Nick Cutelli

 

Nick Cutelli is a theatre director, playwright, actor, educator, and improviser with over 20 years of professional experience across stage, screen, and classroom, with roots in Chicago and a professional reach spanning to Los Angeles. His artistic style blends the ensemble rigor of Chicago theatre with the on-camera sensibility and comedic rhythm of Los Angeles, forming the foundation of his distinct teaching approach.

Nick currently teaches Acting for the Camera at the University of North Texas. He trained and performed at The Second City Chicago, Second City Hollywood, and iO West, where he was a member of a long-form musical improvisational ensemble and developed expertise in both sketch and unscripted performance. His performance credits include national commercials, video game voiceovers, and a recurring role on the Los Angeles-based series WeHo TV News which won a local Emmy in 2016.

Nick is the founder and artistic director of Hilarity Theater Improv, based in Denton, Texas. The company offers family-friendly live improv performances and inclusive workshops focused on community-building and creative growth. He has authored multiple books on improvisational theatre and comedy, including his most recent release, This Isn’t a Joke: Stand-Up as Social Commentary, which explores the structure and intent behind modern stand-up.

His acting technique is based in the Chicago Spolin-Close method, which emphasizes character creation through improvisation, physical storytelling, and collaborative ensemble work. In addition to acting, Nick also teaches courses in The Business of Being an Actor, Long-Form Improvisational Harold Technique, Directing Through Collaboration and Inspiration, and Scriptwriting Through Improvisation and Narration.

Nick is passionate about creating spaces where performers are empowered to take creative risks, trust their instincts, and tell stories that matter—with honesty, humor, and heart.

 

To learn more about Nick visit www.cutellicomedy.com