creative. leader. 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 being a frequent collaborator with Playmakers Laboratory Theatre, The Ruffians, The Neo-Futurists, Chicago Dramatists, Pocket Guide to Hell, 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
Clearly, I have a lot to say.
Adult Learning
I am currently the Head of Coaching at Embarc, where I design modes of adult learning, supervise training of CPS educators, and lead a team instructional coaches. At Embarc, we train and challenge high school teachers to transform their classrooms into experiential learning environments that center relationship building. I am also the Chicago Cohort Lead for the Change Collective fellowship, where I facilitate a six-month long fellowship for civically-minded Chicagoans who want to transform their city.
Hard at work.
A director prepares.
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 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 wrote a book of nonfiction essays, Mirepoix: on Food, Longing, and Time Travel and I was 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. I am currently writing Rapture, a play that wrestles with religion and the unknown through experimental puppetry.
“Joseph Schupbach… is quite a wonderful dancer and has a brilliant comic presence.”
-Scotty Zacher, Chicago Theatre Beat
Can play a grandmother if necessary.
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 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.
“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.”