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Pharmaceutical Company’s Digital GamificationLearning & Development -
Medical Supply Company’s Virtual MeetingLearning & Development
Sean Sullivan
Facilitator/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
My skits and my stand up
What I Actually Do:
I am a writer, performer, teacher, and writer/performer/teacher
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I’m two for two in Final Jeopardy! Though my hit rate is a little bit lower in my own living room. (It’s on at, like, 3 PM here. That’s too early for trivia.)
Personal Belief:
If you work hard and you play nice, it’ll work out for you! Just not every time.
Sean Sullivan
Sean Sullivan is the total package minus roller or ice skating (weak ankles)!
He’s a host, performer, and writer who has entertained audiences numbering from the thousands at the Park at Wrigley Field to just one in the award winning show “My Girlfriend Is Heading To The Other Side Of The Apartment Because I Keep Using That Voice.”
His work has been seen both across Chicago with ComedySportz, iO, The Playground, and Laugh Out Loud Theater, and nationally with renowned musical improv group Baby Wants Candy (originators of the hip-hop musical “Shamilton”) and through written work with The Second City Network and The Onion.
As a corporate trainer he uses the joy of inspiration to encourage the power of collaboration, typically while wearing sharp slacks.
With over a decade of professional interactive experience, Sean’s ready to knock your socks off! But again, no skating; doctor’s orders.
Saliha Muttalib
Facilitator/ Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
They think I am some type of glamour queen thats always on top of things.
What I Actually Do:
Go with the flow and do my best work.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I played a fake town character for Budlight Whatever, USA in Crested Butte Colorado. The scenery was amazing and the job position itself was pretty insane. I saw Vanilla Ice pass out Vanilla ice cream, Lil Jon lead a parade and Pony jazzercise.
Sidebar:
“For me it’s either success or death and in my opinion, I’m immortal.”
Saliha Muttalib
Saliha Muttalib is a multidisciplinary actor and artist, specializing in improvisation, stand up comedy, story telling, burlesque, comedic writing and visual arts.
Her comedic prowess was recognized by her receipt of the Second City Chicago Puma Scholarship in 2012 and the Bob Curry Fellowship in 2014. Saliha performed with The Second City Chicago from 2010-2014.
She has also performed corporate improv, sketch and stand up with iO Chicago, ComedySportz, CIC, The Annoyance, The Crowd and The Shithole while living in Chicago. While living in Los Angeles, she performed sketch comedy burlesque, stand up and storytelling at The Hollywood Improv, The Second City Hollywood, and various stand-up venues.
Saliha has also been an extra in several movies and television shows.
She is currently living in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio for the remainder of the pandemic.
Bri Fitzpatrick
Facilitator / Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Get to do silly voices and goof around for money. Eat a lot of craft services.
What I Actually Do:
Try desperately to put together the puzzle pieces of a manic schedule that involves an average of fourteen gigs at a time, spend a lot on Lyfts, and smile when I remember that some of what I do actually involves getting to do silly voices and goof around for money.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I’ve led a “prance” with the Prancercise(TM) Lady (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-50GjySwew)
Personal Belief:
Work Hard. Be Nice. When in doubt, bring baked goods.
Bri Fitzpatrick
Bri Fitzpatrick is a Chicago-based performer, specializing in sketch comedy, improvisation, music, hosting, and workshop facilitation.
She holds an Bachelor of Arts with honors in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College, Dublin and is a graduate of The Second City’s Conservatory, Musical Conservatory, and iO Theatre’s Improv programs.
Bri’s recent on-camera credits include Pop TV’s series “Hot Date” and over a dozen commercials and industrials.
She has hosted/performed for clients such as Choose Chicago, Fresenius, Pfizer, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and many more.
She can be seen performing regularly with Second City: Deck the Hallmark – A Greeting Card Channel Original, ComedySportz Chicago, Baby Wants Candy: The Improvised Musical, iO Harold Team Pequod’s Presents: The Harold, Hitch*Cocktails, Anarchy: An Improvised Rock Opera, and Storytown Improv for Kids.
