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Gregory Hollimon

Stand Up/Improv/Actor

Gregory Hollimon (born May 2, 1956) is an American actor, comedian, and scribbler. He first gained exposure on and is best known for his work on Comedy
Central's Strangers with Candy
Hollimon grew up in the Chicago housing projects of Cabrini–Green and Attended Cooley High School graduating In 1974. In 1978 Hollimon began dancing influenced by American actor, dancer, and choreographer Adolfo "Shabba- Doo" Quiñones. In 1986, he began taking improvisation classes at Players Workshop in Chicago, where he met Paul Dinello and, some time later, Amy Sedaris. Hollimon then began doing stand-up at a few local comedy clubs and dabbled in comedy writing, while honing his craft of improvisation at Players Workshop.
Hollimon graduated from Players Workshop in 1988 and enrolled in classes at Chicago's
famed The Second City. While still taking classes, he was hired into Second City's National Touring Company, where he met Stephen Colbert. A year later, Sedaris, Dinello, Colbert & Hollimon were all touring together, performing nightly improvisational theatre at colleges & universities all over America.
After leaving Second City in 1993, he then wrote and performed in a two-man play called The RIC Show-Revelations, Indictments and
Confessions with his friend and fellow actor Michael McCarthy. They performed the play to rave reviews at the Dublin Theater Festival and eventually staged the show in Los Angeles where it garnered similar accolades.[citation needed]
When the play closed, Hollimon returned to Chicago to work in the theater. He performed in
plays, including Eugene Lee's East Texas Hot
Links and Pearl Cleage's Flying West." He then moved on to film, appearing in Stephen Gyllenhaal's Losing Isaiah and Richard Pearce's A Family Thing. Sedaris, Dinello, and Colbert created the role of Principal Blackman with Hollimon in mind for the Strangers with Candy TV series. Blackman's deep, oratorial speaking style is actually quite different from Hollimon's actual speaking voice. The second season Strangers DVD contains video of the cast's appearance at The Museum of
Television and Radio; during this appearance Colbert imitates Blackman, describing his "hubris and overweening pride." (A line that's actually a Blackman quote about Jerri Blank.) Hollimon objected to the imitation, insisting that he didn't sound like that, but Colbert assured him that he did. The same DVD also features a commentary track where it is revealed that Hollimon is a very skilled rollerskater, so Sedaris, Dinello, and Colbert incorporated this talent into the show.

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Ramon Smith

Stand Up/Improv/Actor/Producer

Born in Chicago and raised in Puerto Rico where he enjoyed the hot sun and surfing, he met a friend who turned him on to the acting world. Naturally talented he decided to give it a try. He moved back to Chicago to pursue a better career in theater and film. And as he gained credit in the acting world, he began to expand into writing, directing and filming. He then stumbled upon "Improv" and found a new street to add to his acting map. Ramon is an I.O. Chicago alumni and can be seen around the city of Chicago performing with his Improv group BLACKOUT. Ramon is now a regular cast member of the hit show Pimprov at The Chemically Imbalanced Theater. He is also a Stand-up comic that produces and performs in a monthly show with his wife called This is Your brain on Beer Comedy Show. He produces and stars in two podcasts called Mr and Mrs Smith Talk Relationships and Beer Quest on iTunes. He and his wife produce a weekly video on their YouTube channel called Question of the Day! plus an array of comedy sketches as well. He also plays guitar and sings in a parody band called Southern Diapers. Ramon is an ensemble member of The Aguijon Theater, a Spanish speaking theater in Chicago.

Ramon is represented by Lily's Talent Agency

Yashar Kafi

Stand Up

With his dry, deadpan delivery, Iranian born comedian Yashar Kafi wields stereotypes of gender, race, nationality, and religion, not only in their classic senses but in their current mass cultural paradigms as well. He affirms many modern views to be correct and others to be ridiculous, calling into question the way we have come to look down on certain groups in this new generation, as well as lampooning the bigotry of the past. Yashar’s unabashed honesty is what disarms his audiences and holds them captive with a broader understanding of what truly makes America great. He will leave you laughing and wanting to cry at the same time - you'd be sorry to miss this show.

