June 4 - 10, 2012 Executive Producer..........................................................................................................Jill Valentine Associate Producer......................................................................................................... Liz McArthur Chicago SketchFest Executive Producer...................................................................... Brian Posen CWFF Technical Director....................................................................................... Emily Claibourne Stage 773 Technical Director......................................................................................Brian Peterlin Marketing/Advertising.......................................................................................................Jack Short Public Relations............................................................SHOUT Marketing and Media Relations Jill Evans/James Juliano Sponsorship/Sales...............................................................Mandy Whitenack/Landree Fleming Panel Administrator...................................................................................................... Sherra Lasley Hospitality........................................................................................................................Stacey Smith Improv Jammy Jam....................................................................................................Carisa Barreca Stage Managers........................................................................................ Vicki Kunz/Brian Peterlin House Managers................................................................. Kelly Bolton/Billy Sullivan/Sam Wells Website Administrator.................................................................................................Brian Peterlin Design.................................................................................................................................... Sam Wells
F R O M T H E E X E C U T I V E P R O D U C E R J I L L VA L E N T I N E I am so honored to have this many amazingly talented ladies under one roof this week. The response to this festival was overwhelming and all of us were amazed at the number of applications. I, like so many of you, have been doing this for a long time. We are all a part of the weird funny girl club. The class clown in a dress. Funnier than your uncle at the family table. Making friends with facial expression and punch lines. You bring the ridiculous realism to the feminine mystique. Not only am I honored, I am empowered that i am standing next to hundreds of us’s. Let’s do this bitches. Jill Valentine Executive Producer Chicago Women’s Funny Festival 2012 Chicago Women’s Funny Fest 1
F R O M S TAG E 77 3 A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R B R I A N P O S E N I have been lucky enough to be a part of the evolution of the Chicago theatre scene for the last 25 years. When I was growing as an artist, I remember mind-blowing theatre such as The International Theatre Festival, and productions like Famous Door’s Ghetto and Defiant’s Action Movie. Today I am still in awe of the Chicago theatre scene. Although it has evolved over my 25 years, the roots remain the same. Chicago is edgy, raw, ensemble driven, and smart. Chicagoans not only see good theatre but they will go see it in 20 below zero. No other city has a scene like Chicago. As Artistic Director of Stage773, I want to continue to nurture exciting events, such as CWFF, that capture the essence of our artistic community. CWFF is committed to showcasing the exciting talent we have here-Chicago style! So Chicago….enjoy this festival! It’s long overdue, and will be quite an event. I encourage you to have a very strong opinion, to think, to keep being present and to keep the vibe of Chicago alive.
THE CHICAGO FUNNY WOMEN’S FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
The Cab
The Box
Wednesday 6th 8:00 PM Lady Jam Sandwich Journey to the Center of the Uterus 9:00 PM Host - Marlena Jess Gisin Rodriguez Julie Paradise Roxy Bellows Natalie Jose Headliner - Thea Lux 10:00 PM Host - Liza Treyger Tits and Bits Kate Streit Drunk Monkeys Julia Solomon Headliner - Candy Lawrence Thursday 7th 8:00 PM Sherri D. Sutton (GA) Gunner Sara Kaplan Snooty Pageant Liz Reuss 9:00 PM Host - Caitlin Bergh LaForce & Whitaker Maggie Jenkins Christa Weiss (MA) Headliner - Kelsie Huff 10:00 PM Host - Rhea Butcher Get Well Soon Lisa Laureta Williams & Martinez Luciana Bonifazi Headliner - Megan Gailey Friday 8th 8:00 PM Host - Angela Vela Upfronts (NY) Josie Dykas Holly Lynnea (KY) Headliner - Katie Hughes 9:00 PM Host - Tamale Sepp Ladystache (Toronto) Lindsay Adams Lauren Vino (NY) Headliner - Charla Lauriston (NY) 2 Stage 773
Main Stage
The Playboys McGillicuddy WiseSnatch
Clam Bake The Cupcakes
Alliance Sketch Group GayCo A Women’s Path
Dee Dee & Irma Viva La Muerte
The Revelettes Matter Dance Company
Vermilion Line
THE CHICAGO FUNNY WOMEN’S FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (cont.) 10:00 PM 11:00 PM
Host - Pheobe Angle (MA) Lindsay LaVine Headliner - Jet Eveleth Sherra Lasley
Feminine Gentlemen
Women on Top
The Mo Show
Trio
The Cab
The Box
Main Stage
Saturday 9th 6:00 PM Host - Kristen Toomey Hi Betty Carrie Bain Ali Clayton Headliner - Casey Whitaker 7:00 PM Host - Dana Lovecchio Ding The Vicki Kunz Stacked Solo Experiment Kelly Bolton Gina Narciso 8:00 PM Host - Megan Doherty Robin Gelfenbien KB Marion Jenifer Bloodsworth (CT) Headliner - Aparna Nancherla (CA) 9:00 PM Weird Girl by Lindsey Fisher Pirate Sugar (NY) 10:00 PM Host - Nancy Fast The Puterbaugh Sisters Jennifer Shenberger Jeanie Doogan Headliner - Ever Mainard 11:00 PM Host - Stephanie Hasz Gretchen & Regina Maria Wojciechowski Meg Ferrill (NY) Headliner - Camille Cote (Toronto) Sunday 10th 3:00 PM Are you there Judy Valid Hysteria it’s me Cancer SAM 4:00 PM Lindsay Williams Parpan & McCormick Claudia Martinez Sad Banana Tamale Sepp 5:00 PM Angie McMahon Sit Still Nancy Beckett Brouhaha Kristen Studard 6:00 PM Emilia Javanica Drew’s Tumbler Kitty Poole/Becky Poole The Kickers 7:00 PM Host - Alexandra Tsarpalas Lace Sonia Denis Monica Barcelona Lindsay Pearlman Headliner - Amy Sumpter 8:00 PM Host - Liz McArthur DeFrancisCO Meg O’Rourke Emily Lake Headliner - Kristin Clifford
Mary Kay Letourneau
The Second City This Week (CA)
The Ladies of The Cupid Players
Broad Stewart (Toronto) Sirens Off Off Broadzway
Vaudezilla
Was Here Goes.. Powder Room It’s Pronounced Kevin Eleanor Astronaut Theatre Madame Senator Lady LaRue Salsation Just the Tip
Broads on Boards
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BIOGR APHIES A Woman’s Path a women’s retreat deep in southern Michigan wilderness. The cast takes the audience on a healing journey through share circles, trust falls, gentle lesbian undertones, bear fights, floral blazers, mountains of crumpled Kleenex, gallons of white wine and overall feminine anarchy. Alexandra Tsarpalas Alexandra is a delightful combo of insightful quirky lady and golden girl. She’s got a love for TV, pranks and crossword puzzles. She’ll dazzle you with her jokes and porcelain hands. That’s right, porcelain hands! Ali Clayton Ali Clayton is a southern girl and proud of it! She was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. When she was 8 years old Ali’s Momma and Daddy found out she was dyslexic. Upon realizing she was most likely not going to become a doctor they signed her up for pageants and thus began her love for the stage.
