BATSU! Moon with Underbelly Presents...
created by Face off Unlimited
BATSU
Who's Who - The Cast
Frank Angelini (NYC)
Whit Baldwin (NYC)
Jacqui Bardelang (London)
Ena Begovic (London)
Kelsey Blackwell (Chicago)
Cameron Carnegie-Brown (London)
Mr. Chicken (Worldwide)
Brandon Drap (Chicago)
Gregory Fung (London)
Tyler Garamella (Chicago)
Courtnay Griswold (NYC)
David Hoskin (London)
Jenny Huey (Chicago)
Scott Johnson (NYC)
Click on names to jump to their bio....
Listen for announcements introducing tonight's cast.
Then, come back and catch 'em all!
Christine Kahler (NYC)
Jin Kim (Chicago)
Thomas Mackin III (Chicago)
Jay Miller (NYC)
Tina-Kim Nguyen (Chicago)
Jay Painter (NYC)
Eric Robinson (Chicago)
Abby Seeber (Chicago)
Miu Soda (NYC)
Michael Springthorpe (NYC)
Joe Tex (NYC)
Brian Walters (NYC)
Allie Vollmer (Chicago)
Lorraine Yu (London)
Steve Zegers (NYC)
Who's Who - BATSU! Moon
Jay Painter
Artistic Director
Eric Robinson
Chief Financial Officer
Joe Tex
Director of Operations
Heather Shields
Executive Producer
Noriko Sato
Creative Producer
Brian Walters
Associate Artistic Director
Whit Baldwin
Company Manager
About BATSU!
Long ago, an evil force known as
Batsu no Akuma (罰の悪魔)
– the spirit of punishment–
was feared throughout the land. Many fought with
swords and bows, but none could defeat the evil
spirit. That is, until they discovered its new weakness:
comedy.
Using the power of laughter, comedy warriors
trapped the spirit within the Batsu no Kane (罰の鐘)
– the gong of punishment.
Over centuries, the spirit traveled the world waiting
for the gong to be struck. Tonight the spirit of Batsu
no Akuma rises again, eager to punish new victims.
BATSU! is committed to providing performance
opportunities for East and South East Asian/AAPI
artists and in promoting positive international
fellowship through the fusion of two cultures and
styles of comedy. We are dedicated to equity,
diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. All
in the name of hilarity!
What's That Mean?
Batsu (罰): punishment. The batsu game is a
Japanese style of comedy that features a series of
challenges, where losers face hilarious punishments.Arigato Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます): Thank
you very much.Hachimaki (鉢巻): a Japanese headband that is
worn as a symbol of strength and courage. And also
a signal for our Sake Ninja to refill your glass.Hajime (はじめ): begin. Your host will use this to
announce the start of tonight’s challenges.Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ): Welcome!
Minasan ( 皆さん): everyone. You’ll hear your host
use this to address the warriors and audience
tonight.Ojigi (お辞儀): the act of bowing, often used to
greet or show respect in Japan.Oshibori (おしぼり): a warm hand towel to get you
ready for all that sushi!~san (さん): a suffix added to the end of a name as
a sign of endearment or respect.Youi Wa E Desuka? (用意はいいですか): “Are you
ready?” Hint: the answer is hai はい！(or yes!)
Follow Us
For BATSU! press coverage specifically
at Edinburgh Fringe, contact: press@underbelly.co.uk
For other press inquires, contact tl@taylorlhamon.com
@batsulive
Frank Angelini
Role: Warrior
Frank has performed in various comedy venues around NYC
for 15 years. He is the former artistic director of The Queens
Secret Improv Club (QSIC) and was a teacher at The
Annoyance Theater. Frank is usually called “a wildcard” on
stage, and even amongst the extremely hardcore performer
lineup of BATSU!, he is “the crazy one.”
Liam Arnold
Role: Warrior
Liam is an actor and writer based in South London. His
credits include "Crystal Maze LIVE Experience"
(Shaftesbury Avenue), "Bareface" (Southwark Playhouse),
and "Extreme Improv Comedy" (Camden Comedy Club). He
is also associate artist of the award-winning theatre
company 'Dangerosity'.
Whit Baldwin
Roles: Warrior, Jacquo, Ballerinbro,
Plunderin' Pirate Peter
A former moderately successful musical theatre actor
turned comedy performer, Whit serves as the show’s
Company Manager and has been performing in the show
since February 2011. His unparalleled ability to split his
pants during performances has earned him the nickname,
"Pants Watch." May you be lucky enough to be at one of
these performances! He is followed by at least 2 famous
people on Twitter. Father to Betty and Husband to Jenny.