Just two years after beginning stand up, Yashar advanced to the semi-finals in KTLA's Find Me a Comic competition, beating out hundreds of seasoned competitors. In 2016, Yashar placed 2nd in LA's Funniest Comic contest in the Headliner category. In 2018, he was a two-time 2nd place Satellite Winner at the World Series of Comedy. A man of many talents, Yashar has starred in over 100 student films and is a Black Belt in karate. You can find Yashar sharing his love of Chuck Norris on his Instagram page or on the streets of Pasadena, feeding local stray cats.

https://vimeo.com/307936923/recommended

Del Harrison

Stand Up

When it comes to talent, Paul Mooney said it best, Del has the “IT” factor. Voted one of the Top 35 Funniest Black Female Comedians in the US by Ranker.com (2019), Del Harrison, or as most people call her, Del, is a comedian, actress, producer, director, voiceover artist, soul singer & songwriter and she has a song out on FM radio called Boom Boom that’s hot!!! AND Del is one of the funniest people most people know. But don’t take our word for it, head to her website right now and download her debut comedy album “Oh Yeah, Girl!” and listen for yourself.

Credits: Versus with Lance Bass, LaffMobb's LaffTracks, Gotham Comedy Live, Laughs, The Mo'Nique Show, SiriusXM, Let's Talk Hair on Amazon Prime Video.

http://www.iamdelharrison.com/

Greg Edwards

Stand Up/Actor

Greg Edwards is a fearless comedian from Virginia. Greg moved to San Francisco in 2001 and became a fixture on the Bay Area comedy scene. Greg is known for his distinctive voice, awkward views and social commentary. He's performed at Jamie Foxx's Laffapollozza, SF SketchFest, SF Burrito & Comedy Fest, Riot LA, and clubs and colleges all over California. Greg was awarded the prestigious Dan Crawford Award from the San Francisco Punchline in 2009 and moved to Los Angeles in 2010. Greg has performed at the Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv, The IceHouse, & all the popular independent shows in LA.

Greg has worked with Dave Chappelle, Paul Mooney, Patrice O'Neal, Damon Wayans, Bill Burr, Charlie Murphy, Maria Bamford, Jim Jeffries, Harland Williams, Bill Bellamy, Deon Cole, W. Kamau Bell and many more outstanding comedians. Most recently, Greg stars as "Sparky Sweets PhD" of the critically-acclaimed web series THUG NOTES, Greg was also in season 1 of Comedy Central's Corporate and also was in Comedy Central's Black Depression video "Demetrinox"

Greg has been in Entertainment Weekly, Forbes, The International New York Times and has been on BET, Comedy Central, interviewed on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS & has recently released 3 independent comedy albums Gregarious, Fuck you Greg & Dopamine.

Marcus Banks

Stand Up

Marcus Banks is a stand up comedian based in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Boston University in 2017 and running out of couches to hop on in Los Angeles, Marcus decided to give stand up comedy a try and has not turned back. He’s performed at Laugh Factory, Zanies, and Comedy Bar. In March of 2019, he was chosen to be a contestant in the Kenyan Thompson Ultimate Experience Road to NYC competition. Additionally, Marcus hosts an open mic at Second City and helps produce a comedy show (Quick Fix Comedy) at Revolution Brewing.

Adrienne Brandyburg

Stand Up/Improv/Actress

Adrienne Brandyburg is becoming someone you should keep your eyes on. Adrienne is a writer, actress, and comedian hailing from Chicago. Ms. Brandyburg is an alum of The Second City Improv Conservatory.

Along with two other melanated queens, Adrienne produces a WOC based variety show called BAPS Comedy. Follow them @Bapscomedy

Adrienne is featured in several publications including Rebellious, Huffpost, and Currlynikki. Her latest feature titled “Awesome Chicago Female Comics You Should be Following Right Now” in medium.com received rave feedback.

