improv ensemble

Francis began his acting career as “Jesus” in a third grade Easter production and has yet to surpass that portrayal in subsequent roles.

He began professionally performing as a stand-up comedian at the age of eighteen.  As a comedian, he has appeared in various venues throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.  His first taste of improvisation comedy came while living in Florida where he was a member of Comedy Sportz Tampa in 1992.

After returning to Pittsburgh, PA in 1994 he became a member of Flying Pig Theater and their house improvisation company “Reality Optional”.  He later appeared in their production of “Who killed Victor Malloy” (Brian). That show began a string of appearances in several audience interactive shows which included “The Shakespeare Murder Mysteries” (Hamlet), 3 separate productions of “Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding” (Fr. Mark & Vinnie Black), Flannigan’s Wake (Mother) and “High School Reunion” (Various).

Francis assisted in writing the second season of The Shakespeare Murder Mysteries.  Ultimately Francis co-wrote and co-produced his own interactive shows. “Arrivederci, Al… A Dinner with the Godfather” the story of the first mafia boss who retires from the mob and “Lordy, Lordy Marty’s Forty” a time traveling reunion.

Francis has appeared with several improvisation groups over the years including “Amish Monkeys” and “Theater Sportz”.  He worked as a performer at the 1994 Major League Baseball Fan Fest.  Francis started the Amish Monkeys in 1999 and is proud to note that they continue to perform in Pittsburgh, PA at least once a month.   He has taken classes at the Second City Training Center, the Annoyance Theater and various other acting and improve workshops.  He completed the year-long Second City Writing Program.   Francis has been a member of Disposable Theater/Same Difference for approximately the last two years or more.

His theatrical shows include “Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap” (Christopher Wren), “The Boys Next Door” (Jack) and Pittsburgh’s New Work Festival “Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut”.  Locally, Francis recently appeared in 4^th Street Theater’s Ten Minute Play Festival in “Two Brooding Hens”

His screen credits include the screenplay for the TV Movie “Changing Seasons” (3000 Mile Productions) starring Dan Cortese (Veronica’s Closet) and Beverly Mahood (CMT Singer).   You can rent or own “Changing Seasons” by ordering it through Amazon Prime.    His other film credits consist of appearing in straight to video movies “Severe Injuries” (Ed), “The Resurrection Game” (the Executive) and “Weregrrl” (Jerry).  Hopefully, Francis will have additional projects in the future to add to his IMDB credits.

Francis’ fun facts include that he was an extra on a commercial that involved Phil Hartman (who was a consummate professional through the 10 hours of filming) and he auditioned with Tina Fey (before she was famous) at Second City in 1994.