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The Dingle Drama Repertory Company Members
Aidan (he/him)
Meditation Expert and Company Member
Aidan began his theatrical journey at The Charlotte Comedy Theater under the mentorship of Keli Semelsberger, where he discovered his passion for collaborative storytelling and ensemble work. He has since honed his craft through intensive workshops and masterclasses with renowned theater practitioners including Mick Napier, Billy Merritt, Rich Baker, Jill Bernard, Liz Allen, and Jay Sukow, among others.
Over eight years, Aidan has developed his performance skills as a founding member of Sunday Supper, one of Charlotte's longest-running ensemble theater groups. His recent work with Pillow Talk, under the direction of Karla Dingle, has allowed him to explore dramatic storytelling and character development in intimate, emotionally-driven pieces.
Aidan has performed across Charlotte's diverse theater landscape, including prestigious venues such as the Mint Museum, Blumenthal Spirit Square, The Booth Playhouse, ComedyWorx, and Stage Door Theater, as well as alternative spaces like local breweries and community centers. His festival credits include the Asheville Improv Festival and Queen City Comedy Experience.
Theater has profoundly shaped Aidan's approach to collaboration and creative expression. The ensemble-based work has taught him to build compelling narratives through active listening, spontaneous character creation, and generous scene partnership.
Beyond the stage, Aidan brings a unique perspective as a structural engineer, trained meditation facilitator through the Art of Living program, and experienced emcee for community storytelling events. This diverse background informs his thoughtful, grounded approach to character development and ensemble collaboration.
Aidan began his theatrical journey at The Charlotte Comedy Theater under the mentorship of Keli Semelsberger, where he discovered his passion for collaborative storytelling and ensemble work. He has since honed his craft through intensive workshops and masterclasses with renowned theater practitioners including Mick Napier, Billy Merritt, Rich Baker, Jill Bernard, Liz Allen, and Jay Sukow, among others.
Over eight years, Aidan has developed his performance skills as a founding member of Sunday Supper, one of Charlotte's longest-running ensemble theater groups. His recent work with Pillow Talk, under the direction of Karla Dingle, has allowed him to explore dramatic storytelling and character development in intimate, emotionally-driven pieces.
Aidan has performed across Charlotte's diverse theater landscape, including prestigious venues such as the Mint Museum, Blumenthal Spirit Square, The Booth Playhouse, ComedyWorx, and Stage Door Theater, as well as alternative spaces like local breweries and community centers. His festival credits include the Asheville Improv Festival and Queen City Comedy Experience.
Theater has profoundly shaped Aidan's approach to collaboration and creative expression. The ensemble-based work has taught him to build compelling narratives through active listening, spontaneous character creation, and generous scene partnership.
Beyond the stage, Aidan brings a unique perspective as a structural engineer, trained meditation facilitator through the Art of Living program, and experienced emcee for community storytelling events. This diverse background informs his thoughtful, grounded approach to character development and ensemble collaboration.
Alannah (she/her)
Company Member
Alannah is a former swimmer who now loves making a splash onstage. She performs with the improv team Fake Adults and has trained at Comedy Arts Theater, Dingle Drama, and Charlotte Comedy Theater. Catch her performing twice a month at Fonta Flora and Charlotte Comedy Theater.
Alannah is a former swimmer who now loves making a splash onstage. She performs with the improv team Fake Adults and has trained at Comedy Arts Theater, Dingle Drama, and Charlotte Comedy Theater. Catch her performing twice a month at Fonta Flora and Charlotte Comedy Theater.
Amy (she/her)
Company Member
Amy has been making audiences laugh, think, and occasionally wonder what just happened for years. She trained in improv for two years at Charlotte Comedy Theater and performs with three teams: Group Hugs n Harmony and That’s What She Said, both for two years, and Swell Music Improv for the past year. She also shares her love of improv as an instructor for team-building workshops through Charlotte Comedy Theater.
Amy’s professional performance credits span comedy, immersive theater, and interactive experiences. She spent a year performing with The Dinner Detective and appeared in 301 performances of Blumenthal Arts’ *Monopoly Life-Sized* over eight months. She also performed for five months in Blumenthal Arts’ *The Magician’s Table* and six months with Doors of Divergence, a theatrical escape room. Whether she’s working from a script or making it up on the spot, Amy loves bringing audiences into the fun.