Everything he does is for his girls. Before you ask … yes he’s
a Baldwin brother (just ask his sister Nicole “in Winston -
Salem") Instagram and Twitter: @whitbaldwin
Jacqui Bardelang
Roles: Host, Overture Performer
Jacqui Bardelang is an actor, director and drag king known
as Sigi Moonlight. A regular on the London cabaret scene,
Jacqui has performed all over from Shakespeare's Globe to
Glastonbury Music Festival and has been featured on
Netflix and BBC3. Credits include: Baldur's Gate 3, The
Nevers, Modest, Mulan Rouge.
Ena Begovic
Roles: Shinobi, Trainer,
Overture Performer
Ena is an award-winning Croatian actress and
dancer based in London. Outside of BATSU!,
her recent accomplishments include
producing and staring in her own offie
nominated one woman show ‘Bloody
Influencers’ and being cast in the upcoming
Netflix series Fool Me Once.
Kelsey Blackwell is from Memphis, TN and ‘s speaking
about herself in third person. After double-majoring in
Theatre performance and Pre-law at MTSU, she followed
the money and went with comedy over law school. She’s
been fabulously wealthy ever since. Theatre: Nora from A
Doll’s House, Yelena from Uncle Vanya, and Mouse from
A Year with Frog and Toad. Interactive theatre:
icon/scare actor at 13th Floor Haunted House and a cast
member/detective for The Dinner Detective. Improv:
Batsu, Dogprov, Improvised Fairytales, Starship Edsel,
Malarkey House Teams, and Edgar Allan Poe Prov. She
also teaches improv, standup, and acting to kids through
Virtual Performing Arts Academy and (with Brookie Natal)
co-hosts a monthly variety show called The Mile High
Comedy Show at Virgin Hotel Chicago. She’s thrilled to
support the amazing work of all her best friends who are
also her favorite comedians.
Kelsey Blackwell
Roles: Warrior, Farm Girl
Cameron
Carnegie-Brown
Roles: Warrior
Cameron Carnegie-Brown is an actor and model from a
place known famously for its puddings. Cameron has
performed internationally with White Horse theatre and is
currently signed with The Dreamers MGMT. Cameron was
honoured to join BATSU! with so many talented performers.
He’s going to try and prove he’s not just a pretty face
because you can laugh at it too…
Mr. Chicken
Scholars disagree on when Mr. Chicken hatched.
Legend says he flew the coop early in the Edo Era,
while others believe it was the early 1980s. By early
2010 Mr. Chicken was scrambling to find his place in
NYC pecking away at fowl jobs like hosting karaoke
nights and singing telegrams. It felt like the sky was
falling. Beginning to feel lost, like an uninformed
traveler, he rolled into BATSU! NYC, found his flock,
and never looked back.
Look for his upcoming memoir in bookstores
everywhere, “Go Cluck Yourself: The Inspiring Tale of a
Big Chicken Making it in an Even Bigger City.”
Although The Times panned it, saying the book was “A
Yolk,” they did say that, “With all its pictures and large
print type, at least it will be over easy."*
Roles: uhhhhh......
Brandon Drap
Brandon is excited to join the cast of BATSU!
and get goofy on stage. Brandon has been
performing in Chicago for (around) 1 billion
years. He can also be seen in ComedySportz,
PortalProv, Starship Edsel, The TomCat
Trumpet Experience and many more crazy
things! He hopes you enjoy the show!
Role: Warrior
Gregory Fung
Roles: Wrestler, Shinobi
Ex-Scientist Greg is an Actor, Comedian,
and Painter. You can catch him in the
Marvel Universe in Doctor Strange 2 and
in some of your favourite commercials.
Whatever he is up to, Greg strives to
inspire and spread positivity through all
his work and isn’t afraid to share his
peculiar take on the world with you all!
Tyler Garamella
Roles: Warrior
Tyler Garamella: Professional Goof. This actor, comedian,
writer, and trained clown (yes, clown) hails from the
Philadelphia/South Jersey area and has called Chicago
home since 2015. He's produced and performed countless
shows at The Annoyance Theatre, performed on the
Second City ETC stage as an understudy, studied with
Philippe Gaulier in France, toured America and Europe
with his physical theatre ensemble The Hot Clown
Company, and can be seen around town hosting late
night talk shows and interviewing local artists as his
Sicilian alter ego, Penne Rigate🤌!
He's represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.
Scott Johnson
Roles: Warrior
In May of 1984 an eccentric child was born to
Bob and Debra Johnson in Hampden, Maine.
