Gabriela Marcu showcases three diplomas on her wall, reflecting her diverse journey. One is a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Irvine. Another is her Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. The third is from the Pointless School of Improv, marking an unexpected yet fulfilling path.
Initially an escape from work stress, improv became integral to Marcu’s professional life. “When I first started improv, it was my attempt to have a life outside of work,” said Marcu, assistant professor in the School of Information. “I just loved that my worlds were colliding.”
Her improv journey began a decade ago after earning her Ph.D. and joining Drexel University. Searching for social connections, she enrolled in an improv workshop. “I’d always been a huge fan of comedy, but I never imagined doing it myself,” she said. Despite the anxiety, the experience was exhilarating, tapping into her dance background from childhood.
Marcu embraced the workshop scene in Philadelphia, completing classes during her four-year stint at Drexel. Moving to Ann Arbor, she continued her improv passion at Pointless Brewery & Theatre, auditioning for house team roles. Despite Pointless closing post-pandemic, she rejoined the improv scene at hear.say brewing + theater, restarting the curriculum.
Improv classes emphasize collaboration, character creation, and embracing uncertainty. “Improv is all about being comfortable with uncertainty,” said Marcu. “It’s not having a plan and still moving forward confidently.”
Trust between improvisers is crucial. “You have no idea where you’re going, but you’re going somewhere together,” she said. Supporting partners over seeking laughs is key. Marcu regularly attends improv shows, using her skills to engage 200 undergraduates creatively. Despite extensive experience, stage fright persists. “It’s what tells you you’re alive,” she said, acknowledging the ongoing thrill.
At UMSI, Marcu integrated improv with the Year of Democracy initiative, launching Extra Credit, a monthly faculty improv series at hear.say. The debut on Oct. 6 featured faculty talks on democracy followed by improv acts, fostering community and laughter.
Q&A
What memorable moment in the workplace stands out?
I remember when I was interviewing for this position, and as I was preparing my talk I got some specific feedback on how to present my research. It felt so good to get constructive feedback that I knew was going to make me better, and that was setting me up for success during the interview process. That moment only sticks out to me more because it really was representative of what it’s been like to work here. I feel very supported and that my colleagues make my work better.
What can’t you live without?
My two Italian Greyhound mixes and little black cat.
Name your favorite spot on campus.
The North Quad courtyard, with trees that turn bright yellow for just a short time every fall.
What inspires you?
Being outside in nature.
What are you currently reading?
“The World’s Worst Assistant” by Sona Movsesian.
Who had the greatest influence on your career path?
The professors I got to know when I was part of the small, first cohort of B.S. informatics students at the University of California, Irvine. I got to see the passion with which they built this program for us, especially David Kay and Andre van der Hoek. And it was there that I found my research home, human-computer interaction, when I got to work as an undergraduate researcher with Gillian Hayes. I chose my career because I wanted to have the same impact as these people.
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