approach and always full of animated story telling that keeps the audience laughing right along with her. Angie McMahon Aparna Nancherla has an intimidating name, but don’t be scared! She’s a joke entrepreneur who pedals in both writing and performance (street names: scribblescrabble and jibber-jabber). Aparna’s comedic goggles are dry and observational, and her act is sprinkled with absurdist wit and a quasi-whimsical take on the world. Aparna Nancherla is a Chicago-based sketch comedy troupe committed to original work with an emphasis on audience engagement. The Game Show of HELL sports seven sin-inspired games like Crap-Grab (for Greed), If Van-Gogh Drew a Mango (for Envy) and Condom Commando (for Lust), tons of prizes, celebrity commercials and $100 for champions!
Amy Sumpter Amy Sumpter takes the crazy from her day to day and transforms it into comedy cash4gold. Sumpter is a high kicker who will spin a tale of woe into magic.
Are You There Judy? Its Me Cancer Judy Fabjance presents an evening of Comedy, Cries, and Choreography as she takes you on her journey through breast cancer. Learn about ‘the one’ who truly wasn’t there for her and why she hates all holidays except one. And why cancer all she can think about is cancer so come cancer see this cancer show. Cancer.
Angela Vela Angela’s comedy comes from her unique perspective and observations of daily life, cultural society, relationships and pop culture. Her topics are often a ‘tell it like it is’
Astronaut Theatre Hi. We are the lady squadron of Astronaut Theatre. We do space- and earth-based sketch comedy as funny as we can, using all of our brain parts. Such as: Brain Part 1 (We
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) are not licensed Astronauts… yet), Brain Part 2 (Songs make sex education more fun), or Brain Part 3 (Even muggers have dreams). And that’s just 3 of them! Broad Stewart Broad Stewart is a two lady longform hurricane. These ladies create real stories and character that compel, then a punch in the mouth of their dark senses of humour and some fast paced energy, its improv that leaves you thinking, ‘Who knew two lovely ladies could me laugh and puke.’ Broads on Boards Broads on Boards is an original one act musical about two Broadway legends, Edie Baskett & Eleanor Wizz. The women recount their lives and careers through the songs of their biggest Broadway hits. Brouhaha What’s better than two pretty and (extremely) funny women performing a musical? We’ll tell you. It’s two women and five puppets performing a musical. The kicker: It’s all improvised based on the title the audience gives. Harmony, murder and love triangles. Caitlin Bergh Caitlin’s show is a joke-filled story that begins with her darkest secret and most naive moment. Camille Cote With high energy, Camille Cote tells stories and rants about everything shes afraid of or doesn’t understand: all men and her mother.
Carrie Bain According to The Chicago Reader Carrie Bain is a hoot!! Carrie Bain takes her every day awkward struggles with men and portrays them in the light of what it’s really like to be single. How will she woo the man of her dreams this time? Will it be with the head nod, a shoulder shrug, or will he be captivated by her captivating presence. Casey Whitaker Casey has been doing stand up in the city for 3 years. She has had the privledge to perform at Zanies on a regular basis as of 2011 as well as other all female showcases around the city including the The Edge Comedy Club and The Horseshoe Casino. Charla Lauriston Currently based in New York, Charla trained as an improviser at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, the People’s Improv Theater, and as a stand-up in a five-sibling Haitian household under Jesus’ watchful eye. Her style has been described as the best deadpan firstgeneration twentysomething humor you’ve never seen. Christa Weiss Christa has lots of bad ideas and acts on most of them. This works great for a stand-up comedian, but is pretty terrible for every other aspect of everyday life. Neurotic and misanthropic in the cutest way possible, Christa might not be the best role model for your children, but she is sure to make you laugh if you’ve ever had to bail one of them out of jail.
