about us
“In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too), those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
our mission
Our mission is to empower people of all backgrounds to play, grow, and connect through inclusive, high-quality comedy and performance experiences—cultivating laughter, creativity, and community in a vibrant space where joy and personal growth thrive.
what we do
Through our workshops and programs, we aim to boost morale and improve the quality of life for all, using the power of improvisation as a dynamic tool for personal growth and enrichment. Our unique approach is grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to become more confident, creative, and adaptable.
We offer a diverse range of improvisation-based experiences, from corporate team, culture, and camaraderie-building workshops that enhance collaboration and communication, to adult improv classes, to high-quality live comedy shows, featuring established groups like Sharks Barksley, improv jams, musical improv, comedic competitions, and other community-produced events.
who we are
Haus of Comedy was founded in 2023 by Jessilee Windhaus under Empire Arts Collective’s artistic incubation program before transitioning into becoming its own independent entity in August of 2024.
We set ourselves apart through a distinct fusion of expertise, professionalism, and a dedicated commitment to fostering both personal and professional development. Our services are distinguished by their adaptability, inclusivity, and the transformative influence of improvisation. We prioritize inclusivity and a sense of belonging for all participants and staff.
Anchored in Sacramento, our founder and foundational values are deeply rooted in community investment, offering a comprehensive understanding of Sacramento's unique essence and values. We pride ourselves on being a driving force for positive change, helping individuals and organizations of all ages unlock their full potential and embrace the power of “yes, and…”
DEIA statement
At Haus of Comedy, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a guiding principle in everything we do. We acknowledge that cultural bias, systemic racism, and inequity continue to shape experiences in Sacramento and beyond. Part of our mission is to actively work against those forces by embedding racially equitable practices into our operations and community engagement.
We are dedicated to reimagining systems, structures, and norms to better serve marginalized communities. This includes critically examining practices historically labeled as “professional” that have perpetuated exclusion—particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—and creating new ways forward that emphasize equity and belonging.
In all of our shows, classes, workshops, and community events, we strive to build inclusive and accessible environments with minimal barriers to participation, so that anyone can experience the joy, creativity, and connection that comedy brings.
We remain committed to offering programming that welcomes adults of all backgrounds—across race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, age, gender identity, and sexual identity—while continuing to expand opportunities for voices and perspectives that have been historically underrepresented in the arts.
meet the team
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Jessilee Windhaus
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessilee Windhaus (she/they) is a Sacramento-born improviser, actor, producer, director, instructor, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Co-Owner of Haus of Comedy, where she serves as Executive Director. She is also the Co-Founder of Empire Arts Collective and Founder of That Plus Chips, a live sketch and improv comedy group.Jessilee holds a Bachelor’s in Theatre from CSU Sacramento and has performed nationwide and throughout the Sacramento region. At HoC, she produces, directs, and emcees flagship improv team Sharks Barksley and performs with Brief Tiny World and Guess What?
Her teaching credits include B Street Theatre, CYT Sacramento, Missoula Children’s Theatre, and programs throughout the Sacramento region. She previously served as Director of High School League at ComedySportz Sacramento and currently oversees curriculum and instruction for Haus of Comedy’s training program. They also work as an educator and public tour guide with the Sacramento History Museum and a teaching artist with Marin Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare for Social Justice program.
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Andy Sarouhan
DIRECTOR OF DAYTIME OPERATIONS
Andy Sarouhan (he/him) has been a professional improviser and improv instructor for 25 years. His improvisation journey began in 1992 when he joined his high school improvisation team. That event started a chain reaction that eventually resulted in a BA in Theatre from UC San Diego and an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside. From 2003-2019, Andy performed, directed, and coached extensively in San Francisco through BATS Improv, ImprovWorks, and Un-Scripted Theater Company. In 2019, he relocated to Sacramento and has been active in the local improvisation scene as an instructor at B Street Theatre and a performer and producer at STAB! Comedy Theater and Windhaus Improv. For 15 years, Andy has taken the practices and philosophies of improvisation to settings outside the theatre, facilitating skill-building workshops and corporate role-playing experiences for countless professional entities, ranging from public school districts to Fortune 500, and pretty much everything in-between. The dude just likes his work! -
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Nick Armstrong
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Nick Armstrong (he/him) is an accomplished actor, comedian, and improviser with a career spanning over two decades. Known for his boundless energy and quick wit, Nick has performed on stages and screens across the country, earning a reputation as a dynamic and versatile performer, teacher, and writer. As an improviser, Nick is one of the most recognizable names in the comedy community. He is the founder of Improv Utopia, co-owner of RISE Comedy, Haus of Comedy, and CrowdWork where he has helped shape the next generation of improvisers by fostering a supportive and inclusive comedy community. He has taught and performed improv at some of the most renowned comedy theaters in the world, including The Groundlings, iO, and Westside Comedy. Nick’s acting credits include roles in hit television shows like The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, Parks and Recreation, and Bulldozer which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025. Whether he’s on stage making audiences laugh, teaching students to embrace their creativity, or building a thriving comedy community, Nick Armstrong’s passion for comedy, community, and storytelling is at the heart of everything he does.
we’re moving (temporarily)
Haus of Comedy will reside at the WJ Geery Theater October - December of 2026 and will return ot the Eagle Theater in January of 2027.
about the geery theater
The William Geery Theater, located in the heart of Midtown, Sacramento, is a vibrant community space where Haus of Comedy has had many awesome classes and productions.
