When she isn't teaching theatre or making things up on stage, Maria spends her time thrifting (she's often mistaken for a Goodwill employee), gardening, watching horror movies, and walking her two puppies. If you find her wearing anything other than a Beatles shirt, it's probably an imposter. Her diet consists solely of vanilla bean ice cream and stale (yes, you heard right) STALE red licorice.

Tom has been acting silly ever since he was a little kid, except for that chunk of college when he started reading poetry and became unusually serious for a while. Tom has always used comedy as a way of meeting women, and it worked! Tom has met a lot of women in his life. He has a long history of performing and writing comedy, including many years doing improv and sketch in New York City as part of the acclaimed group Highly Improvable, and as on-air talent at MTV and Nickelodeon. He's also performed in various theater productions, including a memorable turn as Felix in "The Odd Couple." Tom enjoys taking wildlife photos, rooting for the Washington Capitals, and enjoying his family (both human and animal). Tom's favorite food is peanut butter. 

Holly joined the Tuesday night Drop-In class in early 2023, and has enjoyed the creative, supportive space ever since. She enjoys singing in the car to early 2000s music, buttered noodles, and the ocean. Holly lives in Monterey with her husband Brett.

Carrie Lee deals with the MANY absurdities in life by working out and performing with Controlled Chaos. Last fall she played Mary in the world premiere of “Hearth”, a Montana Rep production. Carrie enjoys traveling back and forth between Missoula, MT and the Monterey Peninsula doing what she loves: being on a theatrical team. She has performed with the Electric Collective, Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica, Press the Button Productions, Missoula writers, and MCT.

Nick has been making things up since he was a kid, and now he has finally found an outlet for it that serves a purpose. “I enjoy doing improv because it’s the most freeing experience you could possibly have physically, mentally, and spiritually. Anything goes and is often encouraged to expand upon itself. “

Karen Pilar Araujo is a life-long resident of Salinas, who grew up in Alisal. The qualities of improvisational performance are the same things that permeate what gives her joy in daily life: striving to be fully present, fostering a vivid imagination, not taking herself too seriously, welcoming new experiences, embracing risks as a way to grow, looking for the wonder in each moment, and cherishing the delight of community.

When she's not in the tech booth, Timbre is a full-time student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing (and coaching) volleyball, and getting chased around the house by her two dogs, Harley and Sharpie. 

In the air: Carrie Lee Collier

From left to right: Holly Chiswell, Nick Villareal, Karen Araujo, Tom Cohen

From left to right, top to bottom: Tom Cohen, Carrie Lee Collier, Maria Dawson, Nick Villareal, Karen Araujo, Holly Chiswell