STEVE HYDEEN

Since middle school, I've been immersed in acting—participating in speech competitions, plays, musicals, and improv shows. My passion for the performing arts was ignited by a supportive teacher who encouraged me to explore this world further. This journey led me to Northwestern College, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.

In 2004, I moved to Omaha, NE, to co-found 88improv, an improv theatre company with a mission to showcase and teach improvisational acting, emphasizing artistic integrity and smart storytelling. For 15 years, we performed locally for private and public gatherings, taught workshops, collaborated with other improv troupes, and traveled across the country to share our take on this unique performance craft.

Alongside my work with 88improv, I've been dedicated to sharing my knowledge with the next generation of performers. Over the past decade, I have:

• Served as a judge, instructor, and critic for Nebraska Thespians on multiple occasions.

• Acted as an All-State critic, led workshops for speech teachers and coaches, and was the 2019 Keynote speaker for the Iowa High School Speech Association.

• Worked directly with Nebraska and Iowa high school theatre teachers to bring improvisational actor training into their classrooms with my personalized "Improv Intensive" curriculum, supporting hundreds of students since 2013.

• Continued to expand acting education opportunities for all ages through the 402 Acting Academy.

With over 20 years of experience in stage performance, presentation, management, training, and instruction, I am passionate about creating a bridge of connection between life skills development and acting techniques, methods, and concepts, which is why in May of 2021 I launched the 402 Acting Academy, the performing arts education program within the 402 Arts Collective. Our ultimate objective is to guide new actors, young and old, by equipping them with the skills to find success on stage, screen, and in life.

My teaching experience has shown me that the skills and values learned from acting are essential for success in all areas of life.

I am excited to use the art of acting to equip others with the tools to find redemption and hope in their relationships, communities, and vocations.

If you're interested in growing as an actor or as a person, I would love to help!