Robert Watzke

Originally from Iowa City, Iowa, Robert Watzke has built a career as an editor, writer, director, actor and teacher, and is also the founder of Turbine Arts Collective, a Los Angeles nonprofit dedicated to the exploration of creativity, where he teaches weekly workshops in improvisation. After graduating from the University of Iowa with degrees in Communications/Theatre Arts and Journalism, he moved to Los Angeles, became involved in the local theatre community, and quickly dedicated himself to the performance and study of improvisation. Gary Austin (creator of The Groundlings) called him, "One of the best improvisers I've ever worked with". He co-created "The Bubalaires", an improvisational physical-comedy theatre troupe with roots in Commedia dell' Arte, and he is also well-known as an editor of commercials and music videos, collaborating with such varied directors as Spike Lee, Ridley Scott, Terry Gilliam and Joe Pytka. He has won the Clio and many other awards for editing. His film Heavenzapoppin'! (1996) won the highest award given by the National Educational Media Association, and Leonard Maltin called it, "A delightful and ingenious film".