Amy has been making audiences laugh, think, and occasionally wonder what just happened for years. She trained in improv for two years at Charlotte Comedy Theater and performs with three teams: Group Hugs n Harmony and That’s What She Said, both for two years, and Swell Music Improv for the past year. She also shares her love of improv as an instructor for team-building workshops through Charlotte Comedy Theater.
Amy’s professional performance credits span comedy, immersive theater, and interactive experiences. She spent a year performing with The Dinner Detective and appeared in 301 performances of Blumenthal Arts’ *Monopoly Life-Sized* over eight months. She also performed for five months in Blumenthal Arts’ *The Magician’s Table* and six months with Doors of Divergence, a theatrical escape room. Whether she’s working from a script or making it up on the spot, Amy loves bringing audiences into the fun.
Annette (she/her)
Company Member
Annette Saunders started her acting journey onstage. Forty years later, she has made the leap to television and film. Recent work includes appearances in commercials (Food Lion, Ameriprise), short films, and feature films (Self-Help, A Pastor's Double Life). She studied acting under Lon Bumgarner and Marilyn Carter, and improv under Karla Dingle. Her films have made it to numerous international and U.S. national festivals. Of especial note was her role in Good For Me, which featured at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2010, she won a Best Actor – Comedy Award for her role in Same Time Next Year at the Metrolina Theatre Awards. In addition to acting, she is a freelance horse trainer and riding instructor for multiple disciplines. One day she hopes to use her equestrian skills onscreen. She is the proud owner of a husband and two cats. She continues to study improv because it has helped her be quicker on her feet mentally (taking direction), improved her listening skills, and allowed her to talk to strangers.
Annette is represented by JTA Talent.
Annette Saunders started her acting journey onstage. Forty years later, she has made the leap to television and film. Recent work includes appearances in commercials (Food Lion, Ameriprise), short films, and feature films (Self-Help, A Pastor's Double Life). She studied acting under Lon Bumgarner and Marilyn Carter, and improv under Karla Dingle. Her films have made it to numerous international and U.S. national festivals. Of especial note was her role in Good For Me, which featured at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2010, she won a Best Actor – Comedy Award for her role in Same Time Next Year at the Metrolina Theatre Awards. In addition to acting, she is a freelance horse trainer and riding instructor for multiple disciplines. One day she hopes to use her equestrian skills onscreen. She is the proud owner of a husband and two cats. She continues to study improv because it has helped her be quicker on her feet mentally (taking direction), improved her listening skills, and allowed her to talk to strangers.
Annette is represented by JTA Talent.
Chandler (he/him)
Music Director and Company Member
Chandler is a musician, comedian, actor, writer, producer, and high handicap golfer. He received a bachelor’s in music performance on the French horn in 2008 and afterwards remained unemployed for some time. He began taking improv classes in 2023 and should’ve started sooner. He regularly attempts comedy at Charlotte Comedy Theater, CATCh, and on the Charlotte Comedy Network YouTube channel. He can also be seen stocking shelves at a grocery store that has wholesome vibes and rhymes with Gator Toes. Chandler is not formally diagnosed as neurodivergent, but collects fountain pens. He has one daughter and one wife. Additionally, he has three cats and none of them get along. Chandler, while an unserious person, uses art to provide joy and happiness to others and foster the best version of himself.
Chandler is a musician, comedian, actor, writer, producer, and high handicap golfer. He received a bachelor’s in music performance on the French horn in 2008 and afterwards remained unemployed for some time. He began taking improv classes in 2023 and should’ve started sooner. He regularly attempts comedy at Charlotte Comedy Theater, CATCh, and on the Charlotte Comedy Network YouTube channel. He can also be seen stocking shelves at a grocery store that has wholesome vibes and rhymes with Gator Toes. Chandler is not formally diagnosed as neurodivergent, but collects fountain pens. He has one daughter and one wife. Additionally, he has three cats and none of them get along. Chandler, while an unserious person, uses art to provide joy and happiness to others and foster the best version of himself.