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Clam Bake Raw, fresh, loose and wet - Clam Bake is a group not to be f*cked with. Pushing the boundaries of what’s okay to laugh at, this comedy duo will make you so uncomfortable some of you may even find it funny. So grab a beer and a mini fork and get ready for Clam Bake. Claudia Martinez Claudia is just a dude who’s a girl that ‘gots love but she aint got plans.’ Her solo show is an exploration of embracing every single part of herself, the old, the new and the rediscovered; being man, woman, Mexican, ‘White,’ street, prep, dance party, hammock crasher, hopeless romantic and sometimes just plain dumb and magnifying it all to the love degree on a stage. What does all this mean: mustaches, cowboy hats, dancing and pure heart... and who wants to miss that?! Candy Lawrence Candy Lawrence, more like Comedy Lawrence! Hilarious, confident and eccentric, she will captivate you with her physcial comedy and off-beat observations. When she isn’t collecting dreamcatchers, Candy can be seen performing stand-up at various alternative comedy venues including Zanies, Mayne Stage, The Lincoln Lodge and Chicago Underground Comedy among others. Candy generates one laugh per second and she would like to thank Celine Dion for teaching her everything she knows about comedy. The Ladies of the Cupid Players All musical sketch comedy…this time with the ladies. “Must See” – TimeOut “Critics Pick” – The Chicago Reader “A rarity in the Chicago Sketch Scene” – 6 Stage 773
Windy City Times “Full of wit and zest.” – Chicago Tribune Voted “Best Sketch Comedy Troupe - Chicago Reader. Dana LoVecchio Dana didn’t listen to her grandparents when they told her to act like a lady. Her comedy is sassy, silly, and at times can be a lil bit raunchy. You may want to leave the kids at home...she never knows what’s going to come out of her mouth. DeeDee & Irma DeeDee and Irma have just gotten out of the state pen, and they are ready to share some hard life lessons with all y’all Wonderbread softies. Hold onto your asses; it’s about to get real up in here. DeFrancisCO Tara pulls one audience name out of a bucket and does an improvised 30 minute set with them. Running now at iO Chicago along with Powerball, the first of these shows was January to a packed house. DING! Songs meet sketches. Sketches call songs. Songs and Sketches mash up against each other. Chelsea Devantez and Emily Walker perform musical sketch comedy lovin’ for you. Drew’s Tumbler Drew’s Tumbler shows often begin on rollerskates, celebrate the absurd, mock musical theater, and end in violent death. The trio (Megan Green, Meghan Hillmeyer, & Amanda Engborg) met at Boston College in 2004 where they wrote and directed plays and cried at the appropriate times during Meisner classes, before moving
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) to Chicago together to study comedy at Second City and iO. Their comedy shorts have been featured on the iO Comedy Network and can also be found on their Youtube channel. Drunk Monkeys Jen Ellison and Erica Reid are Drunk Monkeys. They drink weird liquors, spirits and cocktails and tell you all about them. Nothing is off limits, and Malort is child’s play. Come have a drink with us at www.drunkmonkeyshow.com! Eleanor Eleanor brings their infectious blend of wit, musicality, and love of the bizarre to the stage. Since the fall of 2008, these women have thrilled audiences with their pure joy and clear mutual trust. Thoughtful and engaging, they dance the line of whimsy and reality in their long form show. Emilia Javanica Buoj iz Jeb is a professional figure model by day, and aspiring fashion model by night. In Buoj iz Jeb Summer Swimsuit Edition ‘12, Buoj models the top variety of swimsuits for your viewing pleasure. Originally debuted at the Performance Laboratory’s “Water” event in Detroit, MI, Buoj is delighted to present his show to the Chicago ladies crowd. Emily Lake Emily Lake charms audiences all over the country with her keen observations and witty rhetoric on dating, relationships, and small town life. She’s been seen at famed comedy clubs like the Improv (Chicago), The Comedy Store (LA), and the Comic Strip Live (NY). Her infectious personality and conversational tone have made her a favorite at many of Chicago’s best known comedy hot spots.
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Ever Mainard With her spontaneous characters, quick witted anecdotes, and quirky mannerisms, Ever will have you laughing well after her performance. Ever’s background in improv gives her the ability to create visceral and border line cathartic moments in her crowd work and off the cuff riffs. Ever is a cast member of Chicago Underground Comedy and has hosted for acts such as Maria Bamford, Helen Hong, and Sonya White. Feminine Gentlemen Coming off a soldout performance at the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the veteran comics will be shining their shoes, waxing their mustaches and putting a sock down their pants for the premiere run of this two-woman show. No wives, girlfriends or sassy co-workers here... just two grown men, doing manly man things. Gretchen and Regina ‘This is the kind of folk act you wish you could see during your lunch break at Potbelly, instead of the usual Patchouli knockoffs awkwardly strumming Marley jams while you munch your skinny Wreck on wheat.The collaboration is a rather silly, charming parody of Lillith Fair fare, and the banter and chemistry suggests an apolitical Smothers Brothers--if Tom were a lesbian and Dick drank a lot of gin onstage.’ --Brian Costello The READER GayCo Productions The woman of gayco go all lady on your ass, except when we go butch, with a combination of scenes from last years all lady review ‘Breast in Show’, new scenes from their upcoming pride show review, and gems of the past. Combining music, hilarity and touching scenes is what the ladies of GayCo do best. And change a tire.
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Get Well Soon Once upon a time, two blondes discovered their mutual love of improv and brunch. Liz Bell and Lisa Lohman, as directed by Beth Melewski present Get Well Soon. Part memoir, part satire, part satirical memoir, Get Well Soon explores what happens when two Barbie-loving feminists toast their son at his Bar Mitzvah, bring their cat to the beach and help their mom get on The Facebook. Gina Narciso Confessions of a Mommy Blogger: A high-tech, low-moral one woman show that tramples on the notion of the ‘perfect’ mom. GUNNER GUNNER is Julie Marchiano and Carley Moseley. Focusing on character and relationship driven plots, we work to produce material that is both relatable and satirical, while striving to write what is smart and silly (for the sake of both). We’ve been told we pack a punch. Here Goes... A Comedy Sketch Revue An original sketch revue written and performed by Allison Yolo and Blythe Haaga, “Here Goes” is a habitually silly, occasionally dark take on the world we live in. As improvisers, Allison and Blythe have performed together for three years. “Here Goes” is their first sketch show. The show is directed by Jessica Mitolo. Hi Betty A group of really funny ladies who really capture the insanity of the female mind. Focusing on women,
weight, and so much more. They make everyday trials in life seem HILARIOUS! Holly Lynnea For a woman who thought she would end up in advertising, comedy turned out to be where she landed. Armed with quick wit and creative storytelling, this city slicker from Louisville, KY often finds the humor in anything. As her hilarious stories unfold, she proves that she can make anyone laugh. Trained at the Second City Training Center in Chicago in sketch writing and Improv, Holly prides herself on being unapologetically quirky and guaranteed random. Its Pronounced Kevin starring and written by Mallory Eyhorn, Devin Sinnott, Lauren Malara and Jennifer Jackson. The show is directed and co-written by Brittany Ashley. Jeanie Doogan Jeanie has set herself apart with her quick observations and no-apology take on teaching, motherhood, and American culture. Jeanie says what other people wish they had the nerve to say out loud. Her sharp wit draws on her experiences growing up on the South side of Chicago and her years as a public school teacher to deliver comedy that reaches audiences of all ages, genders, and walks of life. Jennifer Bloodsworth Jennifer Bloodsworth has been described as reminiscent of Brett Butler... by someone who does not like Brett Butler.
