Drew Ernst is a comedy/improv. based actor, director and tech geek. He graduated from Messiah Collage in 2003 where he studied Psychology and Theatre. Drew also studied at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. He began directing in high school with the play Hillbilly Christmas Carol which opened to limited success in the gymnasium. Co-founder and director of the improvisational troupe Quackenbush's Boathouse, Drew enjoyed pushing the boundaries of pre-existing forms and creating new improvisational formats through collaboration. While directing MNN's Checkerboard Chronicles, it became quite clear to Drew that directing isn't always a one way street, it is essential that creative energy flows both ways. This collaborative spirit is one of the reasons he is excited about ACTion: Ecuador. As an actor, Drew has recently spent much of his time working on film, such as On the Ninth Life and VoyVod... and is excited to reinvent himself, yet again, doing theatre in the jungles of Ecuador (with snakes). His influences include Bertold Brecht, Edward Albee and Martin McDonagh. Recently he has spent time volunteering with Hope For New York, Bushwick children's sports program and The Relief Bus (mobile soup kitchen). Drew is looking forward to working and playing with the local children (futbol anyone?). Drew is also a native to exciting travel having spent time in England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii and most of the continental US. His aim is to inspire his cast to explore new ways of expressing their experiences through avant grade or non-traditional exercises and to craft an amazing new piece of theater that will challenge both his cast members and himself.