Bri is also a trained vocalist and plays rhythm guitar and flute.
Luis Cortes
Facilitator / Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Despite my best efforts I think most of my family still thinks that I do stand up.
What I Actually Do:
Spend my time split between hosting/tour guide jobs and theater jobs in the city and educational jobs (middle school, high school, corporate).
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
ONE of the the coolest things I’ve done was get to see Ray Bradbury’s open grave the day before he was laid to rest. There was a small cemetery behind my old job in Los Angeles and there were many celebrities buried there and he was to be the next one.
Sidebar:
Make people feel comfortable. A personal comfortability is the doorway to everything.
Luis Cortes
Luis David Cortes works as a host/facilitator/instructor of events, live performances, corporate workshops and high school theater festivals/competitions across the country.
Luis received a BA in Ethnic Sociology along with a minor in Theater from San Francisco State University. He is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory Program, iO West and ComedySportz LA Training Centers.
He also worked aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines as part of Second City Theatricals for 2 years, where in addition to performing he also taught workshops and hosted events. Luis also spent many years in young adult education as part of The National Theater for Children and Story Pirates (an in-school educational program designed to encourage young children into the field of creative writing).
He has hosted/performed for clients such as SHPE, Takeda, Shire, Fresenius and many more.
A few of his favorite performing credits are: Second City’s Fast Loud and Funny, touring improv duo Ranger Danger and the Danger Ranger, Aquatic Show Host at Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL).
Ryan Williams
Facilitator/ Producer/ Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Constantly avoid being on Saturday Night Live, because “You should go be on Saturday Night Live” according to them!
What I Actually Do:
Constantly work to get cast by Saturday Night Live. Do they still take people in their 40’s?
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I was lucky enough to do a live performance with The Daily Show (with Trevor Noah) during the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio. Also, I got to travel all around the USA for a month, in a private jet, filming in different locations for one of our clients. I felt like a big shot, if for only a fleeting moment!
Sidebar:
“Be a good person and do good work.”
Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams studied Theater at Metro State University in Denver. He is also a graduate of The Players Workshop West in Denver and The Second City Conservatory in Chicago.
He has been studying, performing, and teaching improvisation and comedy for over twelve years.
He has performed for such clients as: StateFarm, Fresenius, Boston Scientific, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and many more.
He is an ensemble member and teacher at CSZ Chicago and Barrel of Monkeys, as well as, a Co-Producer with Big-Little Comedy.
Ryan has performed and taught in comedy festivals around the country including: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Dallas, Cleveland, Austin, and Denver.
Ryan Williams’s Video Reel
Christy Bonstell
Choreographer/ Facilitator/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Performance Art
What I Actually Do:
Part party starter, part noisemaker, part energy infusion
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I should say become a parent…but, the actual coolest thing was shooting a commercial with Dwayne Wade.
Personal Belief:
Laughing counts as exercise.
Christy Bonstell
Christy L. Bonstell is a facilitator and performer for On-Cue and Second City Works.
She has travelled all across this great country performing for companies big and small as a writer, facilitator, performer and host.
Christy started in comedy over 20 years ago when she took classes at Second City Detroit while earning her B. F. A. in Theatre from Wayne State University.
After moving to Chicago, Christy furthered her training by taking classes at i.o., ComedySportz and the Annoyance.
Christy keeps her skills sharp by performing in television commercials and shows; you may have seen her sell you Kentucky Fried Chicken or McDonalds or in hit shows Shameless and Chicago Med.
She has performed for such clients as: Wells Fargo, Astellas, Pfizer, AORN, and Alcon to name just few.
Christy Bonstell’s Video Reel
Nicole Devin
Facilitator / Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
“Make people laugh?” “Pretend to be sick?”
What I Actually Do:
I teach improv to adults, teach communication skills to medical students and use improv skills to work with corporate groups to better their communication and interactions. I also perform for audiences, entertaining and allowing them to forget the real world for a moment.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Won a job co-hosting a morning radio talk show.