Drew (they/she)
Assistant Director and Company Member
Drew Coleman is a passionate actor and improvisor who enjoys the weird and whimsical. They have trained with Acting Out Studios and Charlotte Comedy Theater. They have also taken workshops alongside several international teaching artists with Queen City Comedy. Drew mentors under Karla Dingle, who guides them in acting, improv, and producing creative endeavors. They perform around Charlotte with the improv teams Femmeprov, Pillow Talk, and Swell Musical Improv. They have performed at the Asheville Improv Festival in Asheville, NC, the Royal Improv Festival in Charlotte, NC, and the Dramatic Improv Festival in Chicago, IL. Drew is the assistant director of the Dingle Drama Repertory Company, Pillow Talk Improv, and Cul-De-Sac Improv. They are also the board treasurer of the organization House of Yes where they work to teach improv to underrepresented communities and help knock down barriers of entry to improv. They have also co-produced and performed in shows whose proceeds were donated to support local charitable organizations in and around Charlotte, NC. In their free time, Drew enjoys spending quality time with their friends and family. They also cuddle their 3 dogs and cat anytime the opportunity presents itself. They believe that improv truly has the power to heal the heart and mind, if you let it.
Drew Coleman is a passionate actor and improvisor who enjoys the weird and whimsical. They have trained with Acting Out Studios and Charlotte Comedy Theater. They have also taken workshops alongside several international teaching artists with Queen City Comedy. Drew mentors under Karla Dingle, who guides them in acting, improv, and producing creative endeavors. They perform around Charlotte with the improv teams Femmeprov, Pillow Talk, and Swell Musical Improv. They have performed at the Asheville Improv Festival in Asheville, NC, the Royal Improv Festival in Charlotte, NC, and the Dramatic Improv Festival in Chicago, IL. Drew is the assistant director of the Dingle Drama Repertory Company, Pillow Talk Improv, and Cul-De-Sac Improv. They are also the board treasurer of the organization House of Yes where they work to teach improv to underrepresented communities and help knock down barriers of entry to improv. They have also co-produced and performed in shows whose proceeds were donated to support local charitable organizations in and around Charlotte, NC. In their free time, Drew enjoys spending quality time with their friends and family. They also cuddle their 3 dogs and cat anytime the opportunity presents itself. They believe that improv truly has the power to heal the heart and mind, if you let it.
Ellie (she/her)
Make-Up Artist and Company Member
Ellie Young is an actress, makeup artist, dancer, and passionate musical performer whose love for storytelling spans stage, screen, and beyond. She thrives in both scripted and unscripted work, finding joy in the spontaneity of improv as well as the discipline of classical performance. Currently training at Catch Theatre in Charlotte, Ellie is continually expanding her artistic toolkit and exploring new ways to connect with audiences.
Her background includes over 12 years of classical music training, giving her a strong foundation in rhythm, vocal performance, and musicality. Whether she is stepping into a dramatic role, bringing characters to life through makeup design, or sharing her musical talents, Ellie approaches each project with creativity, dedication, and heart.
Offstage, Ellie is a maker and dreamer—she loves crafting, diving into movies and television, and spending quality time with her pets and her supportive partner. Known for her love of puns and her infectious smile, she brings warmth and positivity into every room she enters.
Ellie believes that following your dreams is a journey built on compassion, perseverance, and resilience. To her, success means embracing failure as a teacher, rising again with renewed strength, and trusting that everything unfolds the way it’s meant to. She’s excited to continue building her career in the performing arts and to share her talents, humor, and heart with audiences near and far.
Ellie Young is an actress, makeup artist, dancer, and passionate musical performer whose love for storytelling spans stage, screen, and beyond. She thrives in both scripted and unscripted work, finding joy in the spontaneity of improv as well as the discipline of classical performance. Currently training at Catch Theatre in Charlotte, Ellie is continually expanding her artistic toolkit and exploring new ways to connect with audiences.
Her background includes over 12 years of classical music training, giving her a strong foundation in rhythm, vocal performance, and musicality. Whether she is stepping into a dramatic role, bringing characters to life through makeup design, or sharing her musical talents, Ellie approaches each project with creativity, dedication, and heart.
