ALEX MALLORY

Alex Mallory is a Rochester-based stand-up comedian who started writing jokes in the back of an art history class (and is still not entirely sure which pursuit has been more useful). His comedy, propelled largely by a 13 year long Catholic education and a wandering mind, sits cheerfully at the intersection of “thoughtfully written/researched” and “something your grandfather who isn’t all there these days would say to the gravy boat at Thanksgiving dinner”. A two time finalist in the Rochester’s Funniest Competition, he and his trusty belt buckle collection dutifully sling jokes all across the eastern US.

BUSHWHACKED

Abby DeVuyst and Kerry Young are the writers, improvisers and actors behind Bushwhacked.  Together they have created hundreds of interactive experiences for audiences, including Rochester Fringe Festival favorites The Oboe Show, Band Geeks, Hot Tub The Musical, Dashboard Dramas (plays that take place in parked cars), and the ever-evolving, interactive Bushwhacked experience, including this year’s Rise of the Roadies.   In 2019, they created a unique, immersive theatre production for the Rochester Cocktail Revival entitled Nightcap, that was custom-designed for, and took place on, the Penthouse level of the Metropolitan.  They’ve even taken their act to Ireland for Cavan Calling - Monroe's sister county arts festival!

DARIO JOSEPH

Dario Joseph is a professional stand-up comic whose personal experiences and take on life's everyday events will keep audiences of all ages laughing. A comedian for over a decade, Dario has worked with/opened for comedians such as Iliza Shlesinger Jamie Kennedy and Brian Posehn as well as many others. Dario spent four years in NYC performing every night and honing his craft. Dario is a past winner of Funniest Person in Rochester, a Cleveland Comedy Fest Finalist, and a featured performer in the Brooklyn Comedy Fest. Most recently Dario released his debut album, ‘Rough and Final Draft’ which peaked at #1 on iTunes comedy albums.

GERIACTORS

Sonya Raimi, Jim Scholes and Elaine Good were having lunch together in the year 2000, and decided that rather than wait around, they would build their own performance vehicle: a touring group to take live theatre to clubs, libraries, private parties, retirement communities and schools. Darrell Lance and Greg Byrne joined them, and Jean Gordon Ryon agreed to be the group’s director. The Geriactors was born, and Libby Skerritt became the musical director and accompanist.

The membership of the Geriactors changes with time, but the spirit continues. Jean Ryon is still the Artistic Director, Elaine Fuller is now the music director, and the eight actors are all new (if also mature). All are well known in the Rochester area. Our pooled years of experience in “live” theater amount to some two or three centuries.

The main reason for Geriactors is simple: As long as life goes on — LIVE! For an actor or a musician — for anybody — to do what you love best is the greatest blessing. We, the Geriactors, are enjoying life and we want our audiences to enjoy as well.

JFT AND FRIENDS

John Forrest Thompson (a.k.a. JFT) and a rotating cast of some of Rochester’s funniest actors and comedians perform Chicago-Style Improv. This classic approach to improvisation involves a group of actors working together to create original, on-the-spot stories inspired by single audience suggestions. These stories introduce authentic characters and themes that recur and connect in a series of continuous scenes. Chicago-Style Improv is particularly known for its commitment to patience, intelligent play, and the exploration of deep personal relationships and the human condition. 

ROGER’S MOM

Roger’s Mom delivers fast and frantic short form improv. They use audience suggestions to inform a wide variety of games. This crew comes out hot and doesn’t cool down! 

UNLEASHED!

Unleashed! Improv is Rochester's longest running long form improv troupe.  They specialize in building characters and stories that not only leave audiences laughing, but also thinking.  Unleashed! has taken their strong physical humor and wit to far away lands such as Toronto, Baltimore, and North Carolina.  No two shows are ever alike and their promise to you, the audience, is that, “You won't go home empty-headed."

THANK YOU KISS

“Satire and wit abound” at Thank You Kiss sketch comedy shows. Critics have lauded the group as “laugh-out-loud funny” with “‘hell yes’ social commentary.” Thank You Kiss blends satire, sincerity, and silliness through sketch, improvisation, and video. Members Marc D’Amico, Megan Mack, John Forrest Thompson, and Beth Winslow have studied and worked at renowned comedy theatres including iO, The Second City, and The Annoyance. The group is a winner of The Missouri Review’s prestigious Miller Audio Prize for Humor.