THE Staff
We couldn’t do what we do without this crew.
Victoria Gagliano
Producer
A Brooklyn girl since 1987, Tori has been dedicated to live theatre since the age of 16. From building stages at Lincoln Center to Company Managing at Barrow Street Theatre, she's had the pleasure of working with such legends as TJ & Dave, Daniel Kitson, and Colin Quinn to name a few!
In 2016 Tori hopped the pond to produce theatre and comedy in the UK, including the Edinburgh Fringe and VAULT festivals annually. In London she solidified her love of satire while producing NewsRevue, the world's longest-running live comedy show. In addition to working alongside the brilliant North Coast, she's also spent the past 2 years event-managing the immersive theatrical powerhouses Punchdrunk and Secret Cinema.
Dividing her time between continents, Tori proudly supports artists in whichever country she finds them!
James RobilottA
Founder
James Robilotta is the founder of the freestyle-rapping, beatboxing, always fresh, long-form team “North Coast”. He started performing improv and stand-up comedy in 2004 and continued in graduate school with Clemson University’s troupe, “Mock Turtle Soup”. In 2007 he started studying at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and the Magnet Theater, in New York City. James now teaches hip hop improv at the Magnet theater and workshops at comedy festivals around the country.
Outside of improv, James is a Professional Speaker who talks with corporate and college audiences around North America about Authentic Leadership and Networking. He is also a Personal Coach who hold people accountable to pursuing their goals and living more purposeful lives.
Brandon Hensgens
Producer
Originally from San Diego, Brandon Hensgens is a performer, producer, and coach based in NYC. Since starting his improv journey in 2011, he has trained at iO West, Pack Theater, Second City, and Finest City Improv. Performed at various festivals and theaters around the country. Additionally, he has produced and hosted sold out shows all around San Diego, like Hamiltunes, Dungeons & Dementors, and the Roar Takeover. He currently performs at festivals and theaters around the country with his two person show, Jackie: The Improvised Martial Arts Movie.
Outside of performing, Brandon is a graphic designer and a letter artist. He has designed for Improv Utopia, Finest City Improv, and North Coast, most recently. He’s most proud of being in a photo with Henry Winkler. He is stoked and proud to bring his skills to North Coast!
Douglas Widick
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Douglas is a founding member of Hip-Hop Improv group, North Coast, which was named one of Timeout NY’s Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2014 and tours internationally. He just wrapped a tour of Sonja In Your City and a year-long run of Toxic Masculinity: The Musical at UCB Theatre. Follow his new Comedy Group Cum Laude on Instagram @cumlaudecomedy . Douglaswidick.com
RJ Williams
Diversity Program Director
RJ Williams is a performer, coach, and a cup of awesome from Dallas, TX. In addition to North Coast Hip Hop Improv, he performs with Baby Wants Candy and is on a house team at The Peoples Improv Theater.
Additionally, RJ has has performed around the US and Europe. If smiles were currency, RJ would be rich.
Anna Torzullo, Producer
Producer
Anna Torzullo is a Brooklyn-based comedy writer, producer, & director. She attended Emerson College where she received her BA in Visual & Media Arts with a minor in Comedy Writing & Performance, a.k.a. she's a Certified Clown. Anna has been working with North Coast since November and has relished every minute of it! She also has a passion for fiber art, stop motion, and photography; you can see her work at IG: @atorzz.