James Mastraieni is an actor, writer, improviser and owner of the world's most Italian last name. James cut his teeth while touring with the Second City theatricals and was a regular performer at The Upright Citizen's Brigade with the Harold team, Outside Dog. He also was on the UCB Harold team The Ruckus. James also played at iO West with the group, Orpheus Roy, whom The LAist called, an "improv powerhouse". As a writer he’s written for Comedy Central, Donut Media and Funny or Die and was a joke consultant on the show “Florida Girls.” He also ran a program called “Improv Bootcamp” for five years  which provided daily improv classes for intermediate and advanced students. He has also directed 15 different Harold teams, his favorite form, and has coached dozens and dozens of ensembles. As a talent evaluator he sat on the committees to cast the theater’s improvisers for many years at both iOWest and UCBT-LA. He was also a talent evaluator at the Hollywood Improv on Melrose where he helped scout stand up comedians. 

All of this is to say that James really loves comedy. He has a deep sense of mutuality with comedians and an emotional investment in their growth. James’ specialty as a teacher is demystifying the art form by using a consistent practical process that helps the comedian learn how to understand, trust and use their entire instrument. As opposed to breaking the mold, James reveals it so the comedian sees how they fit in it.  He is the owner and director of The Shared Experience Studio, in Los Angeles.