Meet the Team
GRETCHEN RAEDLE
"Official Boner Killer"
Gretchen is an undergraduate student at Northwestern University studying Radio/Television/Film and the IMC certificate. She enjoys writing, designing, and video production, and is excited to utilize these skills in her work with Updog comedy. After being described as “outta pocket” by way too many of her friends, Gretchen wanted to create an organization on campus that would allow her to hone in on her…unique… comedic voice, thus leading her to start Updog alongside co-founder Maddie Morse. Outside of Updog, she is involved in The Blackout’s writers room, Spoon University Magazine, Caped Clinicians, Dance Marathon, and films for the Athletics department.
Fun Fact: Gretchen is banned from Big Wig Tacos in Chicago.
MADDIE MORSE
"Why is she here?"
Maddie is an undergraduate at Northwestern University studying Ratio/Television/Film and Psychology, set to pursue the IMC certificate as well. She has worked on a variety of sets as a director, producer, camera op, script supervisor, and really enjoys photography. While she is not ~the funny one~, she loves to laugh so… I guess that’s why she’s here? Outside of Updog, she is a part of Fusion Dance Company, Refresh Dance Crew, and acts as the Talent Producer at The Blackout.
Fun Fact: The first person she ever yelled at was Apple Paltrow.
ARJUN KUMAR
"Lil' Brownie"
Arjun is an RTVF major who enjoys the writing side of filmmaking and comedy. He joined updog because he loves sketch comedy and wanted to be part of their lovely writer's room. He also loves doing standup.
Fun Fact: I'm 5'3" but I have the charisma of someone who is 5'4".
JULIA NEUS
"Bon Kitten"
Julia is a member of Northwestern University’s Class of 2024. She studies Radio, Television & Film with a minor in Creative Writing. She enjoys writing screenplays and poetry, video editing, and walking in circles on the lakefill. Outside of her creative pursuits, Julia is a member of the Northwestern University Sailing Team executive board and competes in collegiate competitions on the weekends.
Fun Fact: Julia once caught a con man at age 9.
GABE BIDER
"Mischief"
Gabe is an undergraduate student at Northwestern University studying computer science and data science and engineering. Gabe runs the IT department at Updog and manages the website. In addition to Updog, Gabe is an app developer for Northwestern Dance Marathon, a tour guide, and an undergraduate TA. Gabe is excited to lend his skills and be a part of Updog.
Fun Fact: Gabe once owned a cow.
ELI CIVETTA
"Garamond Gruff"
Eli Civetta is a second year undergraduate student at Northwestern University studying Radio/Television/Film. He is passionate about comedic writing and performing and is excited to be a part of both sides with Updog Comedy. Within Updog he is a Head Writer, Actor, Director and Assistant Editor. Outside of Updog he has almost 10 years of improv training which led him to start his own two-man long-form improv show called 40% Milk (with fellow doggie Finn Rollings), writes for The Blackout, is on the executive board for No Fun Mud Piranhas, co-hosts Roasted To Perfection, a comedic podcast (with fellow doggie Gretchen Raedle), writes originals plays for ESIC Children’s Theatre, and makes original music.
Fun Fact: He has been licked by a water buffalo.
RUTH ELLEN BERRY
"Southern Charmer"
Ruth Ellen is a Northwestern undergraduate student studying Journalism and Data Science with certificates in Integrated Marketing Communications and Design. She is excited to join the Updog team working on graphics and social media to promote some of the funniest people she knows. Outside of Updog, Ruth Ellen is involved with STITCH Fashion Magazine, A&O Productions, and Caped Clinicians.
Fun Fact: Ruth Ellen's high school uniforms were pink, yellow, green, and blue.
EUGENE BRYE III
"EB3"
Eugene is a 3rd year RTVF major from Brooklyn, NY. He is fascinated with the art of comedy and joined UpDog to work with individuals with a similar passion. Eugene has made YouTube videos, done some stand up, and has written numerous sketches and screenplays.
Fun Fact: Eugene went to a boarding school thinking it would be like Zoey 101…it wasn’t.
FINN ROLLINGS
"Jorjor Well"
Finnegan Rollings is a sophomore RTVF and History double major at Northwestern University. As soon as 5-year-old Finn felt the warmth of the stage light, he’s been using performance to fuel himself every since. Discovering that writing what you say on stage is even more fun than just acting it through a high school sketch club, Rollings now works as a writer, director and actor. Inspired by Tim Robinson’s “I Think You Should Leave,” Conan O’Brien, and Bo Burnham, Rollings tries his best to combine silly and smart comedy. In addition to Raw Doggin it, Rollings serves as the host of The Blackout, front man of The Abominable Showmen, and improvises monthly in 40% Milk with fellow dog, Eli Civetta.
Fun Fact: Finn has ridden on the back of a bank robber.
DONOVAN BATTS
"DonnyFast"
Donovan Batts (aka DonnyFast) has been producing beats since the Covid Summer of 2020. His fire boombap and lofi hip-hop beats are making waves on SoundCloud. Outside of the studio he likes playing smash bros, going on runs, and penny boarding around campus. Donovan is also Co-Studio Sessions Chair for SWAN (Songwriters at Northwestern).
Fun Fact: Donovan is a top 5 smash bros ultimate player at Northwestern University.