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Jennifer Shenberger Jennifer Shenberger and her magnificent instrument of lust, the ukulele, will be sure to entertain you with songs about selling Girl Scout Cookies and her experience as the only straight softball player on her team. Jennifer’s naive innocence charms audiences while still managing to bring about quirky and surprising moments. Jessica Gisin Jess is good at a lot of things but she is especially good at making bad decisions. Through songs and stories she will explain how a good girl can make some bad choices and become an expert at messing up her life.
She has understudied the ETC stage at The Second City and traveled to Alaska with the Second City on the Norwegian Cruise Lines. With writing partner Charlie McCrackin, she wrote and directed the sitcom pilot Ditched starring Greg Holliman from the TV show Strangers with Candy. She also played Deborah in the independent film American Legacy. She was included in “Best of Chicago’s Stand-Up” at The Lincoln Lodge and listed as New City’s 2009 “People Who Perform.” Josie Dykas - Urban Indigenous Josie uses humor to unravel the confusion she was raised in not knowing/understanding who she is as a Native American/Mexican/ Latino and Polish woman.
Journey to the Center of the Uterus: Adventures Infertility! Jet Eveleth ourney to the Jet Eveleth is a Center of the Uterus: member of the iO Adventures Infertility! theatre’s improve This original show group the Reckoning. takes you on a roller coaster ride through She currently the fertility fray with differing doctors, performs with Paul ‘supportive’ friends who declare ‘you’d get Brittian in Ted and pregnant if you weren’t so fat!’, adventures Melanie and in Pleasant Valley with Susan in the ‘special man room’, and so much Messing and Holly Laurent. She can also more. Through entertaining characters, be seen in The Armando Diaz Experience animation by Andrew Eninger, interviews and the Deltones at the iO Theatre. Jet with men and women ages 35 to 85, and has created and toured The Barb Lameter funny inventive music by the talented Show, Roseville, Café Noir, Touched, and singer/songwriter Marshall Stern, the I Live Next Door to Horses winner of the show promises to make the audience Del Close Award for Best Scripted Show. laugh while giving them perspective on
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) the whole conception conundrum. This universally appealing show will make both men and women laugh, gasp, and think. Julia Solomon As one of the most recent cast members at Chicago’s Illustrious Lincoln Lodge, Julia Solomon has made her mark as an overconfident yet vulnerable performer. Three things this performer doesn’t take seriously? Her life, your opinions, and this summary. ‘Well then, what does she take seriously?’ you might be asking. Her answer? ‘My bangs.’ Julie Paradise Female comic with a unique spin on politics, pets, Las Vegas, snooty waiters and more. Just the Tip Just the Tip brings hilarious and crowd pleasing characters, situations, song, and dance based on their unique experiences and satirical point of view. These ladies have been seen in festivals across the county and all over Chicago. A night with Just the Tip, you’re sure to experience big, hard... laughs. Kate Streit No one is safe from Kate Streit’s scathing wit. She targets her family, her friends and even herself in her stand-up to hilarious effect. She can be seen making audiences laugh all over Chicagoland. Katie Hughes Katie Hughes is the perfect blend of smart and silly. Katie’s wild imagination and energetic
irreverence make her a force to be reckoned with on stage. Katie Hughes has come in second (or third) in quite a few comedy competitions so she’s almost the best. KB Marion KB Marion’s stand up routine consists of exploring the mundane, everyday aspects of life. Her material is relatable, but she always takes an unexpected turn. Kelly Bolton Edna James isn’t just your friendly neighbor who lives down the block. She’s a sharp as a tack, advice toting, sugar cookie baking, tell it like it is kind of lady. Come join her for a cup of tea and a dose of what’s good for ya. - Kelly Bolton is a member of Off Off Broadzway and is nervous about playing a girl. Kelsie Huff They say the best comedy comes from painful places, and Huff is a fearless chronicler of the awkward and the excruciating, turning it into comic gold. - Mark Collins, The Daily Camera Kitty PooleBecky Poole Kitty Poole is the 6yr old performance artist alter ego of sketch comedian Becky Poole. In mAke hAste / eAt pAste you will experience the wonderful confusing world of experimental performance art through Kitty’s perspective. Monsters under the bed, Miranda July, noises in general, and Annie Sprinkle all inspire this little quest for big theatre. Google Annie Sprinkle to see if this show is for your kids. Chicago Women’s Funny Fest 11
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Kristen Studard Small Victories Small Victories is Kristen Studard’s ode to the little wins that keep us going. This show has been featured in the TBS Just For Laughs Festival and San Francisco Sketchfest. It is very funny. Kristin Clifford Kristin Clifford is a comedian to watch. Since beginning stand-up two years ago, Kristin has performed all over Chicago at many great shows, including the Lincoln Lodge, Zanies, the kates, and Jokes and Notes. Before beginning standup Kristin performed sketch and improv, training at the Second City Conservatory and iO theaters. Kristen Toomey Kristen Toomey is the suburban mom from hell! The 5’1 Irish broad from Chicago is a graduate of The Second City and is always a crowd favorite.She eases them in, gets to know the crowd and then hits them with her “tell it like it is” often brash sense of humor. LACE LACE practices a “slowcore” style of improvisation, performing single 20-30 minute scenes. Their comedy mines their characters’ pathos for humor, drawing laughs of recognition from unflinching takes on the common fears, frustrations, hopes and heartaches universal to everyday life.
