EXPERTS IN UTILITY PLAYERIAN COMEDY
"He deserves Paradise who makes his companions laugh."
-The Koran
Meet the Utility Players - Reno's freshest comedy troupe! Their show infuses short form improv games and exercises with sketch comedy, musical comedy, gameshows, and stand up to create a truley ecelctic and diversified show that will keep audiences entertained all night.
The Utility Players try to break form and structure with their performances with redefining improv and comedy in the city of Reno.
It's about creating experiences. As opposed to having a one-way relationship by watching a TV show or movie, the show draws audiences in by highlighting the hilarity of everday situations. We can all relate to horror stories of self checkout lines at super markets or a bad vacation with our 'Aunt Myrtle'. The Utility Players create an experience where audiences can enjoy a performance, let go, and allow us to laugh at ourselves and at life - Christopher Daniels, Manager
The Utility Players are based in short form improv and through the work of hosting a new weekly show for the past year have refined and honed their craft. The Utility Players have translated the lessons that each of them have learned through their work with improv into classes and workshops designed to improve one's confidence, articulation, communications skills, and expanding one's artistic disposition. For more information about how these classes or trainings could improve yourself, your organization, or your business please visit or workshops and classes webpage for more information.
Aside from their weekly show, the Utility Players also perform at mixers and other shows in town. If you are interested in getting some more information about the Utility Players or how you can book the Utility Players for your event please email us at theutilityplayers@gmail.com
Utility Player- In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades.-- Wikipedia
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MEET THE TEAM
Jessica woke up one morning with the name The Utility Players in her head, and said to herself, "Wow, that would be the perfect name for a comedy troupe." She made a few calls to some local funny friends. It started with nothing but some inspired ideas and some enthusiatic and talented humans who love nothing more than making each other laugh--the fact that they do it on a stage where audiences get to take part in the fun as well is just an added bonus that will take The Utility Players to where they dream to be...Utility Players for President 2012.
The Roster
Brandon Iron - Writer, Actor
Brandon is the team's resident Guru in all areas Marvel Comics, Beast Wars, and Mario. Brandon joined the Utility Players originally as a writer [GTA Reno, Good Morning, Mario] but has become a regular actor as well. One of Brandon's favorite things in life is Mariah Carey and will gladly join you in a jam session. Brandon blew everyone away last season with his strong sexy voice in our musical. His quick qit and beautifully timed comebacks are just a few of the reasons why we love Brandon.
Jessica Levity - Host, Producer, Writer, Comedian
Jes is honored to be the producer of such an amazing troupe. Jes recently moved here to Reno from Madison, Wisconsin where she recieved a degree in Philosophy, Sociology, and Gender Studies. Madison is also where she got her start in comedy by stage managing for an improv troupe at UW-Madison, The Understudies. There, Levity got her first exposure to improv and learned the fundamentals. Soon, Levity was performing at local comedy clubs, starred in her first sketch comedy troupe, began hosting drag shows, and even went on to perform in Chicago, Amsterdam, and currently Reno.
Amanda Alvey - Actress, Comedian 
Amanda, our resident actress in the troupe, is one of the newest additions to the Utility Players' team. Amanda is a reknonwed actress in Reno and has performed with a number of theater companies throughout town in such productions as Nevada Rep's Romeo & Juliet, Theatreworks' Doubt, and Reno Little Theater's production of Almost Maine. With a smile that's noticeable from across the room, Amanda has a commanding stage presence. She has also jumped in to serve as co-host for the Utility Player podcast "Awkward Moments".
Joseph Garton - Actor, Comedian, Lyricist 
A Native Renoite, Joe originally came on to help the Utility Players with lighting at the Comedy Cabaret. Since joining the troupe in September of 2009, Joe has performed in a number of improv shows, and stepped in as the intrepid villain of our musical when it premiered in December. This time around Joe is still our villain but is also teaming up with Ariel to write and compose the music and songs for our musical. Joe has officially become a principal Utility Player in 2010 and is providing his amazing musical stylings, comedic sensibility, and overall amazing and positive attitude.
Ian Sorensen - Comedian, Writer
Ian is currently a journalism major at the University of Nevada - Reno, and is an inspiring sitcom writer. Ian has also hosted a number of events throughout the city including the 2009 Sparks' Got Talent as part of Star Spangled Sparks - the fourth of July celebration - and Broadway Babes and Cabaret Kids - where he also performed utilizing his beautiful falsetto. Ian is infamous for such segments as the "Nooz Sho" and is currently the host of the Utility Player podcast called "Awkward Moments".
Shane Tolomeo - Comedian, Writer, Script Writer for Musical 
Shane is the resident gay of our troupe (and maybe one day Ian will actually go out with him.) Shane was involved in improv in high school, and since then has hosted drag shows here in Reno, and has performed as a stand-up comic. Shane also acts as the troupe's beautiful Sarah Palin and there is no shortage of entertainment. Shane undertook one of his biggest projects in 2009 with writing th script for our very own original musical - Utility Players - The Musical. Now with a new season and a new title for the musical, Shane is hard at work drafting the newest version of our script.
Ariel Lea - Actress, Musician, Singer, Composer
Ariel Lea is another recent addition to the family. Arriving in Reno in February of 2010, Ariel traversed across the country to come to the Biggest Little City in the World to work on achieving her dreams of fame and success. Ariel acts as our Lauren Hall for shows - playing the keyboard for various improv games, hoe downs, and ballads. Ariel also has stepped in to compose the remake of our musical called Improv - The Musical. A classically trained vocalist and pianist, Ariel assumed the role of vocal director and accompanist for the troupe. Her high energy, saultry voice, and beautiful piana skills are amazing additions to the troupe.
Christopher Daniels - Manager/Director of Musical 
Originally from Texas, Chris is a midwestern guy who spent the majority of his life in Michigan and Wisconsin. Graduating with a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Chris studied psychology - with an emphasis on social dynamics and organizational psychology -, Women's Studies, and LGBT Studies. For the past 6 years Chris has worked in the event planning/management arena and is thrilled to take all of those experiences and apply them to a new area - comedy! Chris officially came on in the June of 2009 as the general manager for the troupe and even steps in from time to time in certain performances.