WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Always LIT!
LIT Team: Thermal RunAway 2012 Currently: Won $400,000 on Jeopardy!, went "viral" (which both sounds like and is like getting a rare case of avian flu), and now writes stuff for the Internet (Salon, Slate, TechCrunch, etc.) Why LIT: I really enjoyed being in Thermal RunAway, and our show at the DC Improv was one of the best improv experiences of my life.
LIT Team: Hot & Sweaty 2010-11 Currently: Stand-Up Comedian in NYC, Last Comic Standing 2015, Caroline's on Broadway Why LIT: I got to perform at awesome venues [Source, Warehouse, Woolly Mammoth] around DC without having to book any of them on my own! I also enjoyed the consistent coaching and support I received, growing both my skills as an improviser and human being in general.
LIT Team: Hot & Sweaty 2011-15, Red Hot Pen 2011-2012 Currently: Author of children's books: The Keena Ford chapter book series (Dial/Penguin) and Tito the Bonecrusher (forthcoming from FSG) Why LIT: The people! I think the best improv happens with a group that supports each other both on and off-stage. I loved the variety of performance opportunities as well as the top-notch coaching in our regular rehearsals.
LIT Team: Thermal RunAway 2012 Currently: Won $400,000 on Jeopardy!, went "viral" (which both sounds like and is like getting a rare case of avian flu), and now writes stuff for the Internet (Salon, Slate, TechCrunch, etc.) Why LIT: I really enjoyed being in Thermal RunAway, and our show at the DC Improv was one of the best improv experiences of my life.
We're so proud of our Laugh Index Players who have gone on to do some pretty amazing things and continue to share their talents on one type of stage or another all across the United States. Sometimes they even return to the LIT stage or teach a workshop at LIT.
Former Laugh Index Players 2010-17
DUSTY TERRILL
Separate Beds 2016-17
Most would agree Dusty Terrill is the most handsome man in the DC area, but a little known fact, he is also the funniest. He was a member of Separate Beds, LIT's house sketch team from 2016-2017. Dusty is also a local DC stand-up comedian who has regularly performed at the DC Improv. He has also performed all over the US and even internationally. In his remaining free time he co-hosts a popular podcast with his wife for USA TODAY, called "I Tell My Husband The News".
WHY LIT: LIT is an amazing opportunity to meet and surround yourself with incredibly talented and funny people. I learned a lot from both the staff and the other players. I look back on it with great fondness.
Currently: Stand-Up Comedian in DC, Host of USA TODAY podcast "I Tell My Husband The News"
PETER JONES
Separate Beds 2015
Peter left DC for grad school and studied journalism at Northwestern.
WHY LIT: I was able to mix two things I love - comedy and writing - and be in a collaborative environment, which I didn't know I needed. I gained a ton of confidence to pursue future writing and comedy opportunities.
Currently: Production assistant on CNBC's American Greed at Kurtis Productions in Chicago.
JULIET MAZER-SCHMIDT
Hot & Sweaty & Red Hot Pen 2011
Juliet is a D.C.-based litigator turned Chicago-based arts fundraiser (TimeLine Theatre Company) who relocated recently to NYC to pursue Broadway-based General Management. Born in Detroit, Juliet spent the first half of her life performing (musical theatre + dance), “retiring” for about a decade before improv pulled her back on-stage: work and performance experience includes Washington Improv Theater, The Theatre Lab, The Second City, iO Theater, and MCL Chicago. Juliet is also a yoga instructor, swimmer, writer and Matter Dance Company Member.
WHY LIT: I wanted to perform, but also knew I didn’t have time to organize rehearsals or produce shows. LIT let me focus on playing alongside wonderful and talented friends, while granting me access to regular performances and solid marketing materials.
Currently:
321 Theatrical Management (New York, NY)
AMBAR CHAVEZ
Wonderland 2014-15
Ambar is currently living in West Los Angeles, where she is surrounded by sunshine and traffic all year long. She uses improvisation everyday because the life of a mother, wife, and lawyer is hardly ever predictable. Ambar is a misophoniac who likes logic puzzles and believes Benedict Cumberbatch is the best Sherlock Holmes of all time. Also, Michael Keaton was the best Batman.
WHY LIT: LIT gave me the stage time I needed to build confidence in myself and to trust my ideas. I also met a supportive group of people who love comedy and comraderie, and I learned a different style of improvisation.
Currently: Attorney in West LA, Mom Blogger, Standup Comedian in Hollywood, Groundlings School Student
JACOB HILL
JACOB HILL
Improvising since 1999; former student of Matt Smith (the evil boss in the 2006 romantic comedy “Outsourced”). Workshopped with Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall. Managed an experimental long-form group on the mean streets of Seattle. Founded the Seattle University Improv Comedy Club. Forever irritated when people don’t say “yes, and…” in every day life. Learner of Chinese, German and international economics trying to share with the world the hilarity of growing up in Idaho.
WHY LIT: I needed a creative outlet that to counteract the fastidiousness of my day job, and I had previous experience performing improv in Seattle. It was amazing to have a community space where I could try new things and explore comedy, LIT is truly a gem that other cities should imitate—a creative arts incubator.
Currently: Freelance economist, foreign language teacher and part-time lumberjack in Boise, Idaho
ALEXANDER ROLLINSKI
House Comics 2015-16
Grateful for the recognition from the late Joel Markowitz of DCMetroTheaterArts recognizes Alexander as a Scene Stealer as Young Franz and Animula in The Trap. “In Rolinski’s expressive face can be read a fascinating perspective on The Trap: the inner child who necessarily stays alive in every great artist—and who is here made transparent through the inner life and luminous performance of an exceptionally promising young actor.”-John Stoltenberg
WHY LIT: hilarious, creative flow of humor and great instruction
Studying to get into Stanford with high honor roll grades