Wisely, they fostered his energy to sing, dance,
act and play from a young age. He never
dreamed he'd find the literal pinnacle of stupidity
& fun he's found here at BATSU! Also known for
saying "Penis" on the $100k Pyramid. Love to the
entire FOU family, all of Wara NY, my Boys, and
all of you for laughing with and at me.
Christine Kahler
Roles: Warrior, Sound Warrior, Gloria
Comedy Warrior & Tech Warrior for BATSU! NYC.
First Folio Shakespeare technique credits include
New England Shakespeare Festival, Spontaneous
Shakespeare, The Acorn Project and Wild Bard.
Other Off Bway Wardrobe Credits: Rent, Miss
Abigail’s…, Bike Man and Much Ado About
Nothing. Chrissie has worked on various NYFW
shows including, Oscar Del La Renta, Kate
Spade, Dolce & Gabbana and Thom Browne.
She has appeared on 4 seasons of Project
Runway as a runway seamstress and dresser, this
includes multiple verbal praises received from
Tim Gunn, which is a credit in itself. Bachelor of
Arts from Indiana University of PA
Thomas Mackin III
2016 graduate of Lynn Classical High School.
Placed on honor roll junior and senior years.
Finished ninth at Eastern Massachusetts Cross
Country meet, qualified for States in the 2 mile
and one mile senior year.
Jay Miller
Roles: Warrior, Jacquo, Plundering
Pirate Peter
Jay Miller, the comedic talent from Brooklyn, is known for his
long-term stint as a writer/producer on the hit show
Impractical Jokers. While Jay has a diverse range of
achievements under his belt, he remains humble and prefers
not to boast about them. Catch him as the charismatic host of
Karaoke Tremendous, the hottest Friday night afterparty at
Union Hall. Prepare to be entertained and amazed by his
comedic prowess. Compliment him after the show if you dare,
but be ready for his expert deflection skills. Jay Miller: a
serious comedian with a knack for hosting the best late-night
karaoke party in Brooklyn.*
* This was written by Chat GPT
Tina-Kim Nguyen
Tina is a Chicago-based artist, occasional comedian, and
failed salutatorian from Converse, Texas. She got an
Acting BA from Columbia College. She performed Off-
Broadway in Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage
Adaptation. Here in Chicago, she does very serious plays
like The Wonder (EFCT), Water by the Spoonful (NEIU), and
The Legacy of Sherwood Forest (Inkwell Arts and
Learning). In her normal life, she swings around swords,
smooches her boyfriend, and solicits donations at Lincoln
Park Zoo. Tina’s ready to be a 5’3” gremlin of chaos at
BATSU! tonight.
Sensei Jay is honored to impart the ancient comedy art of
Batsu-do to today’s Warriors. As FOU Artistic Director he co-
created and directed BATSU! (NYC, Chicago), Goon River
and NADS (Times Square Arts Center), A Whole ’Nother Level
(tour), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Secret Theatre), and many
more. Jay helmed Aquila’s Shakespeare Leaders for 10
seasons, with such shows as Much Ado About Nothing (Alvin
Ailey Dance Center), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Gym at
Judson), Romeo and Juliet (NYU Kimmel Center). In lockdown
he directed two virtual shows: FOU’s Tap That! (live
interactive dating show) and the noir magic comedy Victor
Chance (New Place Players). He’s currently developing and
directing the definitive musical play about the Mothman of
his native WV (American Lore Theatre).
Jay Painter
Roles: Director, Warrior
Eric Robinson
Eric is one of the creators of BATSU! and founders of
FOU where he serves as CFO (earning that exquisite
title by being the most skilled person on the team at
paying the bills on time and saying 'no' to frivolous
expenses). Currently based out of Windy City - he
oversees the equally awesome BATSU! Chicago. When
he's not wearing his business socks, he works as an
actor, director, and coach. (J/K, he's always wearing his
business socks......always.) Most important of all, he's
dad to boy-king Lincoln and dog-dad to the fierce and
terrifying tissue shredder, Kain. Love to his incredible
parents, siblings, niece and nephews..and of course,
Ashley and Stan.
