Alumni News

How did you get started with improv?
I started back at Troy High School (Go Colts!) in Troy, Michigan. We had an improv troupe there called "The Generics". When I moved to Chicago to go to college at Roosevelt University I kept it up because Chicago was and is the home of improvisation.

What brought you to ComedySportz?
I had gone through classes at The Second City and friends in class suggested I take classes at ImprovOlympic (now IO). I had been performing at IO for about 5 years and I was getting restless. I happened to look in The Reader and there were auditions happening the following weekend for the group. I auditioned and was hired in 1997.

What sets ComedySportz aside from the other improv you have done?
Fast, fast, fast and I love it. You have to make choices right away. You also have to support to the nth degree. Being at CSz really pushed me to be a better improviser.

What kind of shows are you doing now, and how has ComedySportz prepared you for performing elsewhere?
Right now I am performing in Armando Diaz and The Linbergh Babies at IO, Baby Wants Candy at the Apollo, Second City Communications at The Second City and, of course, The Hot Karl at CSz which is celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary on August 8th, 2009. The fast play, learning to host games and handle a crowd with authority, and sing on cue really helped me be be successful with all those groups. I definitely wouldn't be involved with Baby Wants Candy or The Second City if it wasn't for my time at ComedySportz.

What is something you miss about performing ComedySportz?
The constant infighting and sleepovers.

What do you like to do when not performing?
I am a huge reader. I usually have a stack of books by my bed waiting to be read. I am a big supporter of my local library (Go Merlo!). I love movies and tv and, lately, I have been trying to see more bands perform. Drive-By Truckers, The Hold Steady, Kings of Leon, and Fountains of Wayne are my favorites to check out when they come to Chicago.