Denise M. Maes is an impactful trainer of improvisation and a radically collaborative leader.

She founded the Rocky Mountain region’s largest and longest running improv school & theater where thousands of students and actors stepped into the world of the unknown, of spontaneity, and fearlessness to practice the tenets of improvisation for the stage and life. For 20+ years, she built a community focused on trust, support, and collaboration all under the umbrella of play and laughter.

In 2015 Denise founded a second company that solely focused on teaching the business applications of improvisation to c-suite leadership, Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies and not-for-profit entities. As a trainer, she used the tools of improvisation to develop embodied leadership skills, to increase authenticity, promote creativity, and foster workplace trust with companies like Charles Schwab, KPMG, U.S. Fish & Wildlife and the National Arthritis Foundation.

Denise is committed to creating environments where everyone belongs, can contribute, and are honored for being their authentic selves. Whether it be hanging lights for a middle school holiday show or preparing entertainment for a gala event for the Mayor of Denver, she is an improvisational leader-follower that works in service to a variety of communities.

She is a 5th generation Colorado native with a B.A. in Economics from Colorado State University, has two teenage daughters, a doting husband, and a sweet red-tick hound named Albus Dumbledog.

Denise is delighted to bring her talents as Director of Enrollment to the Strozzi Institute.