Personal Belief:
I try to always stay mindful and in the moment, looking for ways that I can “yes, and!” any situation that I find myself in. Every day is an opportunity to put myself out there and learn something new.
Nicole Devin
Nicole received her BFA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
No stranger to the stage, she also co-hosted a morning radio talk show, The Early Spin on WISN AM 1130, during her time in Milwaukee.
Her comedy training began at ComedySportz Milwaukee and continued in Chicago at iO Chicago and through the Second City Conservatory program.
She performed with Peach of the Neighborhood at the Playground Theater and several independent teams. In addition to performing and hosting, Nicole also uses her acting chops to help train medical doctors, acting as a standardized patient for a national medical exam as well as a med school.
She is involved in comedy on the national level as well, acting as the current Chairperson of the CSz WW Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
She has performed for such clients as: RJ Reynolds, Astellas and Fresenius to name a few.
Marla Caceres
Facilitator/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Something involving comedy
What I Actually Do:
Hosting, facilitating, and writing comedy for live events and video
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I’ve gone swimming with sting rays and gotten pickpocketed by a monkey.
Personal Belief:
Prepare for the moment, then be in the moment
Marla Caceres
Marla Caceres is a host, facilitator, improviser and writer.
Marla’s hosting credits range from on air cooking shows, bilingual trade show demonstrations, and facilitating multi-day general sessions for international companies. Engagements include such organizations as Amway, Shire, AbbVie, NetApp, and the Chicago Auto Show.
Her comedy credits include Second City debuts in the Kennedy Center and La Jolla Playhouse, the long-running Whirled News Tonight at the iO Theatre, the Late Night Jam at ComedySportz in Chicago, and Improv Acadia in Bar Harbor, Maine.
As a writer, Marla creates content for Onion Labs, the branded content division of The Onion, as well as corporate videos and live corporate sketch for Second City Works.
Marla holds a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of Florida and studied improv and writing at iO Theatre and The Second City.
A Miami, Florida native, Marla lives in Chicago with her husband, son, daughter, and bear-sized dog.
Cesar Jaime
Facilitator/ Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Improv Comedy
What I Actually Do:
Besides performing improvisational comedy shows 3 times a week, I am also a professional actor and a core faculty member and instructor with “Business Improvsations”, a company that specializes in creative ideation/solutions workshops for Fortune 500 companies, The Duke Fuqua School f Business, Columbia Business School, and UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, using the fundamental tools, lessons and exercises of improvisation.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Obtained a recurring role on a major television drama series.
Personal Belief:
(Mantra for you in this business. Based off of Dave and Co.’s motto “It’s Personal”.): “The worst idea with great support will go much further than the best idea with no support.” -Del Close.
Cesar Jaime
Cesar Jaime has been studying and performing Improvisation in Chicago for over 20 years.
In that time, he has performed with the Second City, the iO Theater, the Playground Theater, and The Noble Fool Theater, amongst many other great places around Chicago.
He has hosted events, performed live, and led corporate workshops for On-Cue., the iO Theater, and Second City.
In his time between hosting gigs, he spends time with Business Improvisations, where he works as a facilitator of corporate workshops for Fortune 500 companies, Columbia Business School, Duke Law School, UCLA Anderson School of Management, and Duke Fuqua School of Business.
A few corporate clients he has worked for include Synergy, Fresenius and Roche to name a few.
Cesar Jaime’s Video Reel
Greg Hollimon
Facilitator/ Producer/ Talent
Because Of My Love of Photography and The Precise Placement of Pre-Planned Photos Most Friends & Family Think “My Life’ Is One Big Long Vacation.