Adrienne will appear in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Utopia. As an actress, Ms. Brandyburg has done a number of shorts and independent films. You can also catch her in ads between your favorite Youtube shows.

Adrienne performs all around the country including venues like Laugh Factory, Zanies and The Steppenwolf spreading laughter and blackness.

Instagram Adriennebrandyburg and Twitter @adriennedennise

Soli Santos

Stand Up/Improv/Actress

A Chicago native, Soli Santos began her comedy career as a student of The Second City where she studied improv and completed the sketch writing program. She eventually went on to co-produce and co-write several sketch shows which ran in the De Maat and Donny's Skybox theaters and was accepted into the Mary Scrugg’s sketch fest. She went on to try stand up and has been featured at The Laugh Factory, Zanies-Wells, and The Schaumburg Improv. She featured in The 2019 Kenan Thompson’s Ultimate Comedy Experience in Chicago and was a cast member of The Urban Theaters' play, Not For Sale.
You can check her out in the Amazon Prime short film, Enter the Mollusk.

IG/FB/Twitter: @solicomedy

Rob Wilson

Improv/Actor

Rob Wilson lives in the city of Chicago. He has made the most of his time there appearing in FOX's "Empire", SHOWTIME's "Shameless", and both NBC's "Chicago Med" and "Chicago Fire". Rob is currently touring the nation with The Second City's Touring Company. He is a deeply silly man who loves playing pretend.

He is represented by Paonessa Talent

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Ricky Harris

Improv/Actor/Musician

The Ricky Harris is an active actor, singer, musician, host, improviser or whatever else the occasion calls for here in the Chicagoland area. He’s worked with several theaters throughout and also enjoys being a teaching artist to students all over the city!

Prateek Srivastava

Stand Up/Improv

Prateek Srivastava (try saying that 3 times fast) is a nationally
touring comedian based in Chicago. Prateek was recently selected for
the fourth time as a regional finalist for NBC’s Stand Up Talent
Search.

Prateek has performed at festivals all over the country including the
NBC Break Out Festival at Second City, Zee Tv’s Desi Comedy Festival,
San Francisco Sketchfest, World Series of Comedy, Bird City Comedy
Festival, “Laugh Your Asheville”North Carolina Festival, and the
Milwaukee Comedy Festival. His work ethic and observational humor has
landed him on prestigious stages including Zanies Comedy Club, the
Laugh Factory and colleges including Northwestern University,
University of Chicago, Marquette University, and DePaul University.

Prateek recently completed the East Meets Midwest Tour which
culminated in him headlining a sold out night at Carolines Comedy Club
in New York City. He has performed alongside nationally touring
headliners Godfrey, Maz Jobrani, Andy Kindler, Sammy Obeid and Stewart
Huff.

Additionally, Prateek was a writer and cast member for P.O.V. a sketch
comedy show at Chicago’s famed Improv Olympic directed by Michael
Mccarthy(SNL) and recently performed in the sketch shows "OKSTUPID"
and "Little Me Little You" at Second City.

When he is not onstage, Prateek has appeared on WGNtv and NPR. Prateek
thanks you for reading his bio and thanks you for not realizing that
he’s speaking in the 3rd person right now!

Marz Timms

Stand Up/Improv/Actor

Marz is a Chicago based comedian who tours internationally making people laugh. He’s the former Chicago Bulls in-arena host, and you may have seen him on the Netflix original series EASY.

Follow Marz on Instagram @marztimms

Hollie Harper

Stand Up/Improv/Actress

Hollie Harper is a writer and a standup/sketch comedian/actress from Cape May, New Jersey.

She’s a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating” as well as the female comedian-paneled talk show "Broadish"

Her blog “Hollie Harper INK” on Medium quickly gained Top Writer status in Parenting, Black Lives Matter and Racism. A recent blog was selected by Medium curators to be recommended to readers interested in Parenting and Equality across their homepage, app, topic pages, and emails.

