jet city improv Staff

Meet Mario (he/him), a dedicated Filipino/Italian performer, director, and teaching artist based in Seattle, WA. As the Executive Artistic Director of Jet City Improv, he has been a guiding presence during challenging times, always placing community well-being at the forefront and advocating for Consent in Comedy.

Mario's significant contributions include co-creating "Joy Market," a show featuring an all-cast-of-color with Pork Filled Production. With a degree in Theatre Management & Theatre for Social Change, he excels in delivering engaging performances and sharing the joys of improv with diverse audiences. As a co-founder of JCI Labs, Mario coaches and supports emerging improv artists, and the Squaek Squad cohort's successful debut is a testament to his dedication.
Mario has also directed the Halloween production, “The Emerald City Slasher,” offered guidance to numerous indie teams, and taken pleasure in developing new improv comedy shows. In the past, he served as the Sales & Marketing Director of The Upfront Theater and was a part of the ensemble for the nationally recognized college troupe, "The Dead Parrot Society."
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Mario's warm charisma has graced stages at various venues, including SFIT, Vancouver Improv Festival, Curious Comedy, and more. From his involvement in arts outreach to his inclusivity efforts, his journey is driven by a deep commitment to the vibrant community of Jet City Improv. If you ever have the chance, consider catching up with him over a cup of coffee, which happens to be his favorite beverage.
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!
​​An interdisciplinary individual at heart , Brandon (he/him) hails from the tech world, but has always maintained his creative side. During the day he’s in the business of enterprise IT; 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 his stage presence long before becoming the Board of Directors' Vice President and currently, our Managing Director.​
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.
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! 
​Olivia (she/her) was born and raised in the Seattle/Shoreline area. She graduated from Shorecrest High School and is eagerly learning the ins and outs of live performances, interactions with audience members, education, and workshop offerings. Olivia is interested in capturing moments for people to jumpstart unforgettable memories from a fun-filled, laughter-injected performance that people want to experience again and again. She heads up our social media scene and has a perspective that will touch the young and young at heart. Olivia has a background in childcare and enjoys hanging out with her friends and watching shows in her free time.
House Managers
Emily Carey  Ted Jones
Alexa Trimble  Thom Whyte
Technical Improvisers / Stage Mangers
Accountant Catherine Muth
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