The I'M WITH STUPID sketch-comedy collective was born from the minds of Matthew Backer, Hugo Chiarella, Briallen Clarke, Paige Gardiner, Tim Reuben and Gabrielle Scawthorn in mid 2013. Drawing inspiration from the American improv culture that
includes Saturday Night Live, Second City Network, College Humour et al while throwing
back to Aussie comedy stalwarts including Full Frontal, Big
Girl’s Blouse and Summer Heights High etc, I’M
WITH STUPID is for those likeminded stupid souls out there who want an extra bit of Aussie stupidness in their lives.
Like us on Facebook: ImWithStupidCollective
Follow us on Twitter: @_Im_With_Stupid
I'M WITH STUPID logo design by Kaz Hamilton.
Like us on Facebook: ImWithStupidCollective
Follow us on Twitter: @_Im_With_Stupid
I'M WITH STUPID logo design by Kaz Hamilton.
MATTHEW BACKER
twitter.com/MatthewBacker
Matthew first achieved public and critical acclaim playing Frankie Valli in the Sydney production of Jersey Boys in 2011. He landed the role straight after graduating with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art: Acting from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2010. Following his professional stage debut, Matthew starred in Private View at Theatre Works, St Kilda; Frenzy For Two at The HotHouse Theatre; and in the successful stage adaption of Leigh Hobbs’ children’s book, Mr Chicken Goes To Paris. Most recently, Matthew starred as Posner in The History Boys at the Sydney Opera House and in the Sydney Theatre Company production of Machinal. Matthew was also lucky enough to co-host the children's television program History Hunters (7TWO/Beyond) alongside fellow I'm With Stupid member and friend, Paige Gardiner. Other TV credits include Deadly Women (Beyond). His short film credits include Chicom, Oiling Point and Latte e Miele. Matthew will next be seen in Bell Shakespeare's Henry V, touring Australia in 2014.
twitter.com/MatthewBacker
Matthew first achieved public and critical acclaim playing Frankie Valli in the Sydney production of Jersey Boys in 2011. He landed the role straight after graduating with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art: Acting from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2010. Following his professional stage debut, Matthew starred in Private View at Theatre Works, St Kilda; Frenzy For Two at The HotHouse Theatre; and in the successful stage adaption of Leigh Hobbs’ children’s book, Mr Chicken Goes To Paris. Most recently, Matthew starred as Posner in The History Boys at the Sydney Opera House and in the Sydney Theatre Company production of Machinal. Matthew was also lucky enough to co-host the children's television program History Hunters (7TWO/Beyond) alongside fellow I'm With Stupid member and friend, Paige Gardiner. Other TV credits include Deadly Women (Beyond). His short film credits include Chicom, Oiling Point and Latte e Miele. Matthew will next be seen in Bell Shakespeare's Henry V, touring Australia in 2014.
HUGO CHIARELLA
twitter.com/hugochiarella
Hugo is a graduate of the Victorian College of Arts (VCA) Bachelor of Music Theatre. He wrote the book and lyrics for the musical DreamSong which has been developed and performed through the VCA as well as the Carnegie 18 New Music Theatre Program at The Arts Centre Melbourne. As a performer he has toured Australia and New Zealand in the role of Mendel in Fiddler on The Roof with Topol. In 2008, he was invited to sing ‘God Save the Queen’ for England at the Rugby World Cup. Hugo was awarded Best Actor in a comedy at the Canberra Festival for one-act plays. On television, Hugo is the star of the channel Nine children’s series Magical Tales: Surprises, currently in its second season. In 2014, Hugo will present DreamSong at Theatre Works for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and join the cast of Les Miserables, opening at Her Majesty’s Theatre in june.
twitter.com/hugochiarella
Hugo is a graduate of the Victorian College of Arts (VCA) Bachelor of Music Theatre. He wrote the book and lyrics for the musical DreamSong which has been developed and performed through the VCA as well as the Carnegie 18 New Music Theatre Program at The Arts Centre Melbourne. As a performer he has toured Australia and New Zealand in the role of Mendel in Fiddler on The Roof with Topol. In 2008, he was invited to sing ‘God Save the Queen’ for England at the Rugby World Cup. Hugo was awarded Best Actor in a comedy at the Canberra Festival for one-act plays. On television, Hugo is the star of the channel Nine children’s series Magical Tales: Surprises, currently in its second season. In 2014, Hugo will present DreamSong at Theatre Works for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and join the cast of Les Miserables, opening at Her Majesty’s Theatre in june.
BRIALLEN CLARKE
Briallen graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) in 2010. Whilst at NIDA Briallen featured in productions of Hamlet, The Threepenny Opera, How I Learned to Drive, Not I, After Dinner, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Eachother and Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. Bri bonded with many of her fellow stupid's whilst studying at NIDA. Other theatre credits include Dreamsong written by Hugo 'Stupid' Chiarella (Melbourne Arts Centre), The Lunch Hour (Siren Theatre Company/Darlinghurst Theatre Company); Pork Stiletto (Old Fitzroy Theatre) and Hollywood Ending (Griffin Theatre Company). In addition to her theatre work, Briallen has appeared in numerous commercials, short films and plays the featured role of 'Anna' in the webseries Sparks. Briallen will next be seen in Ensemble Theatre's Clybourne Park in 2014.
