Reno's Favorite Improv Comedy Show, 3/8/12, 7:30pm

You can still catch Reno's favorite comedy troupe Thursday March 8th, at Pioneer Underground. Doors open at 6:30pm, and SHOW NOW STARTS AT 7:30pm. Tickets are still available online at www.renotahoecomedy.com or you can buy them at the door. Show is recommended for mature audiences. There is a full bar for our 21+ crowd.

The Utility Players - Reno's Favorite Improv Comedy FamilyDoors: 6:30pm

Show: 7:30pm-9pm

Theater: The beautiful, Pioneer Underground, 100 S. Virginia St.

With: The Utility Players, Reno's best improv comedy show.

Hosted by: Jessica The-Jester Levity

Produced by: Homeslice Productions with Reno Tahoe Comedy

Sponsored by: Wayne's Automotive in Sparks, and Taxcrafters

Ever watch the iconic mystery show, Murder She Wrote and wondered what it would be like to don Jessica Fletcher's comfortable, yet classy, shoes and solve a murder yourself? Ever wondered what it would be like to piece together seemingly unrelated clues of evidence to uncover a murderer and their motive like the intrepid crew of CSI: Las Vegas?

Well now here is your opportunity. The Utility Players, voted Reno's best comedy troupe, is embarking on another intrepid journey where few comedy troupes have gone before: the Murder Mystery Party. I came up with the back story for the murder mystery - a formal Gala celebrating singer and Grade A Diva Vaunna Vandertrump -, drafted characters for the Utility Players to act out - Detective, crazy obsessed fan, spiful blogger, etc - and mapped out the series of events that will take place at the party. It was a fun experience, stepping outside my comfort zone to write a mystery - which is a Hell of a lot harder than I anticipated; murder mystery writers are truly geniuses. 

The mystery begins the second that audience members enter the Pioneer Underground. They will have a chance to interview guests, inspect evidence, and collaborate with other team members to determine who the murderer is and what is their motive. Though some of the moments of the night will be scripted, the Utility Players are going to improv most of the night, which will make for a crazy and unpredictable murder mystery unlike any you have seen before. 

The murder mysterys is this Thursday, October 27th, at 8:00pm - doors open at 7. Tickets are $11 in advance or $16 at the door. Come to the party dressed up in your Halloween costume or in formal attire! Here is a link to the facebook event!

This Wednesday, September 28th, The Utility Players will venture to where no comedy troupe has gone before. The tantalizing and fast-paced atmosphere of a date auction. That's right. The Utility Players, along with a few local LGBT leaders, will shamelessly offer themselves to the general masses - in this case, in the form of a date - in order to raise money for Spectrum of Northern Nevada. Imagine the possibilities; a once and a lifetime opportunity to go on a date Reno's best drag queen - unless you are a tall refrigerator-like mans with a fancy for Broadway musicals and Buffet tables, then feel free to date me all you like. 

The Utility Players will perform their hilarious improv for an hour and then let your dollars bill fly. The show starts at 7:00pm at the Tree house Lounge - located off 4th street behind the Underground.  Here is a link to the facebook event for more information. Make sure to bring your friends and your money to come support a great cause and group in our community. 

Two a half years ago, a group a comedians sat in my living room, mapping out our improv shows for the upcoming season. At the time, GLEE was gaining incredible momentum and other TV shows were joining the musical bandwagon by having their own musical episodes. Almost as if it were a joke, we nonchalantly thought to ourselves "why don't we make our season finale a musical episode; we'll write a storyline, a script, and some original songs" - as if this was something people do everyday. Two and a half years later, this musical has been performed twice, re-written twice, and has had scores of musical numbers created for it - some of these numbers have been taken out or modified over the years, others are still in their original state. It's been an incredible journey, tiring and frustrating at times, but always an incredible journey. This year has seen the most change with the addition of new characters, new songs, new technical aspects, and an overhaul of some of the plot points. What we now have is comedic musical meant to make people laugh and inspire them to chase their dreams however far-fetched they may seem to yourself and the people in your life.

IMPROV-The Musical is the semi-autobiographical fairytale of a group in comedians in Reno, NV attempting to achieve their dreams of fame and success. People always say to write what you know ... I think we may have taken that advice a little too literally. The group decides to form an improv comedy troup - The Utility Players, who gain notoriety in the city of Reno. However,  a downtrodden comedian - aided by a dark and fabulous witch - attempts to steal the talent of comics around the world, including the Utility Players and establish himself as the one and only comedian in the world. Can the Utility Players - with the help of their own fairy godmother - stop this evil comedian and save the world's laughter?

Make sure to not miss this production. I have been given the honor of directing this production as well be in it. I am, obviously, playing the evil witch and fairy godmother - who are incidentally twins, convenient huh. My wigs and costumes for the production are ABSOLUTELY fantastic. As my choreographer likes to point out, my look is a combination of Black Swan, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Velma Kelly from Chicago... meets a drag queen ;). You have three chances to see this Artown sponsored show - the 19th, 20th and 21st. Doors open at 7 and show starts at 8pm. You can purchase tickets from me directly, check out one of our fabulous ticket hubs - Melting Pot, Prism Magic or Discology - or buy them online at Reno Tahoe Comedy North. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Hope to see you all there!!!

