EXPERTS IN UTILITY PLAYERIAN COMEDY  

"He deserves Paradise who makes his companions laugh."                  

-The Koran

Meet the Utility Players - Reno's freshest comedy troupe! The Utility Players host a weekly show at the Studio on 4th - located at 432 E. 4th Street - Thursday Nights at 8:00pm. 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    - Miss Ginger Devine, 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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The Birth of the Utility Players

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

Josh Inwood - Comedian, Writer

Joshua is everyone's favorite stoner musician. One of the original members of the Utility Players, Josh's deep resonanting voice and general tallness make him one of everyone's favorites. Josh was also trained as a vocalist and is known for performing the "Right Now Song" with fellow teammate Ian.

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.

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.

Erin Slimak - Director, Actor, Writer

Typically known for having a can of PBR on stage, Erin is our director for thr troupe. Erin graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Theater, and has performed with numerous theater companies and productions here in town. Having appeared in Waiting for Godot, and currently appearing in Cliffhanger and Macbeth, Erin enjoys the stage and theater more than anything.

Ian Sorensen - Comedian, Writer

Ian is currently a student 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.

Shane Tolomeo - Comedian, Writer

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.

Ginger Devine - Manager

Ginger Devine jumped on a plane in June of 2009, and arrived in Reno ready to whip the troupe into shape. It only makes sense for a drag queen to manage a comedy troupe. Miss Devine received a B.A. at UW-Madison with majors in Psychology, Women's Studies, and LGBT Studies. She has worked with a number of non-profits, student organizations, and businesses and has a stong background in organizational psychology. Miss Devine also has an uncanny knowledge of pop culture and can often find her singing broadway musicals at the top of her lungs. Miss Devine is here, wand in hand, to take the troupe to the next level, FAME.  She is as fierce as she is fabulous. Check out her website!

Providing the support we need like a good bra: the Joes on lights and sound.