Originally from upstate New York, Rachael Yoder is a professional actor, facilitator, and educator currently based in Chicago where she lives with her husband Michael. She holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, and a BA in Theater from SUNY College at Brockport. She is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting 2-year Conservatory Program, and a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.
Rachael is committed to utilizing applied theater techniques outside of a traditional theater setting, and is the Founder & Principal Consultant at Human(ity) Resources LLC, where she works extensively as an Actor/Facilitator with prominent corporate clients, facilitating multi-week leadership development programming, and collaborating with Human Resource departments to achieve broader organizational development goals. Rachael has experience employing innovative and creative programming methodologies, utilizing applied theater techniques to simulate workplace scenarios in a training setting to enable participants to practice leadership skills in a psychologically safe environment.
Rachael also serves on the leadership team of The Outer Loop Theater Experience, a 501(c)(3) theater and humanitarian organization focused on Theater for Social Change and new work development. With The Outer Loop, she helps oversee Ubinadamu Kazi, an arts-based initiative that supports community development projects in Tanzania. Through her work with The Outer Loop, she has overseen the production of multiple theatrical projects that shed light on the needs of remote Tanzanian villages, subsequently leading to the construction of a maternity clinic, a health center, four wells, and a community market. She is deeply passionate about equity, social justice, and supporting marginalized and underserved communities through artistic and developmental initiatives.
Rachael brings a grounded intensity, authentic warmth, and emotional duality to her work on stage and screen.
She is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, an MBTI Certified Practitioner, and speaks conversational Swahili. Asante kwa kusoma!