Riff Raff Theater

Riff Raff Theater

Chris Hanel (on hiatus) – is an Eastern Iowa native who has spent time on both coasts as a filmmaker, performer, writer, and visual effects artist, including co-writing and VFX Supervising the awardwinning fan parody, “Return of Pink Five”. After returning to Iowa to settle down, Chris now works in the gaming industry. He is a founder of Riff Raff Theater and currently either on hiatus or in the witness protection program hiding out in an room above a local pizza place (don’t tell!).

Dave “Danuuc” Atwater (performer/writer) – (Duh-NEWK), as he’s known to friends, family, and audiences alike, has also been seen entertaining local audiences with the improv troupe Comics in Action. On stage, Danuuc’s quick wit, geek brain, and signature fast paced delivery has finally found its perfect home amongst the theater front row.

Todd “Rutabega” Gutknecht (performer/writer/announcer) – Todd has been a finalist in “The Funniest Person in Eastern Iowa”, as well as an opening act for noted touring headliners like Bob & Tom’s Wild Bill Bauer and 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander. Todd’s versatile talents as an impersonator and voice actor have led to over 200 commercials, as have caused mass confusion during our LXG show when nobody could tell when Sean Connery was talking, or if Todd was making fun of him! He takes to the balcony tonight to announce the show.

David Pinkston (Head Writer) – David has been working with Riff Raff Theater since the beginning, and is now the Head Writer, which means not only does he write his own original draft, he also corrals the staff writers and all the submissions into one script. Not always a small task to be sure. He also assists with directing the timing and editing during the rehearsal process.

Brian “Mojo” Tanner (performer/writer) – Brian frequently performs community theater in the Iowa City area and with the comedy improv troupe Comics in Action. His monologue “Black Friday” will be featured in the upcoming “Walking the Wire” at Riverside Theatre and he will direct Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two” for ICCT next spring.

Dennis “Collateral Damage” Lambing (performer/writer/announcer) – Dennis has been working in comedy for many years, first as an aspiring stand-up comedian, then as a part of the Comics in Action comedy improv troupe. Previously relegated to the sidelines as announcer for Riff Raff to keep him from breaking things, he joins the the front row in the absence of Chris Hanel.