SEE ALL OUR PHOTOS ON OUR FLICKR PAGE
The basement of Back to the Grind buzzed with comedic chaos and heartfelt pride on June 21 as the Fake Actors Guild performed a live table read of The Great North episode “Say It Again, Ham Adventure” — an animated coming-out story reimagined on stage to benefit the Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance.
Stephen Day
In the episode, Ham Tobin realizes his coming-out journey never had the drama he craved. Inspired by over-the-top movie moments and fictional racecar driver Danny Vroom’s tearful televised confession, Ham embarks on a quest to “come out again”, this time with gasps, shattering objects, and theatrical flair.
“Our only real goal is to help the community around us, we are all volunteers. If you have the time and you’re down to clown, you’re welcome.”
Meanwhile, Wolf and Honeybee launch a side-splitting subplot as aspiring true crime podcasters investigating a serial killer known as the Orca Bay Slicer, whose hot-dog-related crimes provide a disturbingly hilarious backdrop.
Stephen Day
The live reading was led by Maxwell Meyers, who also starred as Ham. Meyers founded the Fake Actors Guild during the pandemic and has since grown the project into a community-centered performance group with a cause.
Stephen Day
The cast delivered big laughs and bigger heart. Dutch, EE Foss, Indigo Jenkins, Taarna Lockhart, Narally Chavez, Kenton Muller, and Luis Reyes each tackled multiple roles, turning the animated Tobins into a live-action spectacle with the help of quick wig and hat changes, audience cued dramatic gasps, laughs, and boos,, and just the right amount of awkward Alaskan energy.
Stephen Day
Midway through the evening, the Guild hosted an intermission raffle of The Great North-themed merchandise, culminating in a grand prize: a guest spot in a surprise second table read of Season 3, Episode 4, “Code Enough Said Adventure.” The impromptu encore gave one lucky winner a chance to join the cast on stage, proving once again that at a Fake Actors Guild show, the audience is part of the performance.
Stephen Day
Also on hand was Black Cat Baker, offering a spread of gluten-free baked goods that kept guests happily snacking between scenes.
Stephen Day
All proceeds from the night supported the Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, affirming spaces and mental health resources to LGBTQ+ youth and allies across the Inland Empire. RPYA’s mission — helping queer youth feel seen, safe, and celebrated — echoed the episode’s message: sometimes the most meaningful coming out is one met with unwavering support, not spectacle.
Stephen Day
The Fake Actors Guild has made community giving a core part of its mission. In 2023, they raised funds for Riverside Pride, and in February, they honored Black History Month with a reading of The Boondocks to benefit Music Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing music, art, and tutoring programs in America’s public schools and community centers while raising awareness about the importance of enrichment programs as part of each child’s comprehensive education and lifestyle.
Stephen Day
Sponsors for the event included Back to the Grind, Domingo Social, The Menagerie, Raincross District, and PrintMyStuff.com.
The Fake Actors Guild returns Friday, July 19, with a live reading of an episode from Futurama. Expect more outrageous voices, pop culture deep cuts, and another night where laughter meets local impact.