Come laugh your asses off with the Utility Players. Now that American Idol, GLEE, and the rest of our favorite televisions shows are over, fillthe void with a fantastic improv show with the Utility Players. Always high-energy, this audience-driven show is created on the spot, making it a unique experience each and every time it is performed. Similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Utility Players like to put on a truly diverse show; incorporating musical comedy, dance numbers, stand-up, and sketches into an exciting 90 minute show. David Hegle, from the Reno Metromix, wrote an absolutely fabulous review of the show we just had at the Pioneer Underground. You can check out pictures and a play-by-play description of the show here . Tonight's show is at the Good Luck Macbeth's theater in downtown Reno - 119 North Virginia Street. Admission to the show is $6. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the show will promptly begin at 7:30pm.

At some point during my "Inside the Actor's Studio" interview, James Lipton will look at me and say how long have you been an entertainer. With a sense of whimsy, I'll reply that I came out of my mother's womb an entertainer, glitter and all. After a quick guffaw from the studio audience, I will explain that for most of my college career, I had been a performing drag queen with aspirations of success and fame. Post college, I moved to the Biggest Little City in the World to earn my place in the lexicon of iconic entertainers and comedians of the world. Most assuredly, I will reference tomorrow's improv show at the Pioneer Underground as a momentous mile marker on my path to achieving that goal.

The Utility Players are having our premiere improv show at the Pioneer Underground, connected to the Pioneer Center in downtown Reno, this Thursday at 8PM. It seems ridiculous; at one point we were performing in a space to three people and slowly over time we have grown and expanded - both in our capacity as a troupe and performers but also our fan base and name recognition - to where we are now, having the opportunity to perform in a gorgeous theater with 175 seats. It truly is the biggest little show of my life. It seems a little surreal that this is happening. I love making people laugh; nothing brings me greater joy and excitement than watching a group of people lose it and allow themselves to fill into fits of hysterics. Or when someone comes up to after a show and exclaims that they came to the show in a terrible mood, upset by the events of the day, but were so happy they came to the show because it made their day.

Entertainment, especially comedy, has the power and ability to change society and impact the individual. Laughter can be a healing remedy. Performances can inspire people to action or create the opportunity or space for them to accept something about themselves and feel safe in doing so. I'm grateful that I continue to find opportunities to perform and contribute to that change.

So if you are looking for showing to do in Reno on a Thursday night, come see the funniest comedy show in town with the Utility Players. Get your tickets in advance for $10, or $15 at the door (additional fees may apply). The show begins at 8:00pm; come early and grab a drink at their full service bar. Hope to see you all at the Pioneer Underground on Thursday!!!  

Tomorrow (April 14th), the Utility Players- voted Reno's best comedy troupe - has a brand new all improv show. Well, given the nature of improv, can an improv show ever be anything but brand new? I believe I will leave that one to the theologians. Anyway, our very hilarious and very cheap - a meager $6 - is occurringtomorrow at the Good Luck Macbeth theater in the heart of downtown Reno - 119 N. Virginia St. As always show starts at 7:30 - doors open at 7:00pm - make sure to get there early.

the Utility Players just passed our two year anniversary, a momentous occasion that left us all in a state of utter disbelief. Two years .... seriously .... two years. How did we go from a period of time where barely anybody came to the show and very few individuals even knew who we were to now where we are selling out shows and big opportunities loom on the horizon. It has been ridiculous experience; one that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. My roommate and I routinely make jokes about how this is all a part of our E! True Hollywood Story.

It's crazy to think that there was a period in my life where I didn't know what improv was and dubiously looked at my producer Jes whenever she attempted to throw me into an improv game. The timid member who usually ran sound or lights in the back is now a strong principal player in the troupe.  I couldn't imagine doing anything else and really want nothing more than to be able to perform and play improv and have that be able to sustain my livelihood.

So if you are looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night, make sure to check the Utility Players in our all improv show. There is really nothing else like this show in Reno; full of musical entrances, stand-up, short-form improv, short sketches and more. A show made by the audience for the audience is kind of the mantra of the Utility Players with your suggestions and ideas driving and shaping the show that is being crafted right before your eyes. So, bring your suggestions, your crazy props and your sense of humor and check out our show; I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

 Tonight marks the premiere of the 3rd Annual "Made in Reno" musical festival. What started as a small variety show featuring local talent has blossomed and transformed to a larger than life music festival showcasing the best that Reno has to offer. The show has also evolved to become a fundraiser to sustain local music programs. Before the country began to face the greatest economic recession since the Depression, music programs across the nation were experiencing budget cuts with bureaucrats labeling music/music programs as an unnecessary expenditure. Though scientific studies have time and time again proven the overwhelming positive benefits of music programs for youth, finding secure funding was and continues to this day, to be a concern.

