”

-Jasmine Washington, UC Davis Undergraduate ‘18

K-12 Arts Instruction

I have been honored to serve as a longtime teaching artist for Lookingglass Theatre Company and Playmakers Laboratory Theatre (FKA Barrel of Monkeys) since 2006. I was also the in-house Drama Teacher at St. Clement School for the ‘10-’11 school year, the theatre artist in resident at Evanston’s Park School from ‘08 to ‘10, and served as the Drama and Performing Arts Teacher at ChicagoQuest High School ‘19 to ‘21. I am currently an Instructional Coach for Embarc.

“Schupbach truly embraces collaboration among teams as an essential component to student growth. He not only is a genuine team player, but he is also innovative and committed to his practice in ensuring that curricula are differentiated for diverse learners and classroom environments allow ALL students the ability to thrive and grow into their unique identities.”

-Nicole Daly, case manager, Chicago Public Schools

Diversity & Teaching Statements

Want to know more about my values and practice surrounding diversity and instruction? Contact me to request digital copies of my statements.