Inside Out Underwear ~ IOU
Inside Out Underwear ~ IOU Shifting Perspectives, Creating Change, One Laugh at a Time
Through comedy and improv, I encourage fresh ways of thinking, communicating, and problem-solving. Laughter isn’t just entertainment—it’s a catalyst for real change and a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously along the way.
Janelle Ranek isn’t just a performer –
She’s a comedic shape-shifter, writer, director, educator and superhero.
With over 20 original comedy shows and more than 50 unique characters, she has been part of the Twin Cities comedy scene for decades. Her long-running “Letters to Santa” series at The Bryant Lake Bowl has been a holiday tradition for nearly 25 years and her work has been called “consistently and viciously funny” by the Star Tribune.
Janelle has performed on numerous local stages including The Jungle Theater and Park Square and was a core member with Stevie Ray’s Comedy Troupe. She has written and directed numerous original works. As an educator and facilitator, she brings her expertise to corporate workshops, leadership training, and artist-in-residence programs, using comedy and improv as a tool for communication and connection. She is founder of Inside Out Underwear (IOU), a company dedicated to shifting perspectives and creating change – one laugh at a time.
This is me on the left, Janelle ~ On the right is my beautiful wife, Brenda. Below is Lady Roo Toastcrumb, our German Shepherd, she does not take good selfies.
What can you expect??
Welcome to the world of Janelle Ranek—where comedy, creativity, and connection collide!
Explore upcoming performances and experience my ever-evolving cast of characters through videos and updates. Looking to bring something new to your organization? I offer interactive workshops, corporate team-building sessions, and artist-in-residence programs designed to inspire, engage, and entertain.
And don’t miss my blog—a collection of my personal (and often absurd) musings on comedy, life, and the strange brilliance of being human. Because if you can laugh, you can get through anything.