I Work A Lot Without Getting Paid – Without Meaning To Sound ‘Full Of Myself” (I Think) I’m Often The Adhesive – The Nucleus In The Lives of Others – I’m An Optimist – I Wear a Lot of The Different Hats – I Find I’m The Actors Therapist (Not That I Even Remotely Have It All Together) But I’m Also The 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chauffeur To Pick You Up And Get You To Work On Time – I’m The Dog Walker – I’m The Relationship Counselor – I’m The Maid – I Could Go On But You Have Work To Do 🙂
Through My Minute Knowledge Of Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids and Enzymes – I Was Able To Help Two Individuals – Help Themselves – And Get Out From Under The Addiction Of Crack Cocaine.
In This ‘Business’ Its About Your Personal Talent and Who You Know – So Be Civil And Get Along With Others.
Greg Hollimon
Greg Hollimon is an American actor, comedian, improviser and director.
For 20 Years or more, Greg Hollimon has performed with On-Cue in live-stage performances and industrial video projects.
He’s an actor (possibly) best known for his comedic work on Comedy Central’s Strangers with Candy. Hollimon has also worked on The Colbert Report and is an alumni of Chicago’s famed The Second City.
He’s performed nightly improvisational theatre at colleges and universities all over America with rave reviews for a two-man play called The RIC Show– Revelations, Indictments and Confessions, which was also performed in Ireland with his writer and acting partner, Michael McCarthy.
In addition to comedy, Hollimon has performed in dramatic plays, including Eugene Lee’s, East Texas Hot Links and Pearl Cleage’s, Flying West.” Directed By Ron O.J. Parson. He’s also appeared in a number of TV Shows, Videos & Films Over The Years including, The Fugitive, Sirens, Shrink, Warren, E.R., MAD TV, Squidbillies (voiceover), Trapped in the closet…just to name a few.
Randy Smock
Creative Director/ Executive Producer/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Stand Up Comedy
What I Actually Do:
Design, Produce, Direct or Perform Customized Creative Solutions for Corporations
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Numerous: Co-hosted an event with Ryan Seacrest in Times Square, Shot a T Shirt Cannon with Charles Barkley, Sang with the Goo Goo Dolls and smoked cigars with Mike Ditka backstage before a “Da Bears” sketch (Cigars supplied by Ditka)
Personal Belief:
Success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.
Randy Smock
Randy has been performing, hosting, creative directing and writing comedy professionally around the country for almost 25 years.
In that time, his talents have been used by a large list of clients, which includes Royal Caribbean Cruise, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Harley Davidson, Eli Lily, CDW, Hospira, Pfizer, ExxonMobil, Kellogg’s, Abbott Labs, Brown & Williamson, Ford, Pepsi and countless others.
Whether it’s hosting an event in Time Square with Ryan Seacrest, shooting a T shirt cannon with Charles Barkley or directing the an executive team to sing “You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings” to a standing ovation, he always rises to the occasion to bring something special to the event.
Randy also has extensive experience in the world of trade shows. Whether he’s hosting your booth event solo or performing with a group. His interactive style is always able to draw a crowd to make sure the booth’s take-aways are delivered in an entertaining way to achieve maximum impact.
Randy Smock’s Video Reel
Dave Gaudet
Creative Director/ Exec. Producer/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Professional Adventurer
What I Actually Do:
Create unique content delivery vehicles through live, digital, and experiential marketing channels. In basic terms, find a better way to tell a story, so more people will listen.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
For work – Toured the world in 21 days performing 11 shows for Intel. For fun – Played 18 holes at Whistling Straights with Ken Griffey Jr..
Personal Belief:
Simpler is better and that a conversation connects better than any presentation.
Dave Gaudet
Dave Gaudet’s unique blend of comedy and infotainment has been a mainstay of corporate events all around the world… and Quebec. He is a creative consultant with over twenty five years of experience as a host, comedian, writer, director and trainer. His versatility has made him a “Hit” with audiences and a valuable resource to production companies and their creative directors.
He combines all of his talents to create customized solutions to deliver key messages in a highly entertaining environment. His knowledge and experience affords him the ability to promote a business’s culture while fostering communication throughout the company. His activations and performances have been documented in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Crain’s Business. He has also appeared on MTV, NBC, CBS, WGN and in numerous national commercials.
