The Studio

Melissa McNamara is a theatre artist with varied passions and experience. She has an MFA from Naropa University and training from all the of the necessary comedy schools. Melissa won The Audience Choice Award for her solo comedy show, Leaving Normal in NYC. Melissa is one half of the comedy duo, CHAIRS and has written and performed sketch with This Side of Witty and Double A/Double D (Women’s Funny Festival.) Thanks to a special curly someone...

Gavin Donnellan is the other half of the long form comedy duo, Chairs. An improviser of over fifteen years, Gavin has trained with Second City Chicago, iO (formally improv Olympic), Comedy Sportz and The Annoyance in short form, long form, musical improv, satire and sketch. He has performed with CHAIRS in festivals throughout North America; the Chicago Improv Fest, Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Big Little comedy Fest, Vancouver International Improv Festival and more.

Alexis Atwill is a performer who works primarily in devised theatre and film. She is originally from Jacksonville, Florida and came to Chicago to escape over sized mosquitoes and alligators. Alexis has worked with many theatre groups in town including The Gift Theatre Company and Genesis Ensemble. She plays the fiddle, explores somatic movement and is an experienced horseback rider. Alexis is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf and Florida State University.

Madelaine Schmitt is a Chicago based actress focusing primarily on new works theatre, devised movement pieces and film/commercial projects. Originally from St. Louis, she traded cold Midwest winters for even colder and now windier Midwest winters. Madelaine is a company member with Dream Theatre Company and has worked with many other theatre groups in Chicago including American Theatre Company, Strangeloop Theatre, Walkabout Theatre Company and Women’s Theatre Alliance.

Nelia is so pumped to be working with such a talented, fun team on The Studio! Chicago credits include Margeux (The Party House, Runaways Lab Theater), Woodcutter (Fallen, Mozawa Theater Company), Riley (How Can You Run with a Shell On Your Back, JPAC), and Klytie (Penelopiad, Lost Geneva Project, Chicago Fringe Festival). Huge thanks to Chris, Melissa, and the rest of The Studio team!

John Loos is a writer, actor and corporate facilitator for The Second City. He has been improvising for 14 years but is still totally a twink. He has written four original plays for The Annoyance (Earthqueef, A Woman's Path, Lady Balls and his solo show John Loos' SNL Showcase) and has been with Chicago's premiere gay sketch comedy troupe GayCo Productions since 2007. Check out his new Web series where he plays a 51 year old single woman, Sheryl Still Single.

Patrick currently writes and performs at The Public House Theatre in Chicago, he has appeared in many stage productions, TV commercials and films. Co-founder of HCFB Productions, he has written, directed and co-starred in dozens of short films, showcases and sketch comedy revues under its moniker. Patrick is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.

Joel is excited to be a part of The Studio! A graduate of Anderson University, he was born and raised in a small Indiana town and moved to Chicago in 2005. His favorite Chicago credits include Glover in LONESOME HOLLOW, Dr. Lombardi in SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, James in THE MIRACLE WORKER, Einstein in PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE, and Simon Bliss in HAY FEVER. When not on stage, Joel fosters a vicious video game habit. He thanks his friends and family for their constant support!