Her popular sketch comedy show AMERICAN CANDY has played the Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, BAM Café as well as the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Team CANDY is presently editing a pilot they shot last winter

She's a regular host at West Side Comedy Club. She recently starred in the Off-Broadway production of Melanie Maria Goodreaux's "The White Blacks".

link to my blog on Medium

https://medium.com/hollie-harper

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Dario Durham

Stand Up/Improv/Producer

Dario would describe himself as “a collaborative artist” whose art is meant to bring different people, ideas, and concepts together to form one “thing”.

A native of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, he understands what adversity is. His approach to life is high-energy, joyful, and inspirational with the thought process that “we can all eat.” This is the driving force behind his comedy career.

He is a burst of energy and full of life coming up fast on the Chicago comedy scene. Dario started his comedy career in improv at Chicago’s Second City in 2016. Following improv, he started stand-up. After about 4 open mics and 1 “bad” set, Dario quit comedy for about 5 months. He came back in November of 2017 and been going ever since. Dario uses real life personal experiences to move the crowds with laughter. Currently, he is the producer of the Rising Laughter Showcase and Women’s Showcase that displays the newest talent the city has to offer. He also helps run 2 open mics in the city with one being for women and non-binary comedians. You can catch him all over the city’s best bars, basements, and attics.

In mid-2019, Dario, along with his friend Darrian Lewis and William boy launched the “B Posi+ive: The Chicago Stories” podcast. The podcast is meant to highlight the talented artist, entrepreneurs, local mainstays, and more in and around the Chicagoland area. The intent is to find that inspirational and positive moment with the guest through fun and honest conversation.

In November of 2019, Dario and his company, B Posi+ive Productions, released the first of 2 comedy compilation albums, “We Spoke This into Existence,” which charted to #4 on iTunes. The second album, “Laughter Is Good for the Soul”, debuted at #1 on June 19th 2020 and has been played in over 20 countries.

Kimberly Clark

Stand Up

Originally from Syracuse, New York, Kimberly Clark was born the daughter of a preacher father and a prim and proper mother who stressed the importance of writing Thank You notes. She has appeared on Last Comic Standing and Lopez Tonight. Her laid back wry delivery serves as bait for her sharp but whimsical wit. Before you know it, you're hooked and laughing.

Lyssa Laird

Stand Up/Improv

Whether it be acting or comedy, Lyssa Laird is no stranger to the stage. Her acting career started at the tender age of 6 with the Chicago Theater Company. After a decade of performing in numerous stage plays and a brief stint in the Air Force, she decided to pursue another passion of hers, being a Tap dancing stripper when that failed she turned to stand-up comedy. Her hard-hitting brand of comedy is impossible to ignore, making her a comedic force to be reckoned with. As a young mother, Lyssa is able to connect with many audience members through shared experiences and a unique sense of humor. Performing at clubs all over the city, she has achieved a lot in her short comedy career and only plans to do bigger and better things. Keep an eye out because this is one comedienne you don't want to miss!

John McCombs

Stand Up

John McCombs is a 9 year veteran of comedy and a 4 year veteran of the Marine Corps. His unique perspective intertwines the absurdity of an aggressive military background with realizing his shortcomings as a man who relies on Youtube to learn how to fix things. John has performed in 15 different countries over two European tours and has opened for Michelle Wolf (Netflix, Comedy Central) Tim Meadows (SNL) and is a regular at the Laugh Factory and Zanies.

Mona Aburmishan

Stand Up/Improv/Producer

Mona is an international comedian based in her hometown of Chicago.

She performs, emcees, and produces comedy shows, competitions and events in major clubs, theaters and universities around the world. In addition to comedy, Mona is a sought-after speaker for her experience using stand-up comedy to bring joy and affinity to various socio-political topics in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Mona has a Master’s in International Development and is fluent in English, German and Arabic and performs in these languages. Living and working around the world, Mona uses her global insight and homegrown Chicago-style to offer a fresh look at shifting frustration into funny.

Most notably, Mona is America’s first internationally honed stand up comedian. Similarly, she is the first Arab and Muslim woman to perform stand-up comedy in the nation’s most prestigious institutions: Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; and will be returning this Fall!