Briallen graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) in 2010. Whilst at NIDA Briallen featured in productions of Hamlet, The Threepenny Opera, How I Learned to Drive, Not I, After Dinner, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Eachother and Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. Bri bonded with many of her fellow stupid's whilst studying at NIDA. Other theatre credits include Dreamsong written by Hugo 'Stupid' Chiarella (Melbourne Arts Centre), The Lunch Hour (Siren Theatre Company/Darlinghurst Theatre Company); Pork Stiletto (Old Fitzroy Theatre) and Hollywood Ending (Griffin Theatre Company). In addition to her theatre work, Briallen has appeared in numerous commercials, short films and plays the featured role of 'Anna' in the webseries Sparks. Briallen will next be seen in Ensemble Theatre's Clybourne Park in 2014.
PAIGE GARDINER
twitter.com/gardiner_paige
Paige graduated from NIDA with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art: Acting, in 2009. Prior to her studies at NIDA, Paige studied Classical Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Music Theatre at VCA. Since graduating from NIDA, she has worked professionally in film, television and theatre. Paige has performed for Sydney Theatre Company (Marriage Blanc), Queensland Theatre Company (Fat Pig), Griffin Theatre Company (S-27, The Pigeons) and ATYP (Tooth of Crime). Paige's television credits include Home and Away (Seven), Neighbours (Ten), Deadly Women (Beyond), Tough Nuts (Foxtel) and The Kangaroo Gang (BBC). She also co-hosted, along with fellow I'm With Stupid member and friend Matthew Backer, the children's television show History Hunters on 7TWO. Paige worked as an actor and writer for the 48 Hour Film Festival in 2011 and 2012, winning Best Female Actor 2012, and Best Film and Best Writing 2011. Paige also works professionally as a singer, pianist and voice-over artist, as well as an acting teacher and musical director.
twitter.com/gardiner_paige
Paige graduated from NIDA with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art: Acting, in 2009. Prior to her studies at NIDA, Paige studied Classical Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Music Theatre at VCA. Since graduating from NIDA, she has worked professionally in film, television and theatre. Paige has performed for Sydney Theatre Company (Marriage Blanc), Queensland Theatre Company (Fat Pig), Griffin Theatre Company (S-27, The Pigeons) and ATYP (Tooth of Crime). Paige's television credits include Home and Away (Seven), Neighbours (Ten), Deadly Women (Beyond), Tough Nuts (Foxtel) and The Kangaroo Gang (BBC). She also co-hosted, along with fellow I'm With Stupid member and friend Matthew Backer, the children's television show History Hunters on 7TWO. Paige worked as an actor and writer for the 48 Hour Film Festival in 2011 and 2012, winning Best Female Actor 2012, and Best Film and Best Writing 2011. Paige also works professionally as a singer, pianist and voice-over artist, as well as an acting teacher and musical director.
TIM REUBEN
twitter.com/TimReuben
Tim graduated from the Actors Centre in 2010 with an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting). He is a founding member of the three-time Sydney Theatre Award winning company, Pantsguys Productions. On stage, Tim's most notable performances include The Shape of Things (ATYP), Heart Dot Com (Tap Gallery) and the Adelaide Fringe hit-show Autobahn. As a comedian Tim is a RAW state semi-finalist and a Quest For The Best national finalist, and has performed his duo stand-up show DoubleBooked in the Sydney Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and at the Old Fitz Theatre. This year Tim has appeared on National Geographic's Australia's Most Deadly and Sean Ascroft and Low303's Tropfest shortlisted film Too Hot To Handle. Tim is a well rounded comedic performer with a passion for creating new Australian work.
twitter.com/TimReuben
Tim graduated from the Actors Centre in 2010 with an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting). He is a founding member of the three-time Sydney Theatre Award winning company, Pantsguys Productions. On stage, Tim's most notable performances include The Shape of Things (ATYP), Heart Dot Com (Tap Gallery) and the Adelaide Fringe hit-show Autobahn. As a comedian Tim is a RAW state semi-finalist and a Quest For The Best national finalist, and has performed his duo stand-up show DoubleBooked in the Sydney Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and at the Old Fitz Theatre. This year Tim has appeared on National Geographic's Australia's Most Deadly and Sean Ascroft and Low303's Tropfest shortlisted film Too Hot To Handle. Tim is a well rounded comedic performer with a passion for creating new Australian work.
GABRIELLE SCAWTHORN
Gabrielle graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) in 2009. During this time, Gabrielle starred in such productions as Rabbithole, How I Learnt to Drive, Trace, The Kitchen, Pericles and Summerfolk. Upon graduating, Gabrielle starred in The Possibilities (VCA), the Eagles Nest production of Cosi and toured Australia as part of Poetry in Action. Her feature film credits include Jimmy Tennison (NIDA), New Day (AFTRS) and the soon-to-be-released Dick's Clinic (Smack Art). Gabrielle's television credits include Channel V's Fresh Meat and Deadly Women (Beyond). She will next be seen in Channel 7's new series, Killing Fields, in 2014.
Gabrielle graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) in 2009. During this time, Gabrielle starred in such productions as Rabbithole, How I Learnt to Drive, Trace, The Kitchen, Pericles and Summerfolk. Upon graduating, Gabrielle starred in The Possibilities (VCA), the Eagles Nest production of Cosi and toured Australia as part of Poetry in Action. Her feature film credits include Jimmy Tennison (NIDA), New Day (AFTRS) and the soon-to-be-released Dick's Clinic (Smack Art). Gabrielle's television credits include Channel V's Fresh Meat and Deadly Women (Beyond). She will next be seen in Channel 7's new series, Killing Fields, in 2014.