Lisa Beasley’s Story

(Or at least the part she’s sharing now. The rest will be for the memoir.)

Even while shifting into many characters, Lisa Beasley's extensive plethora of experience has presented her multiple opportunities to occupy many rooms and influence change across multiple industries. Originally from Gary, IN, Lisa Beasley attended Emerson School for the Visual & Performing Arts before being accepted into an Historically Black College in Memphis, TN. After graduating with a B.A. in Classical Jazz Studies, Lisa attended acting school in Los Angeles, CA. She pursued a ten-year theater career in Chicago, IL, which led her to work on stages such as Black Ensemble Theater, Court Theater, and Second City. She toured with the Second City National Touring Company where she wrote and performed in two original revues on The Second City, e.t.c. Stage. Lisa is also a member of the improv group 3Peat. Known for her viral impersonations, namely, Mayor Lory Litefoot with a "y," Lisa loves acting, being a satirical clown and writing.

As a leader in the community, Lisa's entrepreneurial skills provide a level of inclusion, autonomy, and creative freedom not found in most traditional workplace environments. Lisa believes in creating inclusive infrastructures where creativity can thrive. 

As an educator, Lisa is a professor at DePaul University, teaching students how to authentically show up as themselves and occupy spaces to make an insightful impact through their talents. She also serves as an advisor for the Comedy Arts Program and lends her expertise towards developing the new program.

As an entertainer, comedian and actor, Lisa is known for her performances on KevOnStage's Black People Do Improv, HBOMax's South Side, NBC's Chicago MED (Netflix), The Blackening (Comedy Central), and more. She has been featured in Black Enterprise, Essence, PopSugar, Pink News U.K., Buzzfeed, Syfy, Chicago Reader, The Red Eye, and more.

She is empowered by #blkcreatives.