Based out of Los Angeles, Jessica Lynn Verdi is one of the most prodigious actresses you'll ever see. In her hometown, she can be seen on stage as part of the all-female improv group Ripley Improv. On Twitch channel Hyper RPG, she can be seen playing Chrissy Jacobs on Bloodcurdling Tales In Time and Hannah on Rat Queens, which is based on the Image Comics series. There's also a great chance you've seen her around in GIF form somewhere.

She took some time out of her schedule to talk with us about Rat Queens' upcoming live event at Gen Con, future plans with Ripley Improv, and her past as a musician.

What was your first run-in with ttrpgs?

Verdi: I was asked to jump into a game with a friend I’ve had since middle school. It seemed like a good way to stay connected with him by having a standing hang out plan. Boy, was I so strangely nervous about roleplaying! I can honestly remember feeling butterflies before my character’s turn. Oh, how times have changed.

You've been featured on Hyper RPG programming for a couple years now. What's it like working with such a talented group of people every week?

Verdi: I honestly haven’t lost my awe for this group. Not only do I feel comfortable to be my playful self with the Hyper crew, they truly delight me. Between being surprised and tickled by their wit to watching them give the audience true and authentic performances, I feel honored to be in the mix.

How did you get involved with Hyper RPG's Rat Queens? Were you familiar with the comic book prior to the show?

Verdi: I didn’t know about Rat Queens until it was an idea that Zac Eubank had percolating. Of course, when I hear about an awesome new show that is female driven, my ears are gonna perk up. I was delighted to learn that Zac was already thinking about this show being a good fit for me. Learning that Emily Jacobson would GM is what made me HAVE to be on the show. Her and I have a rich history of performance together, and I think she is just wonderful, so why wouldn’t I want to be at her table?