Role: Warrior
Noriko Sato
120% Japanese former NCAA Basketball player! Born
and raised in Japan, Noriko once got banned from
continuing her school trip! When her parents couldn’t
handle her no more, they shipped her to Canada where
she started learning Theatre!! She broke many
ankles&hearts and dunked (using stacked up chairs) on
basketball courts in College!!! Noriko and BATSU! are
meant to be together! She has soooo much love for
BATSU! which is obvious from her passionate and loving
way of punishing ppl!!!ケーキとバスケが大好き！
Abby Seeber
Abby is a Chicago-based Comedian, Actor, Director,
and Writer. When she is not performing in Batsu!, you
can find her at Girl Party (Second City), Wheel of Improv
(Second City), 12 Angry Improvisers (The Annoyance), or
working on her comedy duo, Friends with Benefits. She
has directed shows at The Annoyance (Y2k: A 90's
Musical, Clockblockers), and performed in a number of
productions in the city both on stage (RUSH!, Live Laugh
Blood, and Splatter 2023), and on camera (Dilly's World,
THRUST: Surviving Acting School, First Chair, and The LG
Marketing Mastery Series). She hopes you love the show
and tip your servers 80%.
Miu Soda
Miu Soda aka Queen Miu, is a Japanese singer-
songwriter, dancer and actress based in NYC.
She produces musical comedy with Chikyu to The Moon.
She is trained in Rollerskates Dance, Karate, and Martial
Arts. Her choreography and songs are inspired and
created with trash displays, her life style, and pop
culture.
Pop music meets technology waste.
She was featured on America's Got Talent, NYFW
Michael Kors, Cynthia Rowley, and many more.
Her enthusiasm and energy makes everybody around her
break into laughter.
"BATSU is the BEST!! I am always excited to be here "
Role: Co-Host, Overture Performer
Michael Springthorpe
Role: Warrior
Born and raised in the Florida swamps,
Springthorpe has never tried bath salts. Now
living in the city, he’s happy he doesn’t have to
step over any more alligators on the way to work.
While he does BATSU! at night, by day he
teaches elementary school and runs a summer
camp. Please don’t tell his bosses about the
jokes he made here.
Joe Tex
As an original Warrior, Joe has appeared in hundreds of
performances, enduring approximately 4,269 painful and
ridiculous punishments. Joe serves as the Director of
Operations and is a Partner at Face Off Unlimited, as
well as being one of the creators of BATSU!
Tex is a voice actor (represented by DDO) who has
appeared on TV in a few projects you likely haven't seen
like Brainchild (NETFLIX) and Brain Games (Nat Geo).
As a USMC veteran and recent cancer survivor, he is
simply grateful to be here. Joe sends his love to his
beautiful wife, Linda, and their son, Henry.
Tag me @joetexonline (everywhere)
Role: Warrior
Brian Walters
Brian is a bilingual and bicultural half Japanese/half American
actor and host.
He has been hosting BATSU! NYC since 2012!
Raised in Japan, he got his start on the Japanese equivalent of
the Mickey Mouse Club, "Tensai Terebi Kun". In America, Brian
has been seen in numerous commercials, TV Shows/Movies
(Ash Ketchum in Epic Rap Battles, Blue Bloods, HBO's Lisey's
Story). He has also MCed for the likes of the Japan Society,
Uniqlo, The UN SDG Forum, and hosted the National Japan
Bowl and the Washington DC Sakura Festival.
Brian is super excited to be back hosting BATSU! at the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August!
Role: Host
Allie Vollmer
Roles: Warrior
Allie has been performing for over 15 years and
originally from Indianapolis, IN, where she started
with CSz Indianapolis. She moved to Chicago in
2013, graduated iO Chicago, performed on many
Harold teams, and is a current roster member of
CSz Chicago. She has taught and performed short-
form improv across the country, coached teams,
taught classes, and bought a used car all by herself.
Allie is thrilled to have joined and perform with
Batsu! Chicago! In addition. Allie is a disabled
performer living with Crohn's Disease, so please
clap louder when she has to consume something on
stage against doctor's orders.
Steve Zegers
Steve Zegers was an American military officer
and politician who served as the 18th president
of the United States from 1869 to 1877. As
president, Zegers was an effective civil rights
executive who created the Justice Department.
As Commanding General, he led the Union Army
to victory in the American Civil War in 1865 and
thereafter briefly served as Secretary of War.
He met his lovely wife because of BATSU! and is
eternally grateful.
Roles: Warrior
Heather Shields
Heather Shields is a Tony-nominated producer and general
manager. Her Broadway producing credits include Cabaret
with Eddie Redmayne, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
(Tony nomination), A Christmas Carol (record-breaking 5 out of
5 Tony wins), and Bandstand. She is General Manager: Off-
Broadway’s Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern.
Upcoming: My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?).
She is a co-founder of The Business of Broadway.
She lives in Queens with her husband and their daughter.
Heather is a proud partner of FOU and has served as GM for
the company and all of its productions since 2016. Also - she
met her husband who was performing in BATSU! on Valentines
Day 2011, so she kinda owes us.
Role: Executive Producer