Currently, Mona is back home in Chicago after having completed a powerful Pre-COVID touring schedule throughout US, and recently WINNING the “Kennan Thompson Road to NYC - SNL” comedy competition in Las Vegas this year; having just completed her Summer tour throughout the West Bank, Europe and the United Kingdom. As an international producer, host and headliner Mona in less than one week performs and produces 9 shows spanning Palestine, Switzerland, and the heart of London’s thriving comedy scene. While in London, Mona was a special featured guest on “Islam Channel” as a thriving female Muslim entertainer which was broadcast to over 100 countries.

In addition to regularly performing in the US, Canada, EU, UK and the Middle East, Mona is a sought-after headliner on the African continent. Becoming a regular in the South African market, Mona works regularly with comedians and media personalities throughout South Africa’s major cities: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Alonzo Bodden

Stand Up/Actor/Producer

A regular panel member on NPR’s Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me, Alonzo Bodden has been making audiences around the country laugh for more than 20 years.

In his stand-up special, Heavy Lightweight, which streams on Amazon Prime Video this summer, he goes from heavy topics like slavery, politics, and the #MeToo movement, to lightweight topics such as millennials, yoga pants and Taco Bell. some topics you cant categorize like Kanye West. As he says, “he likes to mix it up and hopes that audiences will join him for a laugh and a think, or two.”

His first big comedy break came when he was on the “New Faces of Comedy” showcase at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, but it was as the season three winner of NBCʼs Last Comic Standing, where Alonzo was first introduced to America.

Since then, he has starred in two comedy specials for Showtime: Historically Incorrect and Who’s Paying Attention. He’s also made appearances on ABC’s Dr. Ken and Fresh Off the Boat, Dr. Phil, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and Californication.

He’s also hosted the live touring version of Family Fued, the Just For Laughs comedy awards show along with numerous charity fundraisers

A car and motorcycle aficionado, Bodden hosted Speed Channel’s 101 Cars You Must Drive and America’s Worst Driver on the Travel Channel, and has joined Jay Leno for several trips on his CNBC series Leno’s Garage. He was also a field correspondent on Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson, and a contributor on the Science Channel’s How to Build Everything.

Last year, Alonzo released his fifth comedy CD titled Man Overboard, and currently hosts the podcast Who's Paying Attention? where he gives his unique take on what's going on in the world.

Instagram: ZoFunny

Aaron McDavis

Stand Up/Producer

Aaron McDavis got his start in comedy performing in Dallas and Austin before moving to Chicago in 2014. Since then, he has performed all around the city including Zanies and Laugh Factory, as well the Plano Comedy Festival and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. In February of 2020, he made his debut performance in Chicago’s popular live comedy showcase, Comedians You Should Know. He is currently a co-producer of the weekly showcase Comedy Tub at Chicago Joe's.

Dwayne Perkins

Stand Up/Actor

Brooklyn native Dwayne Perkins is a vet in the comedy game. His one hour comedy special: “Dwayne Perkins: Take Note” debuted on Netflix to rave reviews and instantly became a fan favorite. It showcases his unique way of looking at life and his unparalleled ability to convey it in a hilarious manner. Take Note was already in the top 50 Netflix comedy specials of all time only 2 months after being released. Dwayne has earned a spot in today’s elite class of standup comics with several appearances on Comedy Central and Conan. Dwayne is the author of the book, “Hot Chocolate For The Mind,” A collection of humorous essays. Dwayne co-wrote and starred in the feature suspense film “Dying To Kill,” now on Amazon, where he plays a stand-up comic who has to get laughs or die trying. His recurring piece on The Jay Leno Show, “Great White Moments in Black History,” was a viewer favorite.

Jesnaira Baez

Stand Up

Jesnaira was born and raised in Humbolt Park. She first stepped on the stage as a dare from a friend. After, a few open mics she fell in love with stand-up comedy. Since then she has been traveling to colleges and clubs across the states. Jesnaira has been exciting crowds with her unique brand of comedy. She was featured on 2012 TBS Just For Laughs Break Out Comics and 2013 TBS Just for Laughs Five Star Leading Ladies. She has also been selected comedian for the Que Funny on XM.