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Lady Jam Sandwich Jam Sandwich (directed by John Hildreth) brings together improv vets (teachers, past etc/ mainstage actors, and other seasoned performers) and students, who are randomly selected. We perform a completely original format wherein the MD (Stephanie McCullough) and technical director (Keri Mack) are involved with the edits, which makes for a unique show. Lady LaRue Lady LaRue is the female tributary of sketch group Butch LaRue. These ladies have been curtseying on stage together since 2007 and are constantly writing lady humor to round out the Butches. The Lady LaRue flavor is part punny, part talking animal, part feminine experience, and all funny. We’re like a set of legs with fishnets and a gun holster. Ladystache Ladystache is a group that always brings to the stage a level of wit, physicality and raunchiness that audiences appreciate and expect. They are clever, imaginative and play by their own rules. They don’t talk politics or periods. LaForce & Whitaker: You’re My Best Friend LaForce & Whitaker: You’re My Best Friend is the natural next step for Rachel and Casey. Writing and performing together in various capacities for the past 3 years, LaForce & Whitaker: You’re My Best Friend explores the closest of relationships through some of our favorite characters, personal monologues, choregraphed dance breaks, as well as new songs and sketches.
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Lauren Vino A native Chicagoan, Lauren Vino got her stand up chops in the windy city before heading east. Now based out of New York, Vino shares her silly, self-exploitive brand of comedy with audiences throughout the country. She’s honed her hilarious act as a house regular at the Tribeca Comedy Club and The Creek and the Cave, and loves returning to Chicago to perform. Lindsay Adams Lindsay Adams is a nice Jewish girl originally from New Jersey, where she grew up with her 4 cats and painfully normal family. When she was younger she had an uncontrollable need to hear herself talk and make people laugh, which she channeled into several different forms of performance art. As a teenager, she made out with a lot of people and punched some in the face, and postrehab thought she lived in a rap video. Now, she eats a lot of ice cream. Her stand up is witty, strange, and relatable to a range of audiences. Lindsay LaVine Lindsay is a lawyer by day and a humorist by night. Using observational humor and her quick wit, Lindsay discusses topics ranging from dating to pop culture with a smattering of family drama. When not talking about herself in the third person and tooting her own horn, she blogs at ehilarity.com. Lindsay Williams Solo show based on a bunch of real life experiences, from dating to family to awkward moments during a kickboxing class. Something everyone can relate to!
Weird Girl by Lindsey Fisher C’mon. We’ve all known, or avoided, or are that weird girl. We’ve all laughed at that weird middle schooler who can’t seem to stop telling her own secrets, or stared at that old lady sitting in the restaurant by herself with her dog, or have wondered what that old washed up lounge singer is doing now a days. Weird Girl. Cuz it’s normal to be weird. And without weird, life would be boring. Lindsey Pearlman Feminine, real, and uncensored, Lindsey Pearlman deconstructs the life of a modern, unmarried chicago woman. She is the underdog that creates victories. Lisa Laureta Explore the depths of the brain of a lady in her late-twenties just trying to live her life, and then find out why you shouldn’t be exploring around in the depths of people’s brains. Lisa Laureta mixes typical stand up and storytelling formats with character work to take the audience on a journey through her neurosis. Often self-deprecating, always engaging, Lisa hopes to act as a distraction from your life, because when you’re laughing, you’re more bearable. Liz McArthur Liz has been doing all the comedies all over this dang city for 10 years. Give her a break.
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Liz Reuss In the fall and winter of 2011/2012 I performed a solo, long-form improv show at iO as part of the U.S. of Improv. As the only performer at the theater from Kentucky, I made it all the way to the finals where I lost by 4 votes. I decided to keep going, and continue to perform my show around town.
Maggie Jenkins A graduate of the Lincoln Lodge’s Feminine Comique, Maggie has been dubbed a “grownup f@$!up,” regaling tales of new homeownership, sandwich artistry and kite safety. The Nebraska native and Chicago Marathoner performs regularly with the kates, an all-female showcase at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square.
Liza Treyger Liza Treyger is from the former Soviet Union where laughs weren’t allowed so she’s been telling jokes in Chicago and loving every moment. She likes wearing dresses, glitter, and getting her hair blown out before shows.She loves sharing her opinions on controversial topics like feminism, religion, serial killers, India and why people should be nicer to her.
Maria Wojciechowski Maria Wojciechowski has been through a lot of stuff (relationships). She writes songs about it on her ukulele and accordion. Maria is very emotional, and she loves to dance.
Luciana Bonifazi Luciana Bonifazi talks about anything and everything, from her crazy Italian-Irish family to the perils of online dating and her obsession with shows on TLC. Madame Senator Madame Senator: Weapons of Mass Seduction is a comedic exploration of relationships with sketches that examine the human condition from unexpected and unique angles. The ladies of Madame Senator take a no-holds barred approach to presenting their findings to the audience with poise, charm and razor sharp, quirky satire.
