Los Angeles-based comedian Justin Rupple returns to the University of Maine at Presque Isle for an evening of comedy on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Campus Center. This event is free for UMPI students with ID, and a $5 general admission fee.
Rupple is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, actor, and voice actor. After his appearance last spring hosting UMPI’s First Annual Variety Show, and based on fan requests, UMPI’s Student Activities Office was quick to book him again.
Rupple has established himself as a great act in the comedy world, with his impressions featured on the USA show First Impressions with Dana Carvey. He also appeared in the film Operation Chromite, starring alongside Liam Neeson. His most recent film work was voicing the character Tuffnut in the movie How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
Rupple graduated from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communications at Washington State University. He landed a dream internship and eventual job at KIRO Radio in Seattle. Satisfying his need to be behind the mic, he started attempting stand-up comedy in early 2006 at the legendary, but now defunct, Giggles Comedy Club in Seattle. It wasn’t until a new comedy club discovered him in late 2008 at the Seattle International Comedy Competition that he found his footing in the comedy scene. The Parlor Live Comedy Club hired Rupple as its first and only house host, and, for almost two years, he performed up to six shows a week at one of the nation’s best clubs.
In 2010, Rupple headed to Los Angeles to keep up the momentum. It took about six years for him to develop a foothold in the city, but Rupple now travels around the country delivering comedy shows and has done voice acting work on films such as Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Fate of the Furious.
To learn more about Justin Rupple, visit his website at www.justinrupple.com. For more information about the Sept. 16 show, contact Violet Washburn at 768-9582 or email umpi-engagement@maine.edu.