In 2007, Joe Von Bokern left behind his nature-loving, mountain-climbing, tree-hugging Colorado roots and came to the great city of Chicago to pursue a career in performance. Equipped with a youthful charm and boyish looks, this  “good guy” actor is proud to have worked with a number of outstanding Chicago theatre companies, including Bailiwick Repertory, Night Blue, Gorilla Tango, and more! At the recommendation of his friends and roommates, he began studying long-form improvisation in 2009 and is a proud founding member of Hugs and Pullups, the midwest’s most face-melting improv comedy troupe.

Along with fellow CU graduates Ben Whitehair and Emily Schmidt-Beuchat, Joe created the popular theatre blog Playbills vs. Paying Bills, which follows the three actors as they attempt to balance lives, careers, and sanity in three of America’s most competitive performance cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City).

In early 2010, Joe joined The Consortium Project, a Chicago theatre company dedicated to making a difference in the community through the arts. Their first production, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, was a huge success, with a percentage of ticket proceeds going to support the Chicago Mental Health Association. He and his fellow company members (or “Consorts,” as they so aptly refer to each other) premiered their first original play, Knee-Jerk, at the 2010 Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins Theatre Festival at Mary Arrchie Theatre, and plans to follow it with five successful performances at the 2010 Chicago Fringe Festival.

When he's not on stage, Joe enjoys biking, watching cartoons, and cheering for his beloved Colorado Rockies.