Pete Bergen
Washington Improv TheaterPete Bergen has been entertaining audiences for years as both a stand up and an actor. He has been through the improv curriculum here at WIT, the DC Improv and completed the curriculum and was accepted to advanced study at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York.
He has been teaching at WIT for almost 10 years Pete believes that playing and reacting honestly, listening, and teamwork are essential to good improv. He is a graduate of both the WIT and UCB training programs. He was a founding member of the amazing longform group Bright Young Things, The Score, and The Haddington Club. You can see him coaching teams and jumping in shows around town. He also produces, casts, and performs in the Chinese Menu Comedy shows. He wants people to come in, have fun, and be ready to BE CHALLENGED. Why? Because improv is more fun when you’re good at it.
Student Feedback
“Anyone who’s worked with Pete knows how passionate he is about improv. He’s like a driven basketball coach who truly wants every student – and the team as a unit – to excel! He’s got such a sharp eye for game, a supportive yet no-nonsense attitude toward growth, and a real kinetic energy that gets you out of your head and into the moment.”
“Pete was a great instructor. He was supportive and invested in our development as a class. He pushed us to try new things, but also held us accountable to things we’d learned the week before.”
“Such a fun semester. Pete is one of the most, if not the most, honest improv teachers I have ever had. I appreciate his willingness to give constructive criticism.”
Pete Bergen feels that what makes a good improviser makes a good co worker and makes a good person.
To be good at any of them you should be a good listener and a good team player. He feels that the idea of “yes and” is a much more fun and productive way to move forward.
Pete has been teaching and training for WIT for years. His experience as an Army veteran and his extensive experience as a service industry manager has helped shape his idea that when things start to get hectic in the workplace, that is an opportunity to be the calm in the storm and get things done. His enthusiasm will grab your attention and his competence will hold it.
In addition to his teaching and training for WIT, Pete is an accomplished performer. He has opened for some of the best stand-up comics around and can be seen performing with improv teams at festivals all over!