The Comedy Bureau Field Report – Page 2

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 257: Sam Walt Jones & Manifesting the Theatrical in Live Comedy

May 15, 2025

The undertaking of putting on a live comedy show can be a lot, but putting on a full scale, multi-week, improvised parody of a celebrated TV franchise is a whole other sport. Yet, that seems to be Sam Walt Jones‘ favorite thing to do as he is just about to cap off his third season of Survivor: Island of Idiots, one of the most ambitious comedy productions we’ve ever come across. We get into the how and why of Sam’s process on this week’s TCB Field Report.

Follow Sam @samwaltjones across socials and get tix for the remaining Survivor: Island of Idiots here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 256: Business Casual & Focused Chaos for Comedic Gold

May 1, 2025

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business casual, cory peter lane, hunter sailing, jeremy elder, sketch comedy

Cory Peter Lane, Jeremy Elder, and Hunter Sailing, better known collectively as the wondrously rambunctious Business Casual, are leveling up to having their very own ranch of controlled chaos with their new show on All Things Comedy, the aptly named The Business Casual Show. We catch up with the boys on this week’s TCB Field Report on getting in on their process for pitching and running bits for what might seemed like really fun mayhem, but definitely has a plan (mostly).

Follow @businesscasualcomedy on IG

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 255: Laser Webber & Defying with Queer Joy

April 23, 2025

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These days, the notion of representation mattering is more crucial than it has been in a long time, especially when it comes to trans/gender non-conforming/non-binary folks. Thank goodness for the likes of people such as Laser Webber, a do-it-all performer/producer in all worlds in and around comedy, music, and theater to co-found The Joy Who Lived, a festival celebrating trans and gnc comedy/performance/art (that’s specifically counter-programming a Harry Potter play at the Pantages). We talk about