noun: oddity [ od-i-tee ] – A remarkably unusual person, thing, or event.
Welcome to Oddity Improv!
We are a non-profit organization that builds confidence, creativity and teamwork. Oddity Improv prides themselves on aiming for smart clean comedy.
Founded by Chris Guerra and Kelsey Cooke, our team brings years of experience and expertise to the art of improv. We are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and passion with our students, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Meet the Founders
Kelsey Cooke
Co-Founder / Instructor / Main Company
Kelsey grew up acting professionally in Hollywood, signing with her first agent at the age of 7. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Vanguard University, and pursued a Broadway, TV and Film career in New York upon graduating, working on shows like PAN AM (ABC) and ROYAL PAINS (USA). Her work eventually brought her back to Hollywood where she trained in improv at The Groundlings, UCB and Second City. Kelsey appeared in LIFE PARTNERS (Tribeca & Sundance Film Festival), BLACK NOVEMBER (Vivica Fox), BAD TEACHER (CBS) and THE VERONICA MARS MOVIE. In 2020 she Co-Founded “thisishardtoread” productions and is an award-winning producer, writer, and actor on the award-winning feature comedy/mockumentary film, RE-OPENING and is the co-founder of Oddity Improv in Tennessee, the premier theater and school for learning character-based improv and sketch.
Chris Guerra
Co-Founder / Instructor / Main Company
Chris Guerra is an alumni of The Groundlings Main Company—the legendary Los Angeles comedy theater that launched the careers of Will Ferrell, Phil Hartman, and Will Forte—where he was also one of the artistic directors. There, he wrote and performed original sketch comedy, helping shape the creative voice of the institution.
He’s appeared on Modern Family, starred in national commercial campaigns, and performed on Broadway in Company with Neil Patrick Harris. He also toured the country in the 1st Broadway National Tour of Sister Act, with additional regional credits including Spamalot, Avenue Q, Frozen: Live at the Hyperion, and many more.
Now based in Franklin, Tennessee, he co-founded Oddity Improv, a clean comedy theater and training center. He co-wrote and directed the award-winning improvised feature film Re-Opening through his production company, thisishardtoread productions. He is also the creator of the viral series Facebook Marketplace Nightmares, which has drawn nearly 800,000 followers and won a 2025 Telly Award for Best Comedy Series.