Dave is the catalyst between the audience, the presenters and the company’s directives. Whether it is a general session, tradeshow, or even a video presentation, his keen insight consistently affords him the ability to deliver real solutions. That’s why companies like Intel, AbbVie, Coca-Cola, IBM, Wells Fargo, Harley Davidson and many more continually use his services to transform their events into interactive experiences.
Dave Gaudet’s Video Reel
Eric Lindberg
Creative Director/ Exec. Producer/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
It’s never come up.
What I Actually Do:
Things that need to get done.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Pretended to be a cop on Network Television.
Personal Belief:
The message is only as good as how it’s delivered.
Eric Lindberg
Eric has been in the business for 15+ years. He has hosted, facilitated, produced, written, created, and performed in countless corporate meetings, trade shows, and video projects. His dedication and devotion to his clients make everybody’s life easier.
When it comes to performance Eric is a consummate professional. Eric’s quick mind and spontaneous wit have added laughs to general sessions, tradeshows, and breakouts the world over. Even with the laughs coming Eric is able to keep the meeting on pace and on point, while maintaining a unique balance of information and entertainment.
Eric is also a highly skilled sales trainer, instructional designer, and creative director. With a Masters Degree from Columbia College. Eric develops creative training “Road Shows” that incorporate comedy and improvisational techniques to enhance hundreds of rudimentary training sessions. The results have had immense success in increased sales productivity and participant satisfaction.
Eric also performs a “mentalism/mind reading” comedy act which he can customize specifically for each engagement. Oftentimes utilizing these skills to provide transitions and interstitials during meetings and awards ceremonies.
He has performed for such clients as: Wells Fargo, KPMG, AT&T, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Abbott Laboratories, and Sara Lee to name just few.
Eric Lindberg’s Video Reel
Matt Elwell, CPLP
Director of Learning and Development / Talent / Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
“Comedy, but for companies, like on The Saturday Night Live, but for companies. I’m not sure exactly, but he says they pay him. I offered to take him to Kroger for groceries, but he says he’s doing alright.”
What I Actually Do:
I use improv to help organizations improve human performance.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Partnered with a Corporate Anthropologist to do an intensive 3 day teambuilding/chartering experience for a billion dollar multi-national’s executive team that was transitioning into a lattice model.
Personal Belief:
Team success or failure will always come down to Awareness, Commitment, and Connection.
Matthew Elwell, CPLP
Matt Elwell has been using the principles of improvisation to improve professional performance for 15 years. As an instructional designer, Matt has created learning experiences used by 100s of organizations including AT&T, McDonalds, Astellas Pharma U.S., SRR, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Navy, as well as developing solutions for large annual sales meetings. As a facilitator, Matt has hosted conversations from groups as diverse as an executive team of a billion dollar advertising firm to a virtual sales department. Matt is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance, and has shared his insights on interactive learning and improvisation at both professional and academic conferences. He has been active in the Applied Improvisation and Learning & Development communities, including as President of the Association for Talent Development, Chicagoland Chapter, a regional network of over 500 TD professionals.
Moira Begale
Executive Producer/ Facilitator/ Stunt Coordinator/ Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Fight with swords and shields all day long.
What I Actually Do:
Anything and everything except clean the bathroom. A person has to have standards!
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Drove John Malkovich to and from Chicago and talked about how his kids know 3 different languages and that he was about to get kicked out of France for not paying taxes. Luckily, he paid them.
Personal Belief:
It’s Personal!
Moira Begale
Moira has spent the last four years as a producer, talent and fighter for On-Cue! In that time, she has helped orchestrate countless corporate meetings, video projects, and has performed in several corporate meetings for ALIS, AORN and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (to name a few). She has also performed in various storefront theaters in Chicago, some of them include Akvavit Theatre, Pride Films and Plays, Jackalope Theatre and Babes with Blade. During the day, she can be seen holding down the fort at On-Cue performing the day-to-day office activities and helping facilitate a fun, energetic creative atmosphere. At night, she is a proud ensemble member of Otherworld Theatre Company (Sci-Fi and Fantasy) and the Managing Director of WildClaw Theatre (Horror). She has appeared in several commercials, industrials and short films. She just finished filming her first feature, Teacher and is working as a stunt coordinator for her next feature film, The Letter.
