Patrick McCartney is a theater artist, actor, director, producer, and teacher dedicated to creating truthful, ensemble-driven work.
As an actor, Patrick performed with with Second City, UCB and The PIT while also appearing in films and television including Anchorman, Elf, Law & Order, Saturday Night Live Digital Shorts, and Conan.
For more than two decades, Patrick has taught improvisation, acting, and storytelling to everyone from complete beginners to professional performers. His approach blends acting technique with improvisation, emphasizing deep listening, emotional honesty, strong ensemble work, and taking imaginary circumstances seriously rather than chasing jokes.
As a director and producer, Patrick has helped develop new theatrical work, including projects with Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries, and has guided more than a dozen solo shows from first draft to production. He also wrote and performed the solo show Sinister Kid.
Patrick is the founder of The Necessary Theater, a company built on the belief that theater is one of the last truly human art forms—an experience rooted in presence, risk, and genuine connection. Through classes, workshops, and original productions, The Necessary Theater exists to train artists who play for real, collaborate fearlessly, and create work that matters.
His mission is simple: build better ensembles, tell better stories, and remind audiences why live theater is still necessary.