Them Gravy Boys

We use improv comedy, storytelling, and podcasting to discover truth between the blurry lines of the daily grind.

As three Black Americans, we utilize our unique voices to spark thoughtful conversations on and off comedy stages. Through a candid dialogue, we exchange our experiences with those of our audience—exploring deeper perspectives on comedy, relationships, and humanity. 

Also, we're funny AF.

A three-sport athlete and honor student, he found ways to weave creativity into his school work, on the playing field, and in his close relationships, but the vulnerability that theater required frightened him. Cut to five years later—and with a little encouragement from his family—there he stood performing in front of his college classmates for the first time.

The shy but inquisitive type, quick-tongued when not biting it, improv helped turn a quiet kid into the ultimate version of himself. Heart-on-sleeve, confident, forgiving, empathic—all these traits and more came floating to the surface and he's never looked back.

Now he’s a father, a husband, a copywriter, a brother, a son, an improv teacher, and more. Each part of him strengthening a greater whole. And he relishes the chance to jump without a net—finding his footing along the way and connecting with the other jumpers looking to spark something true.

Leon has been performing improv since 2003 in various forms, and after completing his bachelors and masters degrees in engineering from the University of Southern California, he solidified his training at the Second City Conservatory in Hollywood, CA. He acts on stage and on screen, and he is proud to share his animated and physical style with his fellow members of Broke Gravy. 

An engineer and product manager, Leon is creative and visionary. He owns a true passion for people, connection, and leadership. Leon consistently uses his improv training to boost his professional skills and in turn helps other professionals discover the joys and lessons of improvisation, through workshops, conversation and mentorship.

Leon doesn’t always talk about himself in the third person, so if you want to learn more find him, buy him a drink, and ask whatever you want.

Using his background in Sociology, Psychology, and a Master’s in Conflict Resolution, he supports the Portland Public School District and their mission of equity and student achievement. Chris loves helping students and families navigate through the world of public education. 

Right after graduating from Colorado College, Chris started his improv journey in Los Angeles and for the past twenty plus years has been honing those skills and teaching others along the way. He’s a proud member of the internationally recognized improv trio Broke Gravy.

He’s the founder and producer of Front Porch Sessions, a local storytelling show that focuses on giving voice to marginalized communities.

He is board president of Kickstand Comedy Theater, a non-profit theater company that’s goal is breaking down the barriers people have to seeing and performing art. Chris can also be seen telling true stories on stages all over Portland.

Chris has developed and leads storytelling workshops for performers and non-performers because he believes in helping people tell their stories—and giving the community perspectives they might not normally be exposed to.

He wants to eliminate the isolation and fear people have from feeling disconnected from the community. Chris has always believed two things: cheesecake with graham cracker crust is the perfect food and everyone has at least one great story inside of them.