Offstage, Ellie is a maker and dreamer—she loves crafting, diving into movies and television, and spending quality time with her pets and her supportive partner. Known for her love of puns and her infectious smile, she brings warmth and positivity into every room she enters.
Ellie believes that following your dreams is a journey built on compassion, perseverance, and resilience. To her, success means embracing failure as a teacher, rising again with renewed strength, and trusting that everything unfolds the way it’s meant to. She’s excited to continue building her career in the performing arts and to share her talents, humor, and heart with audiences near and far.
Gina (they/them)
Company Member
Gina Jackson is an aspiring artist and entertainer dedicated to finding the humanity in art. They have trained with Davidson Community Players, Acting Out Studios, and Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte. They have many workshops under their belt with mentors like Skylar Shock, Nick Omana, and Nick Asa. One of their most notable performances was at just 9 years old, where they blew the audience away with their performance as Mister Smee in "Peter Pan". On top of that, Gina has performed all around Charlotte, and even went to Chicago for the 2025 Dramatic Improv Festival. Besides acting, Gina has also been part of the technical crew at their high school's theater class, and written and composed an original score for the children's radio play "Zippy the Wonderpenguin". Gina has received awards for their performances in their elementary school productions, as well as an "Excellent" rating with the Bass Brigade, a trio made up of the three upright basses in the Bailey Middle School orchestra. When Gina is not on stage acting or taking a workshop, they are writing stories or illustrating in their notebook, or on the mats practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You can also meet Gina's parents if you come to one of their shows, since they come to almost every one. Gina believes that creating art is what makes us human, and that it is our divine right to share our creativity with the worl
Gina Jackson is an aspiring artist and entertainer dedicated to finding the humanity in art. They have trained with Davidson Community Players, Acting Out Studios, and Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte. They have many workshops under their belt with mentors like Skylar Shock, Nick Omana, and Nick Asa. One of their most notable performances was at just 9 years old, where they blew the audience away with their performance as Mister Smee in "Peter Pan". On top of that, Gina has performed all around Charlotte, and even went to Chicago for the 2025 Dramatic Improv Festival. Besides acting, Gina has also been part of the technical crew at their high school's theater class, and written and composed an original score for the children's radio play "Zippy the Wonderpenguin". Gina has received awards for their performances in their elementary school productions, as well as an "Excellent" rating with the Bass Brigade, a trio made up of the three upright basses in the Bailey Middle School orchestra. When Gina is not on stage acting or taking a workshop, they are writing stories or illustrating in their notebook, or on the mats practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You can also meet Gina's parents if you come to one of their shows, since they come to almost every one. Gina believes that creating art is what makes us human, and that it is our divine right to share our creativity with the worl
Hope (she/her)
Company Member
Hope is an actor, improviser, writer, and director with over eight years of training at Acting Out Studio. She has performed with the improv teams Original Copy, Mom’s Adhesive, and Pillow Talk, and recently took the stage at ImprovCon in San Diego.
Her work extends to film, where one of her recent short films has earned more than three million views. Whether performing or creating work behind the camera, Hope brings a love of storytelling to everything she does.
Hope is an actor, improviser, writer, and director with over eight years of training at Acting Out Studio. She has performed with the improv teams Original Copy, Mom’s Adhesive, and Pillow Talk, and recently took the stage at ImprovCon in San Diego.
Her work extends to film, where one of her recent short films has earned more than three million views. Whether performing or creating work behind the camera, Hope brings a love of storytelling to everything she does.
James (he/him)
Company Member
Jim is an actor and improviser who works in film and on-stage productions. He has performed
throughout the Southeast for the last twenty years. Jim is known for his roles the short films Kiri
and Ella. Jim’s most recent performances include shows at the Asheville Improv Festival, the
Royal Improv Festival in Charlotte, and the Dramatic Improv Festival in Chicago. He regularly
performs with the Charlotte based teams Sudden Depth and Cul de Sac. In the real world, Jim
works as a consultant under the supervision of his dog – Sky. His philosophy is: keep life
simple, help where you can, and get out of the way where you can’t.
James is represented by Fast Lane Talent Agency.
