jet city improv Staff
Meet Mario (he/him), a proud Filipino/Italian performer, director, and teaching artist in the PNW, with strong roots in Seattle, WA.
As Executive Artistic Director of Jet City Improv, he's been a guiding force during trying times, like the COVID pandemic. Emphasizing community well-being, he prioritized Consent in Comedy, introduced access-driven production, and created the groundbreaking all-cast-of-color show "Joy Market" in collaboration with Pork Filled Production. With a degree in Theatre Management & Theatre for Social Change from Western Washington University, Mario's talent shines through captivating performances, teaching improv to diverse audiences, and his dedication to uplifting new storytellers. His charisma has graced stages at SFIT, Vancouver Improv Festival, The Upfront Improv Festival, Curious Comedy, and more! From arts outreach to inclusion efforts, Mario's journey is driven by a commitment to Jet City Improv's vibrant community |
Oliver (he/him) joined the Jet City Improv staff in September, 2016; he had been a Volunteer and House Manager since 2009. He holds a BA in Theater from California Lutheran University and brings an extensive background in customer service, database administration and a passion for people to this position. By day, Oliver administers the theaters box office and customer relations management services. By night, you will find him at our shows working with our amazing front of house team. The JCI volunteer staff make our shows and outreach work possible and Oliver is in charge of the recruitment, recognition and retention of this team; it is his favorite part of the job!
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An interdisciplinary individual at heart , Brandon (he/him) hails from the tech world, and thanks to Jet City Improv's curriculum and performances, he's also embraced his creative side. During the day he’s in the business of enterprise technology; at night, he's in the "business" of making people laugh. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to manage projects and initiatives in all types of settings: academic research, technology, and startup development. An active performer in Seattle’s comedy scene, he thanks Jet City Improv for helping him develop a stage presence long before before becoming the Board of Directors' Vice President and currently, our Managing Director.
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Mike (he/him) has over 37 years of theater and improv experience teaching, directing and performing. Originally from Genoa, Nebraska, Mike joined the US Army in 1976 while still in High School. In 1985 Mike received his BFA in Theater Arts from the University of Nebraska (Kearney) and later his MFA in Acting (Supporting Area: Directing) from the University of Idaho – spending summers performing summer stock across the Midwest. He began his Seattle improv career at Seattle Theatersports in 1989 and in 1992 he and Andrew McMasters founded Jet City Improv. Mike is currently Associate Artistic Director, director of Twisted Flicks, Outreach Director, Comedy-To-Go Czar as well as a performer and teaching artist.
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A native-born Seattlite, Kendall Uyeji (he/him) has been performing and producing in his home city for over six years now. He graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Theatre and a Minor in English. He has acted and written for various plays and has worked in many fields of education from administration to teaching to performance. He loves playing dungeons and dragons and writing novels in his free time. He also produces theatre with an Asian American theatre company called Pork Filled Productions. Come check out his shows!
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Seattle native Jason Baxter (he/him) has been a media professional since the age of eighteen. He began his career as a freelance journalist and musician before spending a decade in public relations, social media marketing, project management, and A&R. Previously, Jason has worked at such local institutions as The Stranger, Sub Pop Records, and the Seattle International Film Festival. You can read his pop culture writings at The Stranger, Comic Book Resources, Slashfilm.com, and more. If you’re lucky enough to meet him, ask him about his adorable tabby cat Montana.
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House Managers
Emily Carey Hannah Eckness Aisling Herron Ted Jones Jaime Lazich Keri Lawson Alexa Trimble |
Technical Improvisers / Stage Mangers
Stephen Atwell Chris Callagan Isaac Chamberlain Tara Curran Jerena Layacan Joe Viscia |
Accountant Catherine Muth