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Marlena Rodriguez Marlena Rodriguez is a lovely young lady who enjoys embarrassing and exploiting herself on stage for the merriment of others. For god’s sake, whatever you do, do not sound her name out backwards. Mary Kay Letourneau Katie Rich and Kate Duffy are the Mary Kay Letourneau Players. Best friends in real life, these ladies created the MKL Players while traveling the country for The Second City’s National Touring Company. Matter Dance Company Matter Dance Company is proud to be the only dance company in Chicago which has embraced Chicago’s thriving comedy community and incorporated it into their performance. In addition to comedic dances within their normal programing MDC also works with short form improv
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) which is a cornerstone of the comedy community and has translated that into movement. This makes each show an interactive audience experience. McGillicuddy McGillicuddy is a one of Chicago’s premier all-female improv comedy teams. We appear in national festivals and venues all around the Chicagoland area. Our members come from a variety of performing backgrounds including theatre, dance, sketch, short and long form improv, and stand-up comedy. All our women have trained with some combination of iO Theatre, Second City, The Annoyance, and ComedySportz. While we focus on long-form improv, we constantly adapt to play with new and interesting styles. Meg Ferrill Meg has performed Stand Up on countless stages in the NYC area. Meg’s comedy combines relatable topics with fresh perspectives. Meg’s hair is consistently disheveled which neither adds nor hurts her humor. Meg O’Rourke Meg O’Rourke is an openly gay middle school teacher raised in an Irish Catholic family. As one of six kids, she was bred for chaos. In addition to politics and public education, her family is an endless source of comedic inspiration. Megan Doherty Megan Doherty is a Brooklyn based stand up comedian who got her start with The Second City Chicago. After graduating with a degree in theatre from Loyola University Chicago, Megan went on to write sketch comedy shows that were chosen as ‘Critics Pick’ by NBC and a ‘must see’
by Time Out. Megan has opened up for many great comedians including Hannibal Buress and Jim Gaffigan. Megan Gailey Megan Gailey is a Chicago based comedian that has performed all over the country, opening for Brad Garret, Amy Schumer, Nikki Glaser and Bobby Lee. She is a founder of the sketch and stand-up group Your Funniest Friends and a co-host of Naked Sports Live, a comedy sports podcast. Monica Barcelona – Bitch, I’ll Cut You (improv with style) Step into the world of the ultra stylish, slightly ghetto Monica Barcelona in her onstage hair salon, where an audience member will get a free makeover and one lucky volunteer will get a haircut. Monica is the alter-ego of licensed cosmetologist and comedian Monique Madrid. She be crazy and she’s gonna make you look fabulous, because she knows that ‘You is beautiful.’ Nancy Beckett A Queer Thanksgiving For Kate, who has been abroad and is back for her final semester, Thanksgiving with the Kirshberg’s suddenly seems so, Jewish? This kitchen-counter farce is about who can say what to whom and what you think they heard and who you think you are. Natalie Jose Natalie has been performing stand-up comedy in Chicago for almost three years. Her material stems from her experiences being single and 30 and working an unfulfilling day job while trying to pursue delusions Chicago Women’s Funny Fest 15
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) of grandeur. It’s a refreshingly honest portrayal of the women who don’t choose marriage and having a family and instead journey down the rabbit hole of narcissistic loneliness. Off Off Broadzway Coming off their sold out shows at the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival this all lady burlesque parody sketch comedy troupe is at it again. Broadz are back with bigger tutus, fouler mouths and larger than life characters. Come and get your fill of singing, dancing and anything goes humor. Named Chicago’s guilty pleasure of 2012 by –therundown Parpan and McCormick 1. they have vaginas, 2. they know how to play every instrument in the world 3. They have nice hair Phoebe Angle Edgy, but charming, with a sense of humor that pokes fun at everything, but in reality, mostly herself- Phoebe’s a mix of bizarre true stories, and misfired synapses of the brain. Pirate Sugar Pirate Sugar is 8 feisty fearless ladies that constantly wreak havoc in NYC with their sharpedged swash-buckling sketch comedy. Pirate Sugar wildly comments on everything from relationships to politics to flatulence. Men, women, and everyone in between will agree that Pirate Sugar is a raucous good time! Rhea Butcher Rhea Butcher is a producer of Kind of Blue, the first standup showcase at Chicago’s legendary Hideout, & a host of the Cole’s Open 16 Stage 773
Mic (Best Open Mic, Chicago Magazine). She has appeared at many of the city’s top venues, including The Comedy Bar, Chicago Underground Comedy & the Lincoln Lodge, and worked as a road opener for Cameron Esposito’s SIDE MULLET NATION. Rhea is also know for her graphic design work for comedy posters all over town, for her rockin’ hairdo & cool as ice style. Robin Gelfenbien To some, Canadian men are our nice neighbors to the North, but for acclaimed storyteller and comedian, Robin Gelfenbien, they are a national treasure. Join her for an evening of stories and songs about apartment break-ins, Eugene Levy and an unsolved mystery. Sounds fun, eh? Roxy Bellows Roxy Bellows is a high-octane entertainer whose ability to create an evening of outrageous laughs and astounding improvised music has wowed audiences across the country. Now you can experience Roxy’s ribald wit and amazing musical talent as she belts out show stoppers and croons sweet ballads just for you. Sad Banana It does involve 2 people writing and playing and singing music. half of us is mexican and the other half is a girl. intrigued? you should be. Salsation Salsation Theatre Company, NFP present ‘Latinas Con Sabor’, a show combining archival material from Salsation’s rich 14 year history as well as fresh new material celebrating the ‘comedy with a
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) LATIN flavor’ that the ladies of Salsation have to offer! We explore love, family relationships, and women’s power - from a Latina’s perspective! This is a show that’s guaranteed to spice up ‘el sabor’ in your comedy palette! SAM SAM is a hilarious all female comedic foursome that brings the laughs with a fully improvised show that begins with a talk show styled after The View, and then breaks off into scenes inspired by the audience’s suggestion. SAM is Blair Beeken, Meg Grunewald, Punam Patel and Sarah Shook. You’re gonna like this show, I promise. Sara Kaplan The reality we live in is so interesting, especially when it is skewed by the eyes of Sara Kaplan. She brings to life characters she likes to believe exist in this crazy mixed-up world. Sara invites the audience into her mind, and hopes they all laugh at her. Second City This Week Take a little SNL, mix in a healthy dose of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report and sprinkle it all with classic sketch comedy shows like The Carol Burnett Show and SCTV. Put that all together and you get Hollywood’s best sketch comedy show, Second City This Week. Every Saturday night, some of Second City Hollywood’s most talented actors and writers come together to create a new show, heavily influenced by the week’s current events. It’s all the news that’s fit to sketch! Sherra In this tale as old as time, a chubby crossed eyed girl grows up to surprise the world by becoming a sarcastic
tomboy. As she fights to figure out how to become the person people perceive her as, she learns how to more adequately insult those she loathes. Sherra Lasley tells us the story of ‘Snark: The Tale of the Shoulder Chip Who Grew and Grew’ through a cohesive compilation of original characters. Sherri D. Sutton Don’t Make fun of Jesus-One girl’s struggle to come out of a cult, a marriage, poverty and a closet! Sirens Sirens performs longform, intelligent, and joyous improvisation dubbed perfect for the ‘NPR set.’ Our show begins with improvised dual monologues based on an audience suggestion, which provides the inspiration for the 30-40 minute improvisation that follows. There are full cast scenes, improvised monologues and cohesive tie-ins that round out the show. Sit Still The mono-scene form that Sit Still employs invites the audience to really get to know the characters, their relationships with each other, and the world they live in. A different theme is chosen for each show, and is reflective of current events, societal issues, personal struggles, or simply because it just seems like a fun idea. Sometimes, in a fast-paced world, you just have to pull up a chair and Sit Still. Snooty Pageant Snooty Pageant is a musical sketch revue written and performed by Katie Dufresne and Stacey Smith (the ladies of Brouhaha). The two tackle themes such as love, war, poverty, and politics through a woman’s eyes as if she were drugged and/or Chicago Women’s Funny Fest 17
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) desperate. Utilizing music, puppetry, clowning, costumes, make up, great hair, rapping, bad hair, food, dancing, noises, instruments and, if allowed, extreme pyrotechnics, these two ladies bring the audience on a terrifying roller coaster ride into their brains. It’s what every circus wishes it could be if it weren’t illegal. All while maintaining their ladylike dignity n’shit. Please note: No pyrotechnics will actually be used. But bad hair definitely will be. Sonia Denis Sonia was born far far away and raised in Washington, DC. Her comedy comes from a perceptive mind and a lack of attention from her parents. Part storytelling, part introspective rants. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and only one of those things is true. Stacked Stacked: All-female Musical Improv is an ensemble of four ladies lovin’ one another and making up songs while they do so. Stacked refers to notes being harmonized on a musical staff, but also alludes to each singer’s ample rack. These ladies push the envelope in four-part harmony.
