Mari DeOleo (she/they) has worked professionally in theater, festivals, and multimedia performance for over 18 years, as a clown, improvisor, storyteller, writer/director, production manager, designer, producer and teaching artist.

Mari teaches improv, storytelling, theatermaking, artmaking and movement at The Second City Training Center, Lookingglass Theater Co., the Chicago Parks District and with community-based organizations throughout Illinois. She has most recently been the Opera in the Neighborhoods Tour Manager and Lyric Unlimited Production Manager at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Mari trained in voice, movement, commedia dell’arte, improvisation, art and clowning, and has performed with companies, theaters and at festivals including Free Street Theater, Storytown Improv, Chicago Improv Production’s Make ‘em Ups, Nothing Without a Company, the Chicago Fringe Festival, Rhinofest, Prop Thtr and various improvisational, theater and clown ensembles.

Her creative practice—rooted in Afro-Caribbean heritage and guided by participation, play, and transformation—seeks to inspire joy, connection, and healing in both traditional and nontraditional spaces.

Follow Mari on Instagram: @maridcreativebeast