Jim is an actor and improviser who works in film and on-stage productions. He has performed
throughout the Southeast for the last twenty years. Jim is known for his roles the short films Kiri
and Ella. Jim’s most recent performances include shows at the Asheville Improv Festival, the
Royal Improv Festival in Charlotte, and the Dramatic Improv Festival in Chicago. He regularly
performs with the Charlotte based teams Sudden Depth and Cul de Sac. In the real world, Jim
works as a consultant under the supervision of his dog – Sky. His philosophy is: keep life
simple, help where you can, and get out of the way where you can’t.
James is represented by Fast Lane Talent Agency.
Jason (he/him)
Company Member
Jason Egger is an actor and improviser dedicated to exploring the raw truth of unscripted performance. His work brings together authenticity, presence, and connection on stage. He has trained extensively in Meisner technique and longform improvisation, learning from teachers in Charlotte and beyond, including Vincent D’Onofrio. His approach blends classical acting craft with the immediacy of dramatic improv.
Jason has performed in community theater productions across the Charlotte metro area including Annie: The Musical, Driving Miss Daisy, Not Now Darling, and Blithe Spirit, and has taken the stage at regional improv festivals, including appearances in Chicago, Asheville. and Charlotte. He is a member of multiple improv ensembles, including a dramatic improv team, and has joined a repertory program that emphasize ensemble storytelling. His roles range from grounded, character-driven work to comedic and experimental performance.
Beyond performance, Jason is a collaborative teacher and facilitator, integrating improv into immersive learning and training contexts. He is also developing original adaptations of tabletop role-playing games, using them as tools for both play and psychological exploration. He has been recognized by peers and mentors for his depth of emotional honesty on stage and his contributions to ensemble-driven performance.
Off stage, Jason is a devoted father, a conlang enthusiast inspired by Tolkien, and a fan of immersive storytelling and a 25 year tabletop game master.
He believes theater and improv are more than performance—they are living practices in empathy, presence, and transformation.
Jason Egger is an actor and improviser dedicated to exploring the raw truth of unscripted performance. His work brings together authenticity, presence, and connection on stage. He has trained extensively in Meisner technique and longform improvisation, learning from teachers in Charlotte and beyond, including Vincent D’Onofrio. His approach blends classical acting craft with the immediacy of dramatic improv.
Jason has performed in community theater productions across the Charlotte metro area including Annie: The Musical, Driving Miss Daisy, Not Now Darling, and Blithe Spirit, and has taken the stage at regional improv festivals, including appearances in Chicago, Asheville. and Charlotte. He is a member of multiple improv ensembles, including a dramatic improv team, and has joined a repertory program that emphasize ensemble storytelling. His roles range from grounded, character-driven work to comedic and experimental performance.
Beyond performance, Jason is a collaborative teacher and facilitator, integrating improv into immersive learning and training contexts. He is also developing original adaptations of tabletop role-playing games, using them as tools for both play and psychological exploration. He has been recognized by peers and mentors for his depth of emotional honesty on stage and his contributions to ensemble-driven performance.
Off stage, Jason is a devoted father, a conlang enthusiast inspired by Tolkien, and a fan of immersive storytelling and a 25 year tabletop game master.
He believes theater and improv are more than performance—they are living practices in empathy, presence, and transformation.
Jess (she/her)
Company Member
Jess Moseman has been an active improviser for the past four years, primarily honing her craft through Charlotte Comedy Theater and Dingle Drama. Through training in standup, sketch, comedic and dramatic improv, she has developed a versatile performance style that serves her well on and off stage. As a member of multiple improv and sketch house teams, Jess brings her infectious energy to every scene. Her passion for the arts extends beyond the stage – she maintains an artist studio at the Visual and Performing Arts Center, where she explores creative visual artistic expression in all its forms. Jess believes everyone is improviser on the stage of life.
Jess Moseman has been an active improviser for the past four years, primarily honing her craft through Charlotte Comedy Theater and Dingle Drama. Through training in standup, sketch, comedic and dramatic improv, she has developed a versatile performance style that serves her well on and off stage. As a member of multiple improv and sketch house teams, Jess brings her infectious energy to every scene. Her passion for the arts extends beyond the stage – she maintains an artist studio at the Visual and Performing Arts Center, where she explores creative visual artistic expression in all its forms. Jess believes everyone is improviser on the stage of life.
