more about this very serious goofball.
creative. leader. educator.
Joe Schupbach is a mission-driven educator and organizational leader with 22 years of experience across public education, nonprofit administration, and community-centered theatre. He develops trauma-informed coaching frameworks, experiential learning models, and relationship-centered programs that inspire transformation. Two MFAs fuel his creative, human-centered approach to instruction and facilitation, progressive leadership, and envelope pushing artistic practice. Yes, I am writing about myself in the third person.
Curriculum vitae
Learn more about my experience and work history.
Testimonials
“Having witnessed and mentored Joe as a teacher, director, and writer, I venture to say that ‘equity’ is more than an idea for him, it is his mission, and this concept spills into all elements of his creative and teaching practice.”
“Mr. Schupbach takes the time to get to know students and to meet them ‘where they are at’ in their unique personal narratives and learning journeys. He offers students ways to show what they know, in a strengths-based approach to teaching and learning. He exhibits a joyful and hardworking spirit in serving students and staff alike. ”
“Joe was always very adamant about giving us feedback to help us improve. He always allowed us time to discuss our ideas and how we felt about certain activities.”
“Joe brings a warm, collaborative energy to the rehearsal room. He consistently assembles stellar production teams and has a knack for building ensemble from the very beginning. As a director of devised work, Joe honors the source text while creating space for actors to build freely and playfully. ”
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MY CORE COMPETENCIES
Instructional Coaching • Curriculum Design • Program Development • Experiential Learning • Adult Learning & Facilitation • Trauma-Informed Practice • Human-Centered Leadership • Team Management & Growth • Strategic Planning • Professional Development • Stakeholder Engagement • Arts Integration • Community Partnerships • Restorative Justice • Whimsy
get a taste for my work
About Me
Age 7
Massachusetts born; Chicago raised.
After a modest career as a child actor in Massachusetts, I moved to Chicago and began training with Lookingglass Theatre Company. I am a Chicago Public Schools graduate, hold a BA in Theatre and Performance Studies from North Park University, an MFA in Dramatic Art from the University of California, Davis, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Roosevelt University. I am a founding member of Murakami Sound Machine, the co-founder of InGen Productions, and an emeritus member of Playmakers Laboratory Theatre where I was Artistic Director for three years. 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. I am also the Chicago Cohort Lead for the Change Collective fellowship.