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ABOUT

I’m Billy Kissa, actress, improviser, coach and director.​

As a teacher I adapt my teaching
to the needs of each group and individual.

I firmly believe in giving the space and time that each of my students need to feel comfortable and safe in order to open up and find their own voice as actors. Combining different acting techniques I provide through my classes a well-rounded approach to theatre and acting.

Billy_Matthias Fluhrer _ flupix.de
©Matthias Fluhrer
THE STATS
24

FESTIVALS

20

COUNTRIES

154

ANIMAL CHARACTERS

957

CATS BEFRIENDED

DisTanz ©Nadine_Renneisen_005
© Robin Straaijer
As an actor I base my performances in honesty and vulnerability.

Regardless of the genre I draw inspiration from my life and the stories of people. As an emotionally driven person, I approach every story and character with respect and empathy. I always doubt my perspective and ask questions about human nature. I don’t believe in a “universal truth”, but I do believe in the need for it and the journey we take because of that need.

As a director I treat improvised and scripted work the same way, as theatre.

My scripted theatre background has been a catalyst in the way I direct improv shows. Aesthetics, commitment, risk and honesty are my main focus and guides.

© Daniel Brooks
Credits© Tamás Künsztler_Web(1)
© Tamás Künsztler
WHY? That's the word that lives rent free in my head and this is the reason I do art. My creations and whole existence is a journey towards understanding.
Copy of Nikos Zikos _ @nikzik
©Nicos Zicos
TESTIMONIALS

  • I've had the pleasure of working with Billy in several capacities, over several years and many countries. Her integrity and sense of truth as a human are equally reflected in her talent as an artist. As a director and producer, I've admired her great blend of professionalism and kindness. Onstage she is always very present in her work, warm and quick witted, but it is Billy's inherent truth and strength that shine through her work. She is an absolute talent and master of her craft.

    Manuel Speck, Organizer of the Improfestival Karlsruhe

  • I've had the chance to collaborate with Billy Kissa on many levels: I discovered her on stage and as an organiser, I worked with her on international projects, performed with her, and our roads crossed again and again in the last few years. Her style is honest, heartfelt and generous, she is a powerhouse of a performer, a brilliant and kind teacher, and simply one of my favourite human-beings. If you met Billy, you know all that and you are probably already planning to book her again. If you don't know her yet, you better grab your chance to work with her!

    Gael Doorneweerd-Perry, co-director of Flock Theatre

  • I've had the pleasure of working with Billy in several capacities, over several years and many countries. Her integrity and sense of truth as a human are equally reflected in her talent as an artist. As a director and producer, I've admired her great blend of professionalism and kindness. Onstage she is always very present in her work and of course warm and quick witted, but it is the Billy's inherent truth and strength that shine through her work, and the reason she is one of my favourite performers to work with.

    Órla Mc Govern, Performer/Writer/Storyteller/Instructor

  • Billy is a delightful, playful, intelligent improviser. I’ve performed with her, watched her, and been taught by her. It’s always been a great experience. The improv world is a better world for having Billy in it. She also threatened me with eternal hate if I did not write a good testimonial. That’s the sort of person that she is.

    Phil Lunn, Improviser/Performer

  • Billy is a wonderful actress. And that's something you don't usually find in the improv world. When you can combine strong acting skills with a marvelous sense of here and now, you get a wonderful improviser that I love to play with.

    Fena Ortalli, Improviser, Global Improv

  • Billy Kissa is an amazing woman. When she enters the stage, she shines with light. She is a wonderful stage partner who supports by listening and giving the stage what the stage needs. Billy’s stage truth is emotional and she presents an excellent technique of improvisation. As a teacher she is patient and sees what is deeply hidden in improv students. Her acting and improvising talent is stunning.

    Kasia Chmara, Actress/Improviser