About Us
A collective of veteran Chicago improvisers.
Backline Workshops
Backline was founded in 2022 in Chicago, IL by two pals and long-time improv teammates, Mila Rao and Jane Brown. Mila and Jane hope to bring their love of improv and play to groups and teams across the country.
Mila Rao
Mila is a Chicago improviser with 11 years of experience. A licensed social worker and therapist, she facilitates team-building and long-form improv workshops with a background in education and business administration.
Jane Brown
Jane is a Chicago-based actor and improviser with 9 years of experience. A CPA with over 13 years in accounting, she specializes in bridging corporate environments and creative play.
Kennedy Baldwin
Kennedy is an improviser and actor born and raised in Chicago. A recipient of the Bob Curry Fellowship, they perform with the Second City Touring Company.
James Nicklas
James is a licensed Occupational Therapist who uses improv to support skills like active listening, public speaking, and collaborative play.
Rudy Mendoza
Rudy is the founder of Bilingual Improv School and Antojitos Fest, focusing on bringing improv training to mental health programming. He has 1 year of additional experience bringing improv training to school-based mental health programming across the country.