Phylicia McLeod

Improv/Actress/Voice Over

Phylicia McLeod is an improviser, writer, voice over actress, and teacher based in Chicago, IL. She began her comedy career at Second City Chicago and completed the conservatory & Bob Curry Fellowship programs. You can see her with her group Matt Damon Improv or in her head learning how to read Tarot Cards.

She is represented by NV Talent

Twitter: @phy_phy

Home: About

Our Team

Behind the Scenes

Nina and Timika are Chicago comedians who are providing a space for fellow comedians of color to strut their stuff.

Nina Allen

Born and raised in Hyde Park, Chicago, Nina is a comedian who started her theater career at the tender age of 6 at the Black Visions Theater Group. She is an alum of The Revival and a producer of Chicago Mix Productions and Hyde Park Mix Productions. Nina has hosted shows at Jimmy’s Woodlawn Tap and The Revival. She has been seen at the Promontory, The Revival, Reggie’s, Shakers on Clark, and The Comedy Bowl. Laughing keeps the soul young!

Mika Hoffman-Zoller

Mika Hoffman-Zoller is a comedian based out of Hyde Park, Chicago. She is an Improv and Stand Up alum of The Revival.
She studied sketch comedy writing from Howard Johnson of IO and from Tim Soszko. Mika has been seen performing at the House of Ha, This is Your Brain on Beer Comedy Show, Sid’s Salon, Jimmy’s Woodlawn Tap, and The Revival. Sketch writer for shows at IO and the Revival. She is a member of the improv group, "Space Penguins' and is also the producer of Chicago Mix Productions and the open mic “Hyde Park Mix.”

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Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Contact us with your questions, comments and suggestions.

Mika Hoffman-Zoller

Chicago, Illinois

contact@castironcomedians.com

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Cast Iron Comedians is a place where you can find Stand Up and Improvisers of color.

Talent

Here We Are

Gregory Hollimon

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Stand Up/Improv/Actor

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Ramon Smith

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Stand Up/Improv/Actor/Producer

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Ramon is represented by Lily's Talent Agency

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Yashar Kafi

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Stand Up

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Del Harrison

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Stand Up

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Greg Edwards

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Stand Up/Actor

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Greg has been in Entertainment Weekly, Forbes, The International New York Times and has been on BET, Comedy Central, interviewed on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS & has recently released 3 independent comedy albums Gregarious, Fuck you Greg & Dopamine.

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Marcus Banks

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Stand Up

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Instagram: @barcusmanks

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Adrienne Brandyburg

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Stand Up/Improv/Actress

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Adrienne Brandyburg is becoming someone you should keep your eyes on. Adrienne is a writer, actress, and comedian hailing from Chicago. Ms. Brandyburg is an alum of The Second City Improv Conservatory.

Along with two other melanated queens, Adrienne produces a WOC based variety show called BAPS Comedy. Follow them @Bapscomedy

Adrienne is featured in several publications including Rebellious, Huffpost, and Currlynikki. Her latest feature titled “Awesome Chicago Female Comics You Should be Following Right Now” in medium.com received rave feedback.

Adrienne will appear in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Utopia. As an actress, Ms. Brandyburg has done a number of shorts and independent films. You can also catch her in ads between your favorite Youtube shows.

Adrienne performs all around the country including venues like Laugh Factory, Zanies and The Steppenwolf spreading laughter and blackness.

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Instagram Adriennebrandyburg and Twitter @adriennedennise

Soli Santos

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Stand Up/Improv/Actress

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IG/FB/Twitter: @solicomedy

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Rob Wilson

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Improv/Actor

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Follow him @rob_willsun

He is represented by Paonessa Talent

Ricky Harris

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Improv/Actor/Musician

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The Ricky Harris is an active actor, singer, musician, host, improviser or whatever else the occasion calls for here in the Chicagoland area. He’s worked with several theaters throughout and also enjoys being a teaching artist to students all over the city!

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