The W. J. Geery Theater is located in this 1899 historic Victorian in which the Pease Conservatory of Music has existed since 1921. This was and is the recital hall which also became a venue for plays in the 1970s when the Sacramento Experimental Theater leased the hall and became in 1986 the Show Below that produced award winning plays until 1995. Wm. J. " Bill" Geery was the actor & singer who owned the building and was the step-father of the current owners, Diane Davidson Heinzer and the family trust of her deceased sister, Joan Bales. Bill's aunt and uncle were Mr. & Mrs. Pease who established the Pease Conservatory of Music.
The theater seats 49.
accessibility
The Geery Theater has an upstairs bathroom with a wheelchair lift available for use.
Please note that the stage itself is not wheelchair accessible. If you are a performer or student and have accessibility needs or questions about accessing any part of the space, please reach out to me so we can discuss what accommodations are available.
Patrons can also let us know if they require accommodations
accessibility FAQ’s
I have anxiety or mental health struggles. Will I be okay in an improv class?
You're not alone—and yes, you’ll be okay. Many people in our Sacramento improv community live with anxiety or other mental health challenges. Improv is surprisingly therapeutic: it teaches you to stay present, build confidence, and connect with others in a low-stakes, supportive environment. We meet you where you are.
Are your Sacramento improv classes autism-friendly?
Yes. We strive to make our improv classes inclusive and accessible to neurodivergent folks, including those on the autism spectrum. Many of our instructors, leaders, and performers are neurodivergent and/or on the spectrum. While we don't specialize in neurodiversity, we welcome and regularly teach autistic students and are happy to make accommodations.
Here are some things we provide:
Sensory tools like sunglasses, fidget toys, and earplugs
Alternatives to eye contact and physical touch
Structured breaks (always at the same time)
Encouragement to stim, sit out, or take space as needed
Clear expectations, predictable class structures, and multiple ways to give feedback
An anonymous reporting tool (Red Flag Reporting) for any issues that arise
If you have specific access needs, just let us know in advance—we’ll do our best to support you. Improv can be a fantastic way to build social skills, confidence, and connection, and we’d love to have you in class.
Are your classes kind, supportive, and compassionate?
Our core teaching philosophy centers around respect, safety, and support. We believe everyone learns best when they feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
We avoid touching students or singling people out without consent
Breaks are structured and always honored
Instructors are trained to give constructive feedback with kindness
We uphold community guidelines on consent, respect, and inclusion
We encourage all learning styles, questions, and self-advocacy
You don’t have to be loud, outgoing, or “on” to succeed in our classes. We’ll meet you where you are and help you grow with care and encouragement.
Is improv just for extroverts?
Not at all! Some of our most talented performers and students (and our founder!) are introverts. Improv helps everyone step out of their comfort zone at their own pace. It's about connection, not performance. Our Sacramento improv classes for adults are built on creating a safe, playful space for all personality types.
parking near the geery
SacPark
Book a guaranteed spot in advance at the downtown parking garage closest to your destination on reserve.sacpark.org
Parkmobile App
Download the Parkmobile app to pay for and even extend your metered parking.
Garages
Street Parking
Max: 2 hours
Hours enforced: 10 am to 10 pm
Rates: ~$2.50/hour or ~$5 for 2 hours
Enforcement: Very strictly enforced
public transit
Old Sacramento is well connected by public transit through the Sacramento Regional Transit District system, as well as regional rail services. Most transit options stop within a 3–8 minute walk of the Old Sacramento Waterfront and the Eagle Theater area.
Light Rail
The easiest transit option for many Sacramento-area residents is SacRT Light Rail.
Lines: Blue Line and Gold Line
Closest stop: Sacramento Valley Station
Walk to Old Sacramento: ~8 minutes
Where it connects: Downtown, Midtown, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and South Sacramento
Bus
Several SacRT bus routes stop within a short walk of Old Sacramento. Common routes serving the area include:
Route 11
Route 30
Route 31
Route 62
Route 86
Route 88
Many of these routes stop on 3rd Street near I–L Streets, about a 3–5 minute walk to the waterfront area.
Amtrak & Regional Rail
Regional rail service arrives at Sacramento Valley Station. From the station:
Walk to Old Sacramento: ~7–8 minutes
Services include:
Capitol Corridor (Bay Area ↔ Sacramento)
California Zephyr
Coast Starlight
The station is one of the main transit hubs in the region and connects directly to light rail and bus service.