John (he/him)
Company Member
John Bonds is an actor, improvisor, and entertainer with a mission in life to bring laughter, smiles, and a good spirit to all those with whom we comes in contact. In 2016 after a series of events took him from teaching 4th grade and working at an after-school daycare, he took his first Acting/Improv classes. After numerous classes and workshops in Atlanta and across the Southeast, he landed in the Carolinas at Acting Out Studios. There, he joined Moms Adhesive Improv Team, ScrewUp TV for Sketch Comedy, and became a founding member of Genesis Creative Entertainment Group for long and short form feature films. He was able to better refine his "Actor's Toolbox" and strengthen himself on screen and stage. In the past few years, he has performed at the Queen City Comedy Festival, the Dogwood Comedy Festival, the Raleigh Comedy Festival, the DC Sketchfest, as well as has had films featured in numerous festivals throughout the Southeast. In addition to performing, John has been teaching Improv and Acting for the Camera for ages 5- Adult for the past several years, with many students finding success in both creating their own projects and within various agency work.
He does all of this for his beautiful wife, Bianca and his daughter Juliana, who we know as Juju. They are his heartbeat! John loves his family, his friends, and has hope for his community.
His ultimate goal is to create and star in series sitcoms, like Abbott Elementary, Modern Family, or Family Matters, star in films and commercials! He is destined to create something timeless, something that will be enjoyed for generations!
John Bonds is an actor, improvisor, and entertainer with a mission in life to bring laughter, smiles, and a good spirit to all those with whom we comes in contact. In 2016 after a series of events took him from teaching 4th grade and working at an after-school daycare, he took his first Acting/Improv classes. After numerous classes and workshops in Atlanta and across the Southeast, he landed in the Carolinas at Acting Out Studios. There, he joined Moms Adhesive Improv Team, ScrewUp TV for Sketch Comedy, and became a founding member of Genesis Creative Entertainment Group for long and short form feature films. He was able to better refine his "Actor's Toolbox" and strengthen himself on screen and stage. In the past few years, he has performed at the Queen City Comedy Festival, the Dogwood Comedy Festival, the Raleigh Comedy Festival, the DC Sketchfest, as well as has had films featured in numerous festivals throughout the Southeast. In addition to performing, John has been teaching Improv and Acting for the Camera for ages 5- Adult for the past several years, with many students finding success in both creating their own projects and within various agency work.
He does all of this for his beautiful wife, Bianca and his daughter Juliana, who we know as Juju. They are his heartbeat! John loves his family, his friends, and has hope for his community.
His ultimate goal is to create and star in series sitcoms, like Abbott Elementary, Modern Family, or Family Matters, star in films and commercials! He is destined to create something timeless, something that will be enjoyed for generations!
Matthew (he/him)
Company Member
Matthew is an actor, voice-over actor, and improviser who recently moved to Charlotte. He has trained at Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte, participated in acting workshops and voice-over training, and worked with Ground Crew Studios.
Matthew currently performs with the improv team Cul-de-Sac. He also performed in *On Hallowed Ground* at the Royal Improv Festival.
Matthew is an actor, voice-over actor, and improviser who recently moved to Charlotte. He has trained at Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte, participated in acting workshops and voice-over training, and worked with Ground Crew Studios.
Matthew currently performs with the improv team Cul-de-Sac. He also performed in *On Hallowed Ground* at the Royal Improv Festival.
McNeil (he/him)
Company Member
Donovan McNeil (he/him) is a stand-up comedian, improviser, actor, and occasional shower singer who blends sharp observational humor with heartfelt storytelling. His comedy is rooted in everyday life — where laughter often hides just beneath the surface of real experiences — and his performances invite audiences to find joy in the relatable, the awkward, and the deeply human.
He has trained extensively through the improv curriculum of DSI Comedy Theater and The PIT Chapel Hill, performing across the Southeast for over a decade. His stage experience spans stand-up, short-form, and long-form improv, along with appearances in the films Yassss (2023) and Messy (2022). Donovan continues to sharpen his craft through collaboration, teaching, and creating spaces for inclusive comedy.
