Brian’s Beard Improv Lights Up Fresno

What the Community Didn’t Know from Jeff Bittleston’s Exclusive Interview

FRESNO, CA – Fresno’s improv scene got a big boost last Friday when Brian’s Beard Improv made their debut at the Fresno Music Academy. The show packed the house with laughter and featured a talented mix of local and Bakersfield performers. But in an exclusive interview with Fresno performer Jeff Bittleston, we discovered some surprising behind-the-scenes moments that the community didn’t know about.

Bittleston, who was part of the Fresno lineup, shared his excitement about the night and the group’s remarkable chemistry. “The energy on stage was incredible,” Bittleston said. “It was our first time all working together, but you couldn’t tell. Once we got that first laugh, it was smooth sailing.”

The debut featured an impressive roster of Fresno performers, including Jeff Bittleston himself, Wendy Berry, Kathie Chestnut Mollica, Summer Rose Calderon, Andy Herd, and Prabhjot Singh Parhar. Joining them were two Bakersfield improv veterans, Nate Pugh and Bret McGlew, who came up to support the show. Together, the group created an unforgettable night of improv comedy, even though some members had only worked together for a short time.

“Summer had only practiced with us a few times before the show, but she fit right in,” Bittleston explained. “And Nate and Bret, who came from Bakersfield, really helped us pull it all together. We were all a bit nervous, but once we got rolling, it felt like magic.”

Brian’s Beard Improv originally started in Bakersfield eight years ago. After moving to Fresno in May 2023, David Johnson, the leader of the group, decided it was time to bring improv to his new community. He quickly gathered a team of local performers, with the help of Wendy Berry, who is well-connected in Fresno’s arts community. Fresno Music Academy’s owners, Debbie and John, offered their theater space, providing the perfect setting for the group’s debut performance.

Bittleston emphasized that one of the biggest challenges in improv is the lack of a script. “In improv, you don’t have a script to fall back on, so it’s all about trusting your scene partners. You have to be ready to roll with whatever happens on stage.”

The lineup brought a unique mix of talent. Bittleston and Wendy Berry’s backgrounds in theater helped set the tone for the night, while Kathie Chestnut Mollica and Summer Rose Calderon showed off their natural comedic timing. Andy Herd and Prabhjot Singh Parhar, newcomers to the Fresno improv scene, added fresh perspectives. Meanwhile, Bakersfield’s Nate Pugh and Bret McGlew brought their seasoned experience to the stage, seamlessly blending with the Fresno group.

“Improv is all about listening and reacting,” Bittleston said. “That’s why this show worked so well. We all trusted each other, and the audience could feel that. It’s what made the night so much fun.”

Looking ahead, Brian’s Beard Improv has more performances planned, including monthly shows at Fresno Music Academy and participation in the Rogue Festival in March 2024. For those interested in joining, Bittleston encourages anyone curious about improv to get involved.

“We’re always looking for new players,” Bittleston said. “If you’re interested in trying improv, send us a message on Instagram. Whether you’ve done it before or not, we’d love to have you.”

To keep up with Brian’s Beard Improv’s upcoming shows and get involved, follow them on Instagram at “Brian’s Beard Improv Fresno.”