Stephanie Hasz Stephanie’s raw honesty about being a frustrated, single woman has made her one of the loudest voices in the Chicago comedy scene. She attacks the stage with the same vigor with which she attacks herself. Her specificity when sharing her insanity with an audience makes her both original and relatable. Tamale A sweet, charming fellow. A fierce, queer woman. Together, they tackle love from every angle. Hey Girl is a one woman show featuring interdisciplinary artist and comedian Tamale Sepp and projected images of her faux beau, Ryan Gosling. It’s a true story of how two people who have never met can be so perfect for each other. Tamale Sepp Pulling from her wild life of riding motorcycles, fire dancing, and traveling the world as a gender performer, Tamale’s stand up shows she’s ‘Femme that’s a little ruffle around the edges.’
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) The Cupcakes: The ladies of Cake-nHatred From the sketch group Cake-n-Hatred (Chicago Sketchfest ‘12, Des Plaines Comedy Festival ‘12) comes ‘The Cupcakes’. Comprised of material written and performed by the ladies of Cake-n-Hatred, this show says what everyone is thinking, but doesn’t say out loud. Don’t let their name fool you, they also bring a fair amount of hatred to the table. The Kickers The Kickers show is written and performed by two best friends who love to dance and play old men. They formed in Tempe, AZ in May 2005 to host a monthly late-night cabaret called Tiny Tina’s. These two ASU alums have performed dances, sketches and improvised goodness at the Prism Theatre in Tempe, the Cornservatory in Chicago, iO Sketch CageMatch and various wedding receptions of their friends, and can be seen on Pixeldom.com as the Reel Girls. The Mo Show The Mo Show was created by Mo Welch in the city of Chicago in the year 2008. The Mo Show has had runs at The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago and a lot of art galleries and small theaters. The show is a multi-media comedy experience and hopes to one day be a 4am slot on Adult Swim and play to only potheads and the sleep deprived. The Playboys An evening with Kate Duffy, Rachael Mason and Susan Messing
the modern woman. In this sketch comedy show we traverse through bizarre job interviews, atypical dating, pregnancy scares and batty family dynamics. This female driven sketch comedy show will come of age right before your eyes. The Puterbaugh Sisters The Puterbaugh Sisters will revolutionize. They are bringing comedy duo’s back or at least to the back of every dive bar. They combine stand up, sketch, sister improvisation, songs, costumes and a little bit of street theatre to display their own brand of eclectic comedy. The Revelettes The Revelettes are Chicago’s grooviest go-go dancing troupe. You can find them shaking a tailfeather at live music shows, outdoor festivals, burlesque cabarets, kids’ parties, and everything in between. Look for them online at revelettes.com, and on Facebook. Thea Lux How to pronounce the name: Tayuh Lucks. As a Renaissance woman or just a lady with old-fashioned ADD, her comedic stylings are a good balance between Muppet rants and acerbic cynicism. You can follow her the healthy way on Twitter @thealux. There Goes the Gaybarhood: Ladies Night! presented by the Alliance The ladies of the Alliance Sketch Group join forces to re-imagine the world through their eyes in this all musical sketch revue! 4 words: Ukulele, piano, song, dance!
