Bios

Andrew Felper-Writer, Producer
Hailing from comforting womb of New England, Felper graduated from Boston University where he wrote a weekly opinion/humor column in BU’s The Daily Free Press, a publication that has produced multiple Pulitzer Prize winners and James Bernstein, the screenwriter of 3 James Bond films, and of course, Bill O’ Reilly. Felper also performed at Chicago’s Edge Comedy Showcase in 2007. Upon moving to Chicago, Felper bypassed the passive lurking behind the comedic curtains of Chicago theatre. “I came directly to Chicago instead of venturing on the post-college pilgrimage to Europe,” says Felper “I didn’t see any point in expanding my horizons, I’m an American.” Seizing the opportunity to work with Second City and iO improv students, Felper began laying the groundwork for We Get to Be Canadians immediately. “I enrolled in the Second City writing program and was challenged by my instructor to produce material for a show. That really propelled the creative process for me.” Andrew’s enthusiasm in only hampered by low self-esteem and a day job to support his comedy writing habit.

Christopher M. DeRose-Director
Chris is proud to be directing We Get to Be Canadians. A native of Pittsburgh, Chris graduated with a B.A. in Theatre from McDaniel College. After graduation, Chris moved to the Chicago to study improv and writing at Chicago’s famed Second City and is a member of the conservatory program. Though typically a stage actor, Chris has enjoyed work in many facets of the performing arts. We Get to Be Canadians marks Chris’s third stint in the Directors chair, having also directed the shows Choices ’06 and Nothing Serious.

Laura Bell-Media Relations
Laura moved to Chicago in 2007 after living in New Orleans and Aspen and entered The Second City writing program on a dare from a friend. Spending three years working for a rock band and over 10 years working music festivals around the country, Laura thinks comedy theatre is a natural fit. Saddled with an awful day job, Laura enjoys laughing at others whenever possible. Laura’s other certificates of achievement include a cake decorating diploma and she’s an official unarmed security guard in the State of Tennessee which she proudly hangs above her toilet.

Brian Paris-Co-Producer, Stage Manager
Brian Paris, SWM, 33, looking forward to a great sketch comedy show. Brian has worked in television/video production for the last eight years. He produced the series Video Diner, and Studio X for WILL-TV, music videos, and various short films. Currently Brian is studying improv and sketch comedy writing at Second City. He is keeping his fingers crossed that Tina Fey comes to see We Get To Be Canadians so he can profess his love and admiration to her before she calls the cops.

Sarah Albritton-Castmember
Sarah hails from Louisville, KY. She holds a B.A. in Theatre and minor in dance from N.I.U. where she founded the improv group “Stringed Cheese Bikini.” Since moving to Chicago she has performed improv with “Missed Connections,” “Myth” and “Longboard.” She has completed the i.O. training program and is currently in The Second City conservatory program.

Jess Bettini-Castmember
Jess loves this stuff! She is currently in her last semester of school at Columbia College, majoring in theatre. She is a graduate of the inaugural semester of Comedy Studies at The Second City and is currently a member of their conservatory program. She is very excited that she gets to be a Canadian! Hooray Healthcare!

Collin Blackard-Castmember
Collin comes from Oklahoma, where he got his Theatre degree from Oklahoma Baptist University. His previous roles have included the father in Six Characters in Search of an Author, Adam Long in The Cmplt Wrks ofWllm Shkspre (abridged), Henry in the Fantasticks among others. Collin is currently in The Second City conservatory program.

Kevin Buswell-Castmember
Kevin hasn’t been this excited since he found out that s’mores weren’t just for kids at camp. He’s originally from Council Bluffs, IA, where the other kids used to call him Crevis Buttsmell. He’ll still answer to it. Kevin has studied theatre and improv at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, he has performed for a number of years at Stages of Omaha in Omaha, NE, and he is currently a student in Chicago’s The Second City conservatory program. Kevin thinks M&M’s are the greatest invention since air, and he wants you to know that you’re sitting in gum. That jerk behind you threw it on your seat right before you sat down. Nothing a clean punch in the face can’t solve, right?

Andrew Graves – Castmember
Andrew is pleased as spiked punch to be performing in We Get To Be Canadians. Andrew hails from Lawrence, KS where he attended the University of Kansas and received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal performance. After grad school, and co-founding/performing in an a capella group in Kansas City called Octarium, Mr. Graves moved to New York City to pursue a career in opera. In 2007 he moved to Chicago to pursue improvisation at The Second City where he is currently training in the conservatory program. Andrew has been singing since before birth (just ask his mother) and performing throughout
his life. When not improvising or singing, or doing both simultaneously, Andrew enjoys traveling, jumping out of airplanes, and counting daisies.

Mo McKibbin-Castmember
Mo McKibbin is uncomfortable listing her achievements even though she thinks she is pretty cool and hopes that you do too. Besides which, she has led a relatively uneventful life. She suffers from some self-diagnosed emotional problems and because of this inner turmoil wants nothing more in life than to make people happy, and hopes to achieve this goal with comedy. If she has made you happy today with her performance, you should let her know because it will give her much joy and satisfaction. If not, keep your comments to yourself because she cares way too much about what people think and your negative two cents will drive her even more insane. She loves her family and her boyfriend brian whole heartedly and thanks them for all of their much needed hugs, kisses, and support.

Bethany Remely-Castmember
Bethany is a new member of the Chicago comedy scene, after moving only three months ago to the city. She is currently taking classes at i.O. and is thrilled to be on her first Chi-town stage after annoying the audiences of DC for the last four years. Like most performers, her self-esteem is extremely low, so please laugh because she is running out of razor blades and drug money. She would like to thank her roommate for getting her the gig, her three friends in Chicago and the slightly more across the country, and her unbelievably supportive parents. She could certainly do it without all of you, but why bother? Thanks for coming and enjoy the show!

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