Here is our newest episode of the Utility Player podcast. In this episode we finally decided upon a name for the podcast .... the Utility Player Podcast - very creative we know!!! This episode of the podcast features special guest star the fabulous Amanda Alvey. Amanda is an incredible actress who has been in such Reno productions as Romeo & Juliet, Doubt, Almost Maine, and Utility Players: The Musical. Her presence on stage is unquestionable and stands as one of the funniest people that we know.

Check out our newest episode as she talks about her favorite productions, scariest moments on stage, and the inside scoop of being an actress in Reno. Let us know what you think of the podcast and if there is anything that you would like us to talk about or discuss. Here is also the WEBSITE for our all of the episodes of our podcast just in case you have missed any.

This week's special guest for the podcast was the wonderful and fabulous John Ager. John Ager, who is an amazing stand up comic, has guest starred in the Comedy Cabaret a number of times. John is a long time friend of the Utility Players and so we were so excited when John agreed to be on our podcast.

We devoted the entire podcast to John, his experiences, and his comedy. John has traveled the country performing stand up and also had a long illustrious career as John Candy's personal trainer. Check out the podcast to learn how John deals with bombing, with his crazy family, and deciding what material to be in his set list.

Make sure to check out John's fantastic website and listen to some of his stand up as well. Thanks again John and hope to have you back on the show soon. JOHN'S WEBSITE

For our podcast channel and to subscribe to our channel click here

The Utility Players are going somewhere where they have never gone before: the land of podcasts. This is something that the Utility Players have wanted to do for a while and are so excited about the new podcast. Hosted by Josh Inwood, the podcast will feature special music and comedic guests, various segmenets, and a roundtable table discussion around a topic that often follows a non sequitur format.

This is a premiere preview of our podcast. The working title for podcast is the "Right Now" podcast, a play off of the Right Now song - a signiture segment of our Comedy Cabaret show. Our preview clip tackles the issue of Love - awkward dates, uncomfortable Valentine's Day, and first kisses. Let us know what you think about the podcast and stuff that you would like to see.

Preview of the "Right Now" Podcast

“The Improv Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Improvising in Comedy, Theater, and Beyond”

By: Tom Salinsky and Deborah Frances-White

Reviewed by Miss Ginger Devine

“…few adults really get to play or have the lack of self-consciousness required to do it. It’s a real gift to improvise regularly. Furthermore, to stand in a theatre and see an audience come in a group of excited performers backstage and think ‘None of these people would be here if I hadn’t produced this. They’d all be somewhere else, somewhere less exciting, if I hadn’t done this’ is a lovely moment. “ – 306

It is important for a manager of a comedy troupe – a manager of any group for that matter – to continually educate themselves on their profession. It is important to be updated on new trends in marketing strategies, management outlooks, and what is currently happening in the world of pop culture. One of the books that has proven to be invaluable in its knowledge and information is “The Improv Handbook” by Tom Salinksy and Deborah Frances-White. Tom Salinsky and Deborah Frances-White guide the reader on a journey through the fundamental basics of improv, with each chapter building off the previous one, and when readers reach the final chapter they have a broader conceptualization of the world of improv – both on and off the stage.

Most of the book outlines strategies for teaching improvisation and provides step-by-step instruction on how to structure your class so that it will be most effective for the new improver. The book is set up almost in modules so that all of the information that Salinsky and Frances-White provide is easily laid out and accessible for readers. They overview the basic rules of improv but also provide exercises and games that highlight various concepts of improv. Salinksy and Frances-White create a rubric that builds upon itself in incremental steps – a perfect introduction to improv for any newcomer. Most importantly they speak directly to some of the fears and doubts that individuals have when they initially began performing improv. The authors present talking points to address the concerns that people initially have and methods for breaking those individuals out of their shell and challenging them to step outside of their comfort zone.

One of the reasons that this book in particular was beneficial and useful for me was how the authors extended beyond the classroom or the stage. Instead of simply having a number of improv warm-up games or improv exercises with a description and set of instructions, Salinksy and Frances-White truly examine the mechanics and logistics of creating a class, a comedy troupe, and putting on a show. Their discussion of intra-group dynamics and hurdles improv troupes can expect to encounter served as an essential resource in the management of the Utility Players. Their anecdotes of not only their successes but failures as well provided comfort and solace and an example to model after.

One observation that I have noted in my time as the Utility Players’ manager is that while improv is unscripted and scenes are created at random, it is an art form like any other performance and requires instruction and practice to truly master it. I feel that sometimes there is an impression that because the scenes are made up on the fly, individuals – especially people who have never done improv in their life – tend to think it is something that does not need to be studied. Or for that matter, anybody could step up to the challenge and improv perfectly on the spot. I recommend this book to any individual who is interested in improv, forming a comedy troupe that is rooted in improv, or for any pre-existing group that is looking for a book to provide some insight on how you can take your comedy troupe or show to the next level.

