DOREEN COLLINS
Doreen Collins, a New York University theater major, has been a SAG-AFTRA member since 1978, earning her union card after a really bad Edge of Night appearance. Thankfully this was prior to the invention of the VCR. She trained and performed in clubs and cabarets in NYC for a decade or so, and topped it off by starring Off-Broadway in the coulda-woulda-shoulda-been hit, Farewell Performance: The Last Truly Great Girl Group. Seeming to continue doing things ass- backwards, Doreen moved from NYC to Boston where she worked dinner theaters and improv theater in between booking industrials and commercials for clients such as Harvard, STOP ‘n Shop, The Lottery, and Boston First Night. She also had guest spots on various TV shows such as ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ and ‘Cheers'. A comedic actress most of her life, she has produced, directed and hosted 3 local TV shows: Un-Real Deal, NBC 10 Wedding Showcase, and Rhode Bytes with Doreen Collins winning her a ‘People’s Choice’ Telly Award. In 2024, Doreen was voted Options Magazine’s ‘Best Local Stand-up Comic’. In 2013, needing something to do while unemployed, Doreen pub= lished her first book: Confessions of a Working Girl or How to Get Laid…OFF, available on Amazon and from the trunk of her car. Her book is not yet available on audio, but for a couple extra bucks, she’ll call and read it to you. In 2015, Doreen became the first female inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. In celebration of that honor, every March, Women’s Month, she produces an all-female comedy show called, The Ladies Room. The show is sponsored by female owned businesses and donates a portion of ticket sales to a female based charity. This year The Ladies Room is celebrating its 10 th year! Doreen is currently performing a ‘Best of RI’ winning comedy cabaret celebrating getting old called, “Aging Disgracefully” with her best bud, Charlie Hall. She is also a regular segment contributor on The Rhode Show with ‘A Senior Moment’. |
CHARLIE HALL
In 2012, Charlie was the first person inducted into the newly-established Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. His induction was the culmination of over thirty years of laugh-making through a variety of avenues including stand-up, writing, theater, and art. His clean, clever style lead to national TV appearances on Star Search (where he was a semi-finalist), The Joan Rivers Show, Evening at the Improv, Caroline’s Comedy Hour, America’s Funniest People, and more. He's been the opening act for Jerry Seinfeld, Chicago, Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Sam Kinison, Frankie Valli, Reba McIntire, Charlie Daniels, Jon Stewart, and Englebert Humperdink....most at the Warwick Musical Theater. He's also the creator of the iconic comedy cabaret the “Ocean State Follies” a spoof on all things Rhode Island, running for 25 years and winning countless BEST OF RI awards. Many know Charlie as the host comedian (and mural artist) at Perwinkles, Rhode Island’s first comedy club. In 1993, 1997, and 1998 Rhode Island Monthly Magazine voted “Ocean State Follies” as the state’s Best Comedy Show, and in 1994, 1995, and 1996 the magazine voted Charlie Rhode Island’s Best Comedian. This RISD grad is also an award-winning political cartoonist and a TV news courtroom artist. He's published two cartoon books on life and politics in Rhode Island called Hot Sketch and Hot Sketch 2....and a comedic adult coloring book called ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION, on the 2016 elections. (Still available on Amazon) Currently Charlie performs in AGING DISGRACEFULLY, a 2- person show he created with gal pal Doreen Collins that has been playing in the area for over 6 years. Also a BEST OF winner. Now, if all of this was not enough, in 1995 Charlie penned the words for a song called “Rhode Island’s It’s For Me” (inspired by Providence mayor Buddy Cianci) that is now the official state song of RI. |