Made In Reno represents the combined efforts of a number of individuals who believe in the power of music; as well as the wonderful talent that Reno is ripe with. This two-day music celebration features some of the greatest bands and singer/songwriters in town demonstrating the inherent talent this city has to offer. The money raised through the show will go toward a general scholarship fund for music majors at the University of Nevada-Reno with priority going to students from Washoe County.

The Utility Players will be there lending their support, selling raffle tickets and performing a short set of songs from our all original musical - aptly named Improv the Musical.

Everyone should come out and support this wonderful and fantastic local fundraiser. Here is alink to the facebook event for Made in Reno - happening tonight and tomorrow at the Underground on 4th street. Show starts at 6:30pm and admission is $10. Hope to see you all there.

I'm not going to say that my voice is horrible - on the offhand chance that a Broadway musical director is reading my blog as we speak - but I also wouldn't comment that it is anything stellar. As I was growing up, I had an affinity - dare I say obsession - with singing. I sang everything; usually extremely loud and off key. My mother repeatedly threatened to throw me out of moving vehicles if I sang on the way to school in the morning. It's not her fault; I often tried to emulate Whitney, Mariah, or Celine. My young gay pre-teen couldn't understand that it is hard for a 12 year old white boy to sound like Whitney Houston but lord knows I tried.

Over the years, I slowly and surely improved my vocals through proper instruction and practice with musicals. Well, the moment of truth came when fellow Utility Player Amanda was not at our most recent show. I had to step in for "Boy Band" and work with the three members of our band to come up with a solid performance. We pulled Jes' dad and stepmom up on stage - obviously - thus making the game a little more comfortable - with familiar folks there - however increased the pressure immensely; Jes' dad and stepmom wanted a phenomenal performance and we could not disappoint.

Typically when we have rehearsed this game I have gone last. Typically I don't have the best sounding voice, but usually can improv a decent rhyme scheme and hilarious lyrics that the audience doesn't care. Matt, Ian, and Ariel stepped up to the plate and delivered their improv verses with hilarity. Now it was my turn. Pressure on. Ariel had just delivered an incredibly performance, passed me the mic, and gave me the "alright you're up look". Time to bring it home. I decided to focus on Jes' stepmom - Cindy. Prior to this moment I was thinking of all the things to rhyme with Cindy. Time was running out and my options were unfortunately limited - not many things rhyme with Cindy. What happened after that moment was a mix of luck, divine intervention, and great improv coaching. Check out the video below; I think that I pull off the "straight-dude-trying-to-get-with-the-older-woman" well.

The Utility Players had another fantastic improv show this past Friday. Though we were one player down for the show, we came out Friday night and delivered a fantastic show. One of my favorite moments of the evening was playing an improv game known as "Soap Opera" - we aptly renamed the game as Gays Of Our Lives. In this game, Shane and I are giving an object, a situation you wouldn't typically find two roommates arguing over, or a relationship to begin the scene. From that moment on, it becomes a drama-off between Shane and I to see who can take the scene to a more ridiculous place and be the most dramatic throughout the scene. For Friday's run of the game, the audience game us the suggestion "the longest fingernail" to mold and shape the scene with; check out the video below.

Often you are so wrapped up in the moment of the scene, you barely remember what you said and did during an improv scene, so it is kind of nice to see a playback. Producer, Jessica Levity, pulled me aside after the show. In awe of Gays of Our Lives, Jessica asked me what was going through my head during this game. It's a rather odd question isn't it? What is actually going through my head? Most of the time I envision myself as chessmaster, anticipating the moves of my scene partner and holding the multitude of potentialities in my head of where the scene could possibly go. However, in actuality there is often very little advance thinking that goes into developing an improv scene. Circumstances are always changing.  Most of the time, scenes require quick responses as not to give the appearance of "dead space" or that one of your scene partners is "lost" in the game. It seems as though you have a "5 second" window. Pauses up to 5 seconds can be played off as dramatic pauses,a moment to hold for audience laughter, etc. However, once you pass the 5 second marker, you are entering the space of over-thinking the scene and trying to think of the "perfect" thing to say.

When my producer asked me the question this was the best answer that I could come up:

"All of a sudden Ian pops into the scene to play the evil Stefano - reminiscent of Days of Our Lives. Suddenly I think to myself (1) Why did Ian's character just show up in the scene - there has to be some justification. So I came up with the idea of him waiting in the car (somehow I always think it is funny that someone is waiting in the car for you) (2) I didn't want to just say car - too easy - so the first ridiculous car name that came into my head was a Winnebago and I sort of rolled with it. Then suddenly everything built from that moment - my relationship with Stefano, a new conflict to cause discord between Shane and myself, and suddenly a third character to add their own comedic talent to the mix. Most of the time though, I'm thinking, 'Don't Fuck it Up!' more than anything else. "