Meet the Festival Team

Dwayne Duke is the Founder and Executive Director of MQCFest.

Amanda Averell is the Associate Producer/  Head Yinzer for this year's Festival.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Amanda Averell is a stand up comedian, writer, producer, co-owner of the Burning Bridges Comedy Club, actor, educator, coach & improviser. When she’s not eating snacks, you can hear Amanda talk about them on her podcast “Snack Life”. 

Whitney Wasson (SoberRabbit) creates  our graphics.
Whitney Wasson (they/them) is a cartoonist and comedian (a multidisciplinary artist if you’re fancy) in Chicago. Originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, they received a BA in Theater from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
They also write and draw Sober Rabbit, a popular webcomic about recovery, disability, and mental illness, which has now expanded into print comics. 

Our Main Stages for MQCFest 2025  will be at The Arcade Comedy Theater

Arcade Comedy Theater inspires joy and nurtures community-building by connecting artists and audiences with the dynamic artform of comedy. With exceptional performances and educational offerings, Arcade entertains and uplifts Pittsburgh audiences and beyond.