Beyond performing, Donovan coaches The Play Cousinz, a Charlotte-based BIPOC improv team dedicated to building inclusive and dynamic comedy spaces. His love of community and teaching shines through his work with emerging artists, where he helps others discover their authentic comedic voices.
A tech enthusiast (and unapologetic supporter of the robots, should a Terminator 2 situation ever arise), Donovan balances his creative life with playful family mischief — like stealing candy from his three nieces and one nephew.
In the future, Donovan hopes to be so vulnerable on stage that his comedy moves audiences to both laughter and tears.
Donovan McNeil (he/him) is a stand-up comedian, improviser, actor, and occasional shower singer who blends sharp observational humor with heartfelt storytelling. His comedy is rooted in everyday life — where laughter often hides just beneath the surface of real experiences — and his performances invite audiences to find joy in the relatable, the awkward, and the deeply human.
He has trained extensively through the improv curriculum of DSI Comedy Theater and The PIT Chapel Hill, performing across the Southeast for over a decade. His stage experience spans stand-up, short-form, and long-form improv, along with appearances in the films Yassss (2023) and Messy (2022). Donovan continues to sharpen his craft through collaboration, teaching, and creating spaces for inclusive comedy.
Beyond performing, Donovan coaches The Play Cousinz, a Charlotte-based BIPOC improv team dedicated to building inclusive and dynamic comedy spaces. His love of community and teaching shines through his work with emerging artists, where he helps others discover their authentic comedic voices.
A tech enthusiast (and unapologetic supporter of the robots, should a Terminator 2 situation ever arise), Donovan balances his creative life with playful family mischief — like stealing candy from his three nieces and one nephew.
In the future, Donovan hopes to be so vulnerable on stage that his comedy moves audiences to both laughter and tears.
Micky (he/him)
Tech Director and Company Member
Micky Phenephom is an improv artist and aspiring master of ceremonies committed to helping others fall in love with the performing arts both scripted and unscripted. He’s trained with the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte, Karla Dingle, and participated in workshops with Brooke McCarthy and various professionals. He has also performed many in house shows with CATCh and Dingle Drama; in addition with Pride Festival Charlotte (2025), Dramatic Theater Festival in Chicago (2025), and the Queen City Comedy Experience (2025).
Micky is also in charge of tech services within the Repertory; he is responsible for maintaining cues, lights, and sounds relevant to performances. When Micky isn’t performing, he’s off teaching the youth as a sixth grade math and science teacher. For his other hobby, you can find Micky as both a coach and competitor for olympic weightlifting.
He believes that life is an improvised performance; the best moments in life are when you “yes and…” to whatever the world throws your way.
Micky Phenephom is an improv artist and aspiring master of ceremonies committed to helping others fall in love with the performing arts both scripted and unscripted. He’s trained with the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte, Karla Dingle, and participated in workshops with Brooke McCarthy and various professionals. He has also performed many in house shows with CATCh and Dingle Drama; in addition with Pride Festival Charlotte (2025), Dramatic Theater Festival in Chicago (2025), and the Queen City Comedy Experience (2025).
Micky is also in charge of tech services within the Repertory; he is responsible for maintaining cues, lights, and sounds relevant to performances. When Micky isn’t performing, he’s off teaching the youth as a sixth grade math and science teacher. For his other hobby, you can find Micky as both a coach and competitor for olympic weightlifting.
He believes that life is an improvised performance; the best moments in life are when you “yes and…” to whatever the world throws your way.
Sam (he/him)
Company Member
Sam is a chef and voiceover actor who has performed with the Fake Adults improv team for the past year and a half. He’s also taken a few improv workshops along the way and loves bringing creativity, quick thinking, and a sense of play to the stage.
Sam is a chef and voiceover actor who has performed with the Fake Adults improv team for the past year and a half. He’s also taken a few improv workshops along the way and loves bringing creativity, quick thinking, and a sense of play to the stage.