Padraic Connelly
Producer/Talent/Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Tell knock-knock jokes and play video games.
What I Actually Do:
Write customized comedy for corporate clients, teach communication skills and teamwork, coach the next generation of Chicago’s best comedians, tell knock-knock jokes, and play video games.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Lost (badly) on Jeopardy!
Personal Belief:
Make your partners look good!
Padraic Connelly
Padraic Connelly serves a writer, workshop facilitator, and talent for Dave & Co. He has been performing and teaching in Chicago for 16 years at ComedySportz Chicago, The iO Theater, and as an original cast member of the long-running hit Whirled News Tonight. He has written and performed original comedy shows that have toured with runs in New York, Los Angeles, and across the country. He has created and facilitated workshops for countless corporate clients and universities, including Verizon Wireless, Boeing, CDW, University of Wisconsin and The University of Florida. After joining the cast of Hairspray: The Musical with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, he returned to Chicago where he now serves as the Artistic Director of CSz Theater Chicago and ComedySportz Chicago.
Alex Garday
Facilitator / Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Perform improv comedy (or “make-em-ups” according to my Grandma) in Chicago and around the country.
What I Actually Do:
Travel the country and use my skills as a trained comedian to provide entertainment, education and creative concepts to hundreds of people every year.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I’ve performed on the same night as Chance the Rapper in Chicago.
Personal Belief:
My Personal Belief is show up, do the work, and have fun every minute along the way.
Alex Garday
Alex Garday actively works in the Chicago and North America market as a host for corporate events as well as creative content generator/executor for Dave & Co. He is a Chicago based actor and comedian who hails from Arizona. Garday received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona with a double minor in theater and writing. Previous clients include: Verizon Wireless, Pulmicort, Allergen, Walmart, and AORN. For the last 7 years, Garday has been privileged to perform comedy at all of the major Chicago institutions including The Second City, iO Chicago, the Annoyance Theatre, Comedy Sportz Chicago, MCL Chicago and more. Garday crossed over into the interwebs with the hit online web series, The Restaurant. He is 6’5″ and ethnically ambiguous.
Rob Grabowski
Facilitator / Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
My friends get it but my family still thinks it’s stand-up and also wonder why i’m not on TV more.
What I Actually Do:
Actor and Host
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I was an officiant at a surprise wedding once. I also said no to a photo with Noah Wyle.
Personal Belief:
What can I do, for you?
Rob Grabowski
Rob Grabowski is an actor and improviser around the Chicago area. He received a B.F.A in Fine Arts from Central Michigan University and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory and the iO Training Program. Rob has worked with various theatres including Victory Gardens, The New Colony, Sideshow Theatre, Second City Theatricals on the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Annoyance. He is also a teacher in the ComedySportz School and Training Center as well as an improv coach at iO Chicago. Rob performs regular with iO Chicago and CSz Chicago and is a host of The Kiss Kiss Cabaret. He has also appeared in several videos for The Onion and commercials for CashNetUsa.com. He’s 6’3″ and cannot dunk a basketball.
Rob Grabowski’s Video Reel
Nathan Jansen
Producer/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
My family thinks I make up silly songs about other people’s real jobs.
What I Actually Do:
I help other people find joy in every day life though the pieces I write, the shows I perform and the interactions I have.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
I helped push a Land Rover filled with people out of a crocodile infested river in Mali.
Personal Belief:
I believe in treating everything like it’s important.
Nathan Jansen
Nathan Jansen has worked as an actor, emcee, writer, teacher and creative director for the past 14 years. After studying Trumpet Performance and Acting at Kansas State University he trained at The iO Theater and The CSz Chicago Theater. He performs all around the world, but can most regularly be found at Judy’s Beat Lounge at Second City performing an improvised musical with Baby Wants Candy or hard at work at the writing desk at On-Cue.
