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Look, Ma! We're gonna put on a show!
The deep and dark secrets of our performers!
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Our little improv group centers around a core crew of witty, creative, and devilishly handsome performers.

This is what they have to say about themselves.

Don't believe a word of it.


I'm the sexay host! Mark Nguyen

"And you thought Disney could screw up fairy tales!"

Mark has been hosting events since he was six years old, when he organized and MC'ed a stuffed-animal show for his neighborhood - his parents didn't want any pets back then. Since that time, he has helped plan club, festival and volunteer events around the country, in addition to producing, directing and acting in a number of amateur movie and theatrical productions.

Now, Mark has parlayed his love of public speaking and improv comedy to new heights of self-depreciating humour, acting as host, writer, and occasional performer for the group. At a show, he can be seen introducing the games and skits that are played, while expertly dodging the verbal flattery (or is it abuse?) of his fellow performers. Oh, and he's gorgeous to look at too - possibly enough to qualify as a Personality of the Week in some circles...

Favorite Games: Scenes From a Hat, Every Other Line


Kowareru hodo aishitemo... Brendan "Beej" Dery

"Am I seriously that pretty?"

Beej just beejs what he beejs best: beejing Beej.

Recently re-promoted to near the top of this roster of improv characters, Beej journeyed to the far reaches of the Earth for the power, wisdom, and courage he needed to vanquish his foes and regain the second-from-the-top slot. Alas, all he did was end up with some crummy triforce...

You say there are rules in improv? Really? How cute. Beej follows them if he has to, but ultimately, he'd prefer to just whip off his pants, dash into the audience, and violate the nearest prop. Because that's comedy gold!

Favorite Games: Change..


ABBA forever! Mark Leonard

"I just received a warning here at work about the dangers of "Swimmer's Ear". Yesterday's warning was about lifting heavy objects... I can't wait until they warn me about the Clap."

Back in the late 1960's, Mark Leonard (with his long hippy hair) was propositioned by Mark Nguyen... It was acceptable in the 60's. Mark was young and needed the money. Eventually he clued into the fact that improv doesn't pay. It's been a long, long, long... What are we talking about again?

Favorite Games: Film Noir, Sportscasters (but only when slapping Mark N.'s ass), Party Quirks


The Quintessential Red Shirt Dave Ripkens

"Pictures speak louder than words. Because some words are big and hard to understand."

Often confused with Brad Pitt, David regularly has to go out into the world in disguise. He has tried on many alter egos including a ninja (apparently, black spandex is not his thing) and Ashlee Simpson (but could not mimic her jig properly enough). These days he often goes undercover as a bedraggled father of a baby. The disguise is so convincing, you might even think that he is really in the part of a parent.

His comedy has been getting him in trouble for years. From being kicked out of English class for speaking, the word “ejaculation” to finding a woman who enjoys humour and winding up married.

Favorite Games: Scenes From a Hat, Change, Oscar Winning Moment


Down, Worf! Down! Lara Ripkens

"Life is anything that dies when you stomp on it."

She has but one goal in life – to engineer the complete annihilation of anything not funny and systematically replace it with rubber chickens. This includes deodorant, anti-itch cream, and your aunt Martha whom you thought died ten years ago.

On the side, Lara also crusades for the right for women to be funny. She clearly remembers the days in her youth when male classmates would always get the much-honoured title of class clown even though she was the one armed with remote control whoopee cushions. Now the time has come for equal representation in the comedy industry!

Favorite Games: Change, Party Quirks, Sound Effects


Deep Blue Sea OWNZ! Daniel Ross

"Avert your eyes - he shines with the blinding light of justice!"

What can truly be said about Dan? His improv skills are capable of crushing mountains into dust - nay, his skills bend light and the fabric of the universe itself. Bystanders find themselves unable to cope with the overload of improv fun that Dan forces into their eyes and ears. One could say that his ability is a dangerous weapon - but this is naive, for Dan only uses his improv skills for good!

Besides Dan's sense of modesty, Dan is a valued improv player for his ability to keep momentum high, and his quick wit in the more long-winded games. And for God's sake, don't let him get ahold of a microphone.

Favorite Games: Film Noir, Stand/Sit/Bend, Changes


Screw you, hippie! Mannie Ross

Mannie is cute, somewhat risque, and always says what's on her mind. People may think she's dirty-minded or deprived; no, she's not deprived, but very much depraved. According to some of her friends, Mannie can bring up sex in a crowded room without second thought, apprehension, or embarrassment - a talent! She never claims to know everything about the subject but does think about it thoroughly.

Favorite Games: Props, Every Other Line


There's GOT to be a better way to write profiles... Will Wood

"I'm gonna go wash my mouth out with women."

Will Wood: The True Cinderella Story.

How can you define a young, poor, lowly night shift worker who went from stocking shelves to splitting sides? Simply a guy who was in the right place at close enough to the right time. Oh, he's still poor... and young, and definitely lowly... but I guess he's pretty funny, why else would they keep him around?

Favorite Games: Film Noir, Sound Effects, Whose Line, Party Quirks


(Looking for The Eastside 404s of Ontario? Click HERE!)

And here are some of our departed 404s, retired or on hiatus...
See you, space cowboys!

Now you're a TALKING bull Danny Campbell

"I am SVEN!"

Go, go, go! Jason Hill

"I'm fresh and tasty God!"

Hint hint, Ian..! Ian Horner

"I can be a chick."

Seriously. THAT'S JUST WRONG. Darren Lidgett

"That's just wrong..."

Et tu, brute!

© 2004-2006 by The 404s Improv Comedy. All Rights Reserved.
Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Canada