Inside Out Underwear ~ IOU
Janelle Ranek – actor, 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 classes, professional development 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.
EXCITING NEWS! I am now teaching Improv & Storytelling classes through community education in St. Louis Park & Minneapolis! WINTER SESSION
Classes I offer through St. Louis Park Community Ed Scan the code to register!!
IMPROV-ABILITY – Beginning skills improv – take a creative risk, think on your feet, get comfortable being uncomfortable! No experience needed! thttps://slp.ce.eleyo.com/course/9507/adult-enrichment-2025-2026/improv-ability#a590l26
FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE…Yes, YOU can! – Take the next step in your improv journey! This improv class culminates in a supportive showcase for family and friends. https://slp.ce.eleyo.com/course/9508/adult-enrichment-2025-2026/improv-from-classroom-to-the-stage-yes-you-can#a591l2
EVERY LIFE TELLS A STORY – 50+ Find your voice and share your story. Storytelling in the style of “The Moth”. https://slp.ce.eleyo.com/course/9509/senior-program-2025-2026/every-life-tells-a-story#a592l26
IMPROV FOR EVERYDAY – Using improve to build confidence, connection and everyday skills, while having fun! This class is part of PROJECT SOAR – which provides programming for adults with developmental, sensory, cognitive & physical disabilities. https://slp.ce.eleyo.com/course/9509/senior-program-2025-2026/every-life-tells-a-story#a593l26
IMPROV FOR ALL (55+) – Offered through Mpls. Community Ed A great way to improve public speaking, get out of your comfort zone, or just have fun! https://minneapolis.ce.eleyo.com/course/62529/lifelong-learning-55-winter-2026/improv-for-all-roosevelt-55
My signature character Gloria ~ the iconic martini swilling crass old broad.
Check out Gloria with Chris Egert from KSTP MN Live! at the MN State Fair!!
https://kstp.com/special-coverage/minnesota-live/janelle-ranek-a-k-a-gloria
I created Inside Out Underwear for a couple of reasons. It’s funny and reminds me not take myself or the world too seriously. Two, the acronym IOU ~ this reminds me to give back.
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.