The Powder Room The Powder Room takes you through the complicated and ridiculous world of Chicago Women’s Funny Fest 19
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Tits and Bits Tits and Bits is a one-woman comedic cabaret featuring Chicago starlet, Krystal LaFianzaPitzen, as she charms with original songs, characters and stand-up comedy. Tits and Bits provides an exciting medley of comedy while Krystal illustrates the drudgery of office work, companionship from cocktails and the mishaps of urban dating. Enjoy characters like, Stella, a British tourist looking for an American suitor, catchy original songs like Sunday Funday and Cocktails in the Morning, zinging punch lines and a nod to some Broadway classics. Trio Tara DeFrancisco, Jet Eveleth, and Lyndsay Hailey do a three person improvised musical together. Accompanied by Dave Asher of iO Chicago. 3 performers, 1 MD. UPFRONTS The WLC Network’s President and Head of Programming, Tater Simkins, is proud to invite you to her UPFRONTS presentation of her ass-kicking 2012 Fall TV Show line-up. Enjoy glossy, sexy promo videos from her three new TV shows and meet their stars - live and up-close! Tater has come
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back from a near-death experience at The Philadelphia Zoo (that she will not discuss) and created the greatest TV shows the world has ever seen! Valid Hysteria Several generations of Valid Hysteria performers will be improvising together at this Valid Hysteria reunion show. valid hysteria n., psychological condition marked by outbursts of wit, torrents of insight, and fits of corsetbusting hilarity. Always contagious, rarely fatal. Usually occurs as a result of improvising while female. Vaudezilla Voted Best Burlesque Chicago 2011, Vaudezilla’s team of female performers includes Red Hot Annie, Jeez Loueez, Trixie Sparx, Po’Chop, Mia D. Vine, Anita Lilmore, and Booty Garland. Whether they’re dazzling the stages of Stage 773 or shaking the rafters at Exit, you’re always guaranteed a good time. They love to have fun, love their fans, and won’t bite you unless you ask. Vaudezilla is your Friendly Neighborhood Burlesque Troupe. Come see what everyone’s ROARing about! Vermilion Line C*nts is an all-female improv troupe hailing from the far away treacherous ville of Wrigley. We make up really funny stuff and do it while wearing skirts (if we
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) feel like it. Don’t push the issue). Come see us killin’ it at SMUSH at Stage 773 Monday evenings at 8:00 PM. The Vicki Kunz Solo Experiment As legend has it, there was an unwritten rule in one sketch group stating that if a member got married or moved away, they were automatically bumped out of the group. Two weddings and three U-hauls later, we’re left with an orphaned sketch comedienne taking a blind leap into the world of the oneperson show. With no one to keep her in check, she takes you on a journey as random as her mind. Better buckle up. Viva La Muerte Viva La Muerte is an international burlesque performer and two time winner of ‘Most Original’ at the Texas Burlesque Festival. Known typically for a heavy metal approach to her stage shows, her newest act ‘Taco Grande’ finds Viva back in the comedy burlesque arena after such belly laughing acts like ‘Stonehenge’ & ‘Peaches’. Taking her love of tacos to a whole different level is this comedic homage to her favorite food with a side of Weird Al along for the ride. WAS The show takes place as WAS, a three girl R&B/ Rap group, is on a comeback tour. With clashing personalities, parental issues and a wee bit of sexual frustration the girls wpill do anything, no make that, ANYTHING to be famous again. The show includes them performing some of their kickin new tunes (little do they know that people don`t say ‘kickin new tunes’).
Williams & Martinez The Williams & Martinez is one of the longest running 2-person shows in Chicago. They’ve been at the Playground Theater every Monday for 3 and a half years and are still going strong. They’ve played everything from incomptent police officers to a teenage couple fighting in detention to high school basketball players that just never seem to make it off the bench. Best part is, every week these ladies do something new. Check them out every Monday at 10pm at the Playground and at the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival! WiseSnatch Excited about exciting you with excitement, there is no shortage of energy in WiseSnatch, who start the show by giving some advice – and then explode into scenes in order to investigate the answers. Unafraid to put it all out there, the highly physical trio invite the absurd to enter scenes but the emotions are grounded in real action-packed connections. We’re WiseSnatch, and we hope this helps. Women on Top (pH Productions) Women on Top is an all-female cast making fun of the all- female show. Proving the improv is best when it comes from a place of truth, Women on Top gives the ladies a chance to tell true stories based off of the audience suggestions and turn them into multiple rounds of improv hilarity. Oh, and there might be a song/ movement piece.
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SPECIAL THANKS The Entire Chicago Women’s Funny Festival Staff and Volunteers The Stage773 Board of Directors The League of Chicago Theatres Charna Halpern – iO Kelly Leonard, Kerry Sheehan, Beth Klingerman - The Second City Alderman Waguespack and his staff Nina Metz Susan Messing Marisa Paonessa Ana Belaval T H E C H I C AG O WO M E N ’ S F U N N Y F E S T I VA L S P E C I A L E V E N T S Wednesday, June 6th 5 Rabbit Opening Night Party Our friends at Chicago’s 5 Rabbit Brewery are throwing us an opening night party! After the shows let out, join the crowd in the lobby where 5 Rabbit Brewery will be launching their newest beer exclusively at Stage 773! Free samples and deep discounts will be offered on all of 5 Rabbit’s delicious craft beers. Learn more about 5 Rabbit here: http://5rabbitbrewery.com Thursday, June 7th 10pm “Matt likes Girls” live podcast taping Matt Likes Girls is a comedy podcast featuring Chicago based comedian Matt Riggs talking to and about his favorite thing in the world; girls. Be it actress, musician, comedian or his own mother, Matt has an in depth conversations about the lives of successful women and what they are all about. This weekly podcast will fill your heart with joy, wonder, fulfillment, mercy, love, candy, intrigue, espionage, corn mazes and smiles. New episodes every Thursday on iTunes and mattlikesgirls.tumblr.com! Friday, June 8th Midnight Who said nights were for sleeping? Grab your bunny slippers and join the Improv Jammy Jam! The best Pajama Party in Chicago! Only at The Chicago Women’s Funny Festival! Improv Jam, Games, Drinks, Facials, Movies, and of course Pillow Fights! Hey dudes, you are more than welcome to join the girls for some funny business and a panty raid. Saturday, June 9th Afternoon PANEL: Being Funny is Serious Business: A 360* Perspective of Women Doing It. Hand-picked from all walks of “The Biz,” these women are doing it, know how it’s done and probably did it first.
Nina Metz (Chicago Tribune Entertainment Reporter) 22 Stage 773
Charna Halpern (co-founder of iO)
Susan Messing (co-founder of Annoyance Theater/ Improv Master)
THE CHICAGO WOMEN’S FUNNY FESTIVAL SPECIAL EVENTS ( c o n t.)
Beth Kligerman (The Second CityDirector of Talent)
Ana Beleval (WGN’s Around Town)
Marisa Paonessa (Paonessa Talent Agency)
Hosted by Brian Posen (Executive ProducerThe Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival)
Saturday, June 10th Midnight Chickubator Hosted by local favorites, The Puterbaugh Sisters, this event is a late night hoopla where performers perform to performers. Groups sign up for 5 minute slots and comedy the night away in keeping with the tradition of SketchFest’s Sketchubator. Try something, new, crazy, old, terrible etc. We don’t care, it’s late and we’re probably drunk. Contact Jill Valentine for your Chickubator slot at jill@stage773.com
SPONSORED BY
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