Todd (he/him)
Education Assistant and Company Member
Todd is an Actor, Writer, Director, and Improvisor. He loves comedy, drama and musicals. Involved with several projects around Charlotte including improv with Dingle drama, Play cousinz, and Swell musical improv. Stage productions such as Puffs with Waxaw community theater and Rocky Horror Show with Post Mortem players. Todd enjoys developing and exploring new characters. It’s always a possibility you will hear him humming and tune or two when he’s in his own world.
Todd is an Actor, Writer, Director, and Improvisor. He loves comedy, drama and musicals. Involved with several projects around Charlotte including improv with Dingle drama, Play cousinz, and Swell musical improv. Stage productions such as Puffs with Waxaw community theater and Rocky Horror Show with Post Mortem players. Todd enjoys developing and exploring new characters. It’s always a possibility you will hear him humming and tune or two when he’s in his own world.
Tony (he/him)
Company Member
**Tony** is an improviser with six years of experience and the founder of Play Cousinz Improv, a Charlotte BIPOC improv team. He has performed comedy improv with Sudden Depth at Acting Out Studio and dramatic improv with Cul-de-Sac at Dingle Drama. His performances have also taken him to festivals in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, as well as Improv Con in San Diego.
Tony studied improv instruction with Queen City Comedy and Rich Baker and completed a summer intensive in Chicago. He brings a love of character, connection, and storytelling to the stage and is excited to explore those skills further through scripted acting.
**Tony** is an improviser with six years of experience and the founder of Play Cousinz Improv, a Charlotte BIPOC improv team. He has performed comedy improv with Sudden Depth at Acting Out Studio and dramatic improv with Cul-de-Sac at Dingle Drama. His performances have also taken him to festivals in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, as well as Improv Con in San Diego.
Tony studied improv instruction with Queen City Comedy and Rich Baker and completed a summer intensive in Chicago. He brings a love of character, connection, and storytelling to the stage and is excited to explore those skills further through scripted acting.
Karla (she/her)
Artistic Director
Karla Dingle has dedicated her life to the stage, beginning her theater journey at the age of five and earning a B.A. in Theater from the University of Georgia in 1998. Since diving into the world of improv in 2009, she has studied with renowned institutions such as The Second City, Hoopla, and The Groundlings. Based in Charlotte, NC, Karla serves as the Education Director and instructor at Queen City Comedy and is also the Improv Director and Acting Instructor at a local studio. She performs regularly with Now Are the Foxes, Cul-de-Sac Improv, Close Distance Improv, and British American Experience.
A passionate teacher and coach, Karla specializes in blending acting and improvisation to strengthen performance skills. Her global teaching résumé includes students from across six continents, and she has been featured as a guest instructor at international festivals and organizations including Improv Fest Ireland, Vintage Improv Festival, Highwire Improv, and the Bangalore Improv Community. In 2023, she was honored as a Theater IDA Artist-in-Residence in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2025, she was named one of the International Instructors for The Improv Boost’s Sudden Impact program.
Karla’s students have gone on to success in film, television, voiceover, and commercial work for major brands like Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, CVS, and Atrium Health.
Karla Dingle has dedicated her life to the stage, beginning her theater journey at the age of five and earning a B.A. in Theater from the University of Georgia in 1998. Since diving into the world of improv in 2009, she has studied with renowned institutions such as The Second City, Hoopla, and The Groundlings. Based in Charlotte, NC, Karla serves as the Education Director and instructor at Queen City Comedy and is also the Improv Director and Acting Instructor at a local studio. She performs regularly with Now Are the Foxes, Cul-de-Sac Improv, Close Distance Improv, and British American Experience.
A passionate teacher and coach, Karla specializes in blending acting and improvisation to strengthen performance skills. Her global teaching résumé includes students from across six continents, and she has been featured as a guest instructor at international festivals and organizations including Improv Fest Ireland, Vintage Improv Festival, Highwire Improv, and the Bangalore Improv Community. In 2023, she was honored as a Theater IDA Artist-in-Residence in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2025, she was named one of the International Instructors for The Improv Boost’s Sudden Impact program.
Karla’s students have gone on to success in film, television, voiceover, and commercial work for major brands like Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, CVS, and Atrium Health.
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Cannavo Studios
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