Jon Burnett

Jon Burnett holds an MFA in Performance from the University of Tennessee’s International Actor Training Academy. Jon has appeared on stages from New York City to Budapest, Hungary – taking on roles ranging from André in Chekhov’s The Three Sisters to Einstein in Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile. After founding two college improv troupes, he refined his craft at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre under Diane Rachel and Diana Brown and studied Action Theatre with Ruth Zaporah. Jon is also a founding member of the East Bay improv ensemble The Incidentalists.

2026 Workshop: Embodied Imagination: Physical Skills for Performers

Ever feel like your brain is doing all the work on stage while your body just… floats there? It’s a common habit: we get so focused on what to say next that we leave our physical imagination behind. Whether you’re an intermediate improviser looking to break out of habitual ruts or an actor wanting to expand your toolkit, this workshop is for you.

This isn’t an intimidating masterclass—it’s a supportive, playful space to get out of your head and into your bones. Using accessible exercises inspired by Viewpoints, Laban, and Action Theater, we will progress through a simple, three-part roadmap:

• The Physical: Explore space, posture, and movement to discover new character spines.
• The Vocal: Bridge the gap between physical impulse and voice without the safety net of words.
• The Text: Bring in dialogue and let your newly discovered physical impulses drive the scene.

You don’t need to be a dancer or a physical theater expert to take this class. You just need to be ready to move, play, and discover how much easier scenes become when your whole body joins the conversation.

Over-thinkers and shy people welcome!

This workshop is for intermediate students and above.