Action Jackson
Go Comedy’s 2nd Launch Group
Q: what was the group dynamic like?
The cast was rich with future stars in the Detroit improv community. I actually came in as a relief coach, so the group had already been together for a while, and they had already become a strong, supportive ensemble. They were young, enthusiastic and hungry to become better improvisers.
Q: Did you create a form for the shows? please describe the form the group did use.
We did not create a form. I'm reasonably sure they played a La Rondammando, which is to say it was a Commando with cut-aways.
Q: Was there anything that set this group apart from the other launch groups
I feel like there was, but I came in after all the excitement, so in my time with them, we mostly focused on improv. My memory fades the more I age, but I feel like they were a group for a very long time.
Members are: Peter Banachowski, Carrie (Hall) Parmenter, Chris Petersen, Matt Klug, Paul Jonna, Joe Hingelberg, Woody Carter, Amy Frank, Mark C. Holden.
Members are: Jeremy Conn, Andy French, Amy Frank, Travis Pelto, Joe Hingelberg, Matt Klug, Vivi Jona, Paul Jonna, Mark C. Holden, Chris Petersen. (not Pictured, Chris Moody, and Megan Trudell)
Amy Frank
Andy French
Carrie (Hall) Parmenter
Chris Moody
Chris Petersen
Chris Petersen is a performer, coach, and teacher in Metro Detroit.
Jeremy Conn
Joe Hingelberg
Mark C. Holden
Matt Klug
Matt Naas
Paul Jonna
Megan (Trudell) Borowski
Performed with several groups such as Vulcan Hipsters, Tips, Spectacle, Tony’s Angels. Performed for the Launchbox reunion set
Q: What is a standout memory you have about your time in the Launch Group?
Enjoyed the learning process. Came into Launchbox with no improv experience and had to learn a lot. After taking classes later on it was amazing to see how the experience changed the way I looked at scripts and was open to more choices. I will never forget all the memories and laughs!
Peter Banachowski
Peter Banachowski is a stand up comedian, actor, and writer. His first stand up album "Fired From Cruise Ships: Recorded Live On A Cruise Ship" was self released in 2020. Peter's acting talents have been seen on ABC, FOX, Hulu, and Netflix as a character actor in various film and television roles. His first short film "The Right Choice" in which he wrote, starred, and directed was released in 2023 and premiered at the Culver City Film Festival. And finally his television pilots "Red Lion" and "The Ugly Elf" have received numerous finalist awards for both categories of action and animated comedy respectively.
IG @bananachowski
Travis Pelto
Vivi Jona
Woody Carter
Shawn Handlon
Action Jackson’s Coach
I received my improv training at The Second City-Detroit. I was a member of it’s Detroit resident cast from 2003 through 2006. I performed with The Second City on cruise ships from 2006 through 2013. From 2012 through 2019, I served as Artistic Director for Planet Ant Theatre. I have written, directed, or performed in over 50 original comedy shows in the last 25 years.
Q: What is a standout memory you have about your time in the Launch Group?
I remember thinking at the time that the cast was just stocked with so many improvisers with so much potential. Many were already rapidly making names for themselves in the Detroit improv scene. It was a delight working with them.
