Interview with improv actress Caitlyn Knisely

Listen to the full audio story

Download the MP3

She's a 20-something aspiring actress from Michigan who has found her way to Hollywood. But Caitlyn Knisely isn't anywhere near as typical as her story may sound. 

She got a musical theatre degree from Michigan State University, where she sang and danced in several plays and musicals. From there, she traveled to New York, where she learned that improv and sketch comedy were more her thing than Broadway. Knisely performed with Amy Poehler's Upright Citizens Brigade (an improv and sketch comedy training center) and, from there, heard about L.A.'s Groundlings Theatre Troupe.

Knisely moved out to L.A. last year, and has been auditioning for TV and film work. She was recently cast in a speaking role in ABC's sitcom Blackish. Her website has more information on her work. 

She's taking classes with the Groundlings and is in the final level of study. If she passes her next test, she will be invited to perform with the comedy group. 

Knisely also performs with two improv groups and will be traveling to New York in March to perform in the New York City Improv Festival.