This video, taken from the actual show night of the musical, shows Utility Player Ian Sorensen delivering a crowd stopping number with his song called "I Do Voices". This song shows the wide breath of talent, voices, and impersonations that Ian has. Stay tuned for more clips from the musical!

The cast of the musical [minus Missy and Amanda]

The premiere of Utility Players - the Musical - on Thursday night was absolutely amazing. It was such an exhilarating experience and we all felt a sense of pride at being able to pull this off. Our dreams were fulfilled last night with this musical. The house was packed Thursday and unfortunately we had to turn people away because we were at capacity but our intention is to perform this musical more than just once. We will keep everyone updated about our show schedule for the coming year and when/where we are performing the musical next. 

This musical came together as a truly collaborative project with many sponsors supporting our dream and the creation of this musical. Justine and Danielle from Salon 7 came in to do our hair and makeup and they did such an absolutely amazing job - they transformed Ginger Devine from a creepy seductress witch to a whimsical fairy godmother in less than an hour, that is epic. It set the tone for the night, that this show was not just another comedy cabaret but instead stood out on it's own as a theatrical production. We had amazing chorus girls - Brittany, Dalia, Missy, and Sunny - who brought a sense of fullness to the entire production and helped bring this musical to life. We had a few students from Sparks High School work as our stage crew to help us out with whatever we needed. It is incredible to think of all the community support this production had and we are all overwhelmed with gratitude for all the help we received. 

It is our intention to spread laughter, love, and light with the creation of this musical. With themes of accpetance, loyalty, and compassion running throughout the show, the Utility Players demonstrate the strength of togetherness and allow us to laugh at ourselves and the importance of running true to who we all are as people, performers, and comedians. Also showing that some problems in life can be solved by a big group number.

We are three days away from the premiere of our musical - a project that the Utility Players have been working on for the three and a half months. What started out as a idea nonchalantly tossed out during a retreat as a theme for a comedy cabaret episode has now morphed and shaped into an entirely original musical production with script, lyrics, and music by the Utility Players. There were moments of doubt throughout our journey on this musical - how are a bunch of comedians going to write their own musical?  The troupe came together with the help of so many individuals from organizations donating their space for us to rehearse to local actresses and performers donating their time to help make this production what it is. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed something to the production.

We just entered our tech week for the musical and are nailing down all choreography and refining our vocals. Most of the troupe has never performed in a musical before - and most thought they never would - and Thursday night's production is fulfilling a dream for the entire troupe. It is a demonstration that we really are Utility Players and can be competent in a wide variety of entertainment genres. Utility Players - the Musical - premieres December 17th at the Studio on 4th @ 8pm. Doors open at 7pm and as always the Comedy Cabaret is admission by donation in an effort to keep comedy, music, and entertainment affordable and accessible to all. We are expecting a sold out show so make sure to get there early because seating is limited. Hope to see you all there!!

The Utility Players are now only days away from the premiere of their musical and we are looking for people to sponsor and invest in the musical. The Utility Players, along with the comedy cabaret, operate off a admission by donation policy in an effort to keep comedy, music, and other forms of entertainment accessible to as many people as possible. We are maintaining this philosophy with regards to the musical and need sponsors to help cover the costs of performing our dream. If you are interested in sponsoring our musical check out the document below for more details about sponsorship. Hope to see you all at the Studio on 4th this Thursday for the premiere of the musical!

Sponsor the Utility Players Musical

Last night 5 Star Saloon hosted the 4th annual Dirty Load Party. The Dirty Load Party commemorates World AIDS Day - which was December 1st - and aims to promote testing and HIV/AIDS prevention by encouraging safe sex for everyone. The Utility Players were asked to be part of the special entertainment for the night. We were honored and excited to be part of an event such as this. Many members of the Utility Players openly identify as gay and the issue of HIV/AIDS is very important to the entire troupe. 

Phillip Brown emceed the fabulous event and also served as a wonderful contestant on Match Game - where apparently the Utility Players learned that Cher is not really a huge gay icon anymore, let's just say members of the troupe were crushed.

The Utility Players performed an all improv show with ABC, Scenes From a Hat, Say Boy, If You Know What I'm Saying, Aunt Mrytle's Gaycation, Statues, and Match Game.  Above you can see a photo of Shane and Erin from Statues. I do not know what it is about this game, but invariably the audience make Erin and Shane get into a fist fight and usually Erin wins. I think one of the strengths of the Utility Players is their level of comfort with their own sexual orientation and the sexual orientation of other members of the troupe. We are a supportive family that are advocates and allies to one another. We had so much fun at 5 Star - thank you so much Jay, Sophia, Phillip and everyone else who made last night a possibility and allowing us to perform!

The Utility Players are one step closer to achieving their dreams of fame and success. While reading Pink Is The New Blog We stumbled across a photo of the Utility Players! Jes had sent Trent a funny photo of the Utility Players with the tagline of "Pink is the New Comedy Troupe". Jumping and screaming around our house was an understatement of how we responded. Thanks so much Trent!!!