Vincent Kracht
Facilitator/ Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
SIT AROUND WATCHING TV
What I Actually Do:
SIT AROUND LEARNING LINES, TAPING AUDITIONS AND READING SCRIPTS (WHILE THE TV IS ON)
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
PERSONALLY WALKED PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER AROUND FOR AN AFTERNOON
Personal Belief:
Just keep swimming
Vincent Kracht
Vince Kracht has worked with Dave and Co. for various live and video projects. He received his BA degree in Acting and Directing from Western Michigan University and completed the program at the Second City Training Center. He recently worked with TimeLine Theatre as an understudy for The Audience and this summer, played Chauncey Miles in the Midwest premiere of The Nance (Pride Films and Plays). For a decade, he has improvised at ImprovAcadia in Bar Harbor, Maine, and spent four years sailing on The Oasis of the Seas as Wilbur opposite Jim J. Bullock’s Edna in HAIRSPRAY—a production featured via satellite on the 66th Annual Tony Awards. Vince is represented exclusively by Gray Talent.
Nick Semar
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
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What I Actually Do:
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Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
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Sidebar:
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Nick Semar
The blenheim; hurricane, blue lagoon gordon’s hennessey; aultmore tamagozake, irish flag flirtini ardbeg general sherman paloma gibbon joker, mortlach. Bailey’s irish cream montgomery red lotus smoky martini, blue hawaii, hayride. Bourbon lancer tom and jerry 7 crown usher’s aultmore white lady or delilah. Laphroaig skyy bowmore glenfarclas, the amarosa cocktail rusty nail. Gilbey’s long island iced tea three wise men glenglassaugh brackla bearded lady cointreau batida; bananarita.
Redline drumguish glenallachie johnny walker black port charlotte four horsemen monte alban amaretto sour stinger caipirinha bourbon lancer lemon split. Jagertee chopin auchroisk brackla brandy manhattan glendullan french 75 caipiroska, red lotus brandy manhattan; vodka gimlet?
Hairy virgin, grog staten island ferry paralyzer angel’s tit allt-á-bhainne mimosa glenlivet cardhu, spritzer lorraine. Bourbon lancer paralyzer; appletini metaxa mortlach, gilbey’s, dom miltonduff madras aberlour? Buck’s fizz highland park dickel cuba libre fettercairn glen moray canadian mist hiram walker crown royal! Gibson macuá, gilbey’s teacher’s mannochmore polish martini the blenheim glen spey schenley’s paloma. Glen keith paloma paradise gordon’s jack rose brave bull murphy’s gibson kensington court special. Paralyzer glentauchers pepe lopez blue lagoon saketini.” J & b port charlotte coronet vso gin and tonic, orange tundra. Lejon savoy affair inchgower, “royal bermuda cocktail old mr. boston mickey slim polmos krakow, farnell.” Martell speyside jose cuervo agent orange slammer royale batida glengoyne colombia.
Nick Semar’s Video Reel
Stephanie McCullough
Musical Director
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Produce shows, write music, teach performers, change the world one song at a time!
What I Actually Do:
Produce shows, write music, teach performers, change the world one song at a time!
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
So many! Being Wayne Brady’s music director for a sold-out show up in Milwaukee definitely in my top five life experiences!
Personal Belief:
Showing is far more powerful than telling!
Stephanie McCullough
Stephanie McCullough, PsyD is a veteran music director in Chicago. She has been producing original musicals and original comedy songs for over twenty-years, working with the likes of Dave & Co., The Second City, and ComedySportz. Stephanie composes original arrangements and instrumental tracks for commercial needs as well as stage and film. She is a producer for the annual musical comedy festival Premier Premieres and is a full-time faculty with The Second City Training Center. Stephanie worked as a psychologist for several years before taking the leap to tour the country as a music director in 2004 full-time. It was one of the best decisions she’s made for her career as a creative person.
