Who are we?
The Returning Champs! We are an LA-based comedy team specializing in improv - that means we make it all up on the spot based on audience suggestions, and we - like you - have no idea what's coming next. We have performed both long- and short-form improv and have members that have gone on to write for David Letterman, star in Bravo's improvised sitcom Significant Others, and even be nominated for Emmy's...
We have our signature late-night shows for adults, but also specialize in kid- and family-friendly shows.
Our merry five-member band of improvisers has been around in one form or another for over 7 years (in LA that's a lot). We started out as Loosely Based, found a home at the Comedy Underground and became Santa Monica's AB3 Improv, and most recently re-invented ourselves as The Returning Champs.
We have performed all over Los Angeles, including the Cagematch at I.O. West, the Westside Eclectic, the LA Comedy Fest '07 at The McCadden Place Theater, the Fanatic Salon, and this year we'll be at The Art/Works Theater for the Fall '08 LA Comedy Fest.
Did you mean, WHO are we?
Oh... individually we are:
Jeffrey Cannata
Jeffrey is an actor and comedian with a resume that illustrates range and versatility. On television, he has had recurring roles on soaps like The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hostipal, as well as family fare like Nickelodeon's Just for Kicks. His numerous national and regional commercials include products as varied as Coors Light, Coldwell Banker, and the iPhone.
On the web, Jeffrey hosts the weekly entertainment program, The Totally Rad Show, on Revision3,and is a founding member of the sketch comedy group Very Angry Neighbors.
Jordon Krain
Jordon Krain grew up in New York City, moved to LA later on, and joined The Returning Champs! in 2004. Besides The Champs!, Jordon can be seen doing improv at The ACME Comedy Theatre in Politico! :the Improvised Rock Opera and with Foster Kids at IO West. He can also be seen doing a new weekly sketch show ACME This Week at the ACME Comedy Theatre. If you get too close you may get hugged.
Kate Luhr
Kate, a self-proclaimed news-junkie, is developing a live political comedy round table (think Real Time meets Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me) for an '09 premiere. Kate has a BFA from Emerson College and used to pursue a typical acting career which earned her some TV and commercial credits, including Frasier and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Now she is trying to get into a loop group, so if you know anyone who can make that happen, get on it! Kate is the co-writer of the comedy feature The Karate Kat, a 2008 Scriptapalooza finalist. She is also a professional photographer, a soccer mom, and the person most likely to correct your grammar front of other people (an annoying habit for which she apologizes.) Kate recently wrote an article for NPR about Franklin Roosevelt's dog, so if you'd like to add this information to your party conversation repertoire, feel free to ask her about it after the show.
Margi Simmons
Margi is a member of the Returning Champs. Her improvisation journey began in Minneapolis where she was a sketch writer and resident company member at The Brave New Workshop, the longest running improvisation theater in the country. After spending two years there, she was off on the Disney Cruise line as a resident performer in the Offbeat Comedy Club. She has traveled the country performing and teaching corporations how to integrate improvisation techniques into the business model. After relocating to Los Angeles, she hooked up with the Returning Champs. The Returning Champs have performed all over Los Angeles, including the Cagematch at I.O. West, the Westside Eclectic, and the McCadden Place Theater.
David Villar
David is a male. Sometimes he is drunk.