Rollover a cast member's head
Bob Carter
Bob Carter was born in San Diego, grew up in Atlanta, and finally made his way to Dallas five days before the new millennium. Carter in the Afternoon was part of the DFW radio scene until 9/11 when his world changed forever. He left radio to make a more lasting impact on people's lives—most recently through financial planning and mortgage banking—but still has time to do voiceovers in cartoons and video games. You've probably seen or heard him being blown up on Dragonball Z, Full Metal Alchemist, Samurai 7, or Speedgrapher.
Who knew that such a wanderlust, passion for life, and talent for noise would eventually lead him to Ad-Libs?
Chad Cline
Having worked in national and regional commercials for Wrigley's Polar Ice, McDonalds, Budweiser, Denny's, Nike, H.E.B., Taco Cabana, and Fuddrucker's; Voicing characters for Cartoon Network's Dragonball and Case Closed; Starring in the feature film "Schtickmen", which you should go rent at Blockbuster tomorrow, Chad brings his game to the Ad-Libs stage as well as heading up Ad-Libs Improv School. Chad has shared the stage with Jon Lovitz, Mindy Sterling (Frau from "Austin Powers"), and studied, performed, and taught Improvisation in Dallas as well as L.A at the Groundlings Theater.
Bill Cochran
Bill grew up in California. Broke his high school's record in the high jump. Scored 38 out of 124 on a high school chemistry test. Finished third in a "Yell Man" national collegiate cheerleading competition. Ran the voting machine on TV’s "Love Connection". Had Easter supper with Michelle Pfeiffer. Then Bill started a career as an advertising creative at the Richards Group in Dallas, he’s shot commercials with Michael Jordan, Cheech (of Cheech and Chong), Tim Duncan, and a remote controlled talking ham sandwich. Bill also is a published children's book author, his first book, “The Forever Dog” is on shelves now. And he's easy to spot on stage, at six foot five, he's known mainly as the tall one. Oh yeah... Bill has recently become a Rap Star.
Jason Folks
Jason is a native of the Dallas area. He returned to Texas after graduating from New York University in 1999. Most recently, Jason has appeared with V.I.P. Party, one of Ad-Libs' featured "Five Buck Improv" troupes, and in numerous plays around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He spends his daylight hours as a corporate trainer for a benefits company.
Dan Glaser
Dan is one of the most experienced improv actors working today. Virtually performing every weekend with Ad-Libs since 1988. One of only a handful in the country, Dan makes his living performing improv. He also teaches improv workshops at Ad-Libs Improv School. Born in Chicago, Dan has lived in Minneapolis, Miami and Hollywood before settling in Dallas. Dan can be seen in commercials for McDonald's, Texaco, Wrigley Polar Ice Gum and has completed a music video with country music star Doug Supernaw. Dan hates "The Man".
Bryan Hardy
Bryan was born in beautiful Long Island New York; when he was two his family relocated to the face of the sun (Texas). Growing up in Arlington he played football baseball and soccer. After high school he played professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians and your Texas Rangers.. When the playing days (and the talent) ran out he set his sights on a more rewarding and far less stressful career,,, The fire service... He has been a firefighter/paramedic for almost 10 years. He and his wife are residents of Farmers Branch, with his immediate family living in Arlington.
Steve Hargrave
Steve Hargrave is a graduate of the Ad-Libs school of Improv. He has also attended other Improv schools before he was asked to join the Ad-Libs cast. A fledgling young improviser, Steve has been performing with the troupe for less than a year. Steve has a varied past combining several years of public speaking and performing of all types. He has been a youth minister, gymnastics coach, debate team and mock trial team member, collegiate athlete, and has his Biblical Studies degree with several hours of Masters work in Philosophy and Ethics. Currently he is a professional volleyball coach and is the Director of Communications for Dallas Premier Volleyball Club.
Phil Larsson
With over 5,500 shows to his credit, Phil Larsson is considered one of the most seasoned improvisational actor/teachers working today. Originally from Milwaukee and raised in the small town of Hartford, WI. Phil's first show was in 1984 with the Milwaukee based TheaterSportz troupe (now known as ComedySportz). Two years later he moved to Dallas and has been with Ad-Libs ever since. Studying improv under such notable improv teachers as Jon Banc, Dick Chudnow, Keith Johnstone and Paul Sills, Phil uses those experiences both in performing and teaching at the Ad-Libs Improv School.
Mike Mayberry
Growing up in San Antonio, Mike and his wife moved to Dallas in 1996. He joined the cast of Ad-Libs 2 years later. The perpetual Class Clown, Mike enjoys performing with his fellow cast mates and making people laugh. During the day, Mike owns his own advertising & design company, kharmik. He is also an avid runner having completed 3 Marathons and Triathlon. When he is not spending time with his wife and 2 children, Scout and Sutton, he is pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a professional snowboarder, which he finds most difficult living in city with no mountains or snow.
Katie McClain
Katie McClain joined the Ad-Libs cast in May 2008. She is a native of Amarillo, TX and graduated from The University of North Texas. After completing the Ad-Libs School of Improv and performing with Sucker Punch Improv, Katie studied at The Second City in Chicago. Currently she works for Radio One Dallas where her parody songs and voiceover talent can be heard across the metroplex!
Jeff Poteet
Jeff joined the Ad-Libs gang as after a long career as a stage and studio musician. He has performed with many groups, including the Marvellettes, Archie Bell, and the Drifters, and has been part of the opening act for such greats as Bill Cosby, Patti LaBelle, and 38 Special. A graduate of Furman University in vocal performance, Jeff has also been cast in numerous operas, plays, and stage musicals, ranging from South Pacific to Cosi Fan Tutte to Much Ado About Nothing. He hails from South Carolina, and his greatest passion is his family: wife, Kimberly, and children, Katy and Christian.
Chris Smith
A native of upstate New York, Chris has been a member of Ad-Libs since early 1997. He graduated from Penn State in 1994 with degrees in Advertising and History. Chris' "real job" is as a copywriter for a major Dallas ad agency. He also writes for Mental Floss magazine, dabbles in acting and voiceovers and, like most advertising copywriters, he is working on a novel. In 1998 he married his college sweetheart, Heather. They have three beautiful babies messing up the house. Chris recently won a bunch of cash on Jeopardy.
The other members of the troupe refer to him (affectionately, he hopes) as The Reader.
Kyle Smith
Although he is originally from Dallas, Kyle has called many places home. He has lived in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. He has traveled the world over as a professional athlete. Kyle appeared in the very first X-games and made his early living "Rollerblading". He has worked in film, television and partied with the likes of Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Of course all of this led him to his current occupation in sales. Kyle's initial interest in Ad-libs revolved around his considerable attraction to Jeni, a former-member of the Ad-libs wait staff. His attendance and libido soared in 2002 and he was eventually engaged to Jeni and invited to join the troupe in 2003.
Jon “JT” Thomas
Being a native of Dallas, Jon has been acting in some form since he was in 6th grade. Jon attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene where he received a Communications degree with a Minor in Theatre. After a short stint of trying to brave Corporate America he decided to find out the true meaning of being a starving artist by trying his luck with acting and hasn't looked back since. Along with numerous plays to Jon's credits, he can be seen in several commercials.
Joel Zeff
Joel Zeff is an award-winning comedian, creativity speaker, actor and writer based in Dallas. Originally from Kansas City. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1990. Since 1993, he has performed with Ad-Libs. Joel has studied at the Second City Conservatory in Chicago. Joel also works in television and film. He has recently completed commercials for McDonald's and Eagle Country Markets. When Joel is not performing with Ad-Libs, he works as a writer, creative consultant and speaker.