Rachel Miller
Creative Director/ Facilitator/ Talent/ Writer
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Accrue massive amounts of frequent flyer miles
What I Actually Do:
Host live events, run workshops, appear on film and improvise for money
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Freestyle rapped at U2’s Vertigo European Tour party and filmed an unaired Kanye West video
Personal Belief:
Be part of the solution.
Rachel Miller
Rachel Miller works as a facilitator of corporate workshops, hosts events, and performs live and on camera for Dave & Co, Second City Works and BI Worldwide. Rachel received a Masters of Arts Management from Indiana University and has worked for Columbia Artists Management, Walt Disney Creative Entertainment and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory, iO and The Annoyance Theater training center. She worked in Amsterdam for 5-1/2 years at comedy theater Boom Chicago where in addition to performing, she developed their improv and corporate workshop curriculum before returning to Chicago. A few of her favorite performing credits: Second City’s Improv All-Stars, guitar/vocal improv duo Vlad & Rachel, Second City’s National Touring Company, Breathing on Cougarness, and freestyle-rapping at U2’s “Vertigo” European Tour Party. She also holds a Bachelor of Music Performance in Oboe from Indiana University.
Maggie Smith
Facilitator/ Producer/ Talent
What My Friends & Family Think I Do:
Starve.
What I Actually Do:
Play pretend for a living.
Coolest Thing I’ve Done That I Can Talk About in Public:
Had a bodyguard
Personal Belief:
Be nice, be cool.
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith is an actor and writer based in Chicago. She is a contributor for The Onion Sports, and a performer for Second City Theatricals. She improvises on the ensemble at ComedySportz Chicago, and her comedic writing has been published for McSweeney’s, Reductress, The Second City Network, and Readers Digest Magazine. She is also the creator and host of her own satirical news show called “The News* with Maggie Smith.” Website: www.maggiesmith.squarespace.com Twitter: @THEJudiDench
Alida Vitas
Producer/ Talent
My close friends and family actually know what I do because most of them are or have been in the “biz”. My parents always thought that I act in funny plays on stage as a hobby and that someday – I would “grow up” and get a real job.
I am an improviser/actor, writer, director of live shows and video, voice over actor, singer, teacher, trainer and facilitator. I’ve cobbled together this fascinating crazy career for over 25 years. It’s funny – the definition (according to Siri) of an improviser is: 1. Create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation. 2. Produce or make (something) from whatever is available. That’s pretty much what I do – on stage, in front of a microphone, in front of and behind a camera and in life.
I can tell you many cool things that I’ve done. Here are some that I got to do with Dave & Co. and ComedySportz. I was hired to do a world tour with Intel Corporation as part of the “Intel Players” we performed all across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, England, Ireland, Germany, Phillipines, Malaysia and Japan. One of the many cool things that happened on that trip was doing our show on a beach on the South China Sea and seeing women in the audience wearing their traditional hijab doing “the wave”.
Perfection is a Killer! Don’t wait till circumstances are perfect to share your story, audition for something, write that script or book or play. Do it now. I’m still learning this one. Peace.
Alida Vitas
Alida Vitas is a proud member of Dave & Co. & Comedy Sportz, where she has performed and taught improv for over 20 years, including a world tour and performances at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.
Alida has also written, directed and performed in many theaters, including The Apollo, Live Bait Theater, Annoyance Theater, Second City Communications, Trap Door Theater, just to name a few and has worked in film, television and corporate meetings both nationally and internationally. She has also used her voice over talents commercially and in broadcast radio.
Alida also has over 20 years of experience in training, teaching and one on one coaching. Her training resume includes private executive speech coaching, presentation skills coaching, sales presentation training, theater skills and improv training, as well as different corporate training for new hires, team building, etc. Alida’s approach to training includes an emphasis on enhancing a client’s natural ability by building on their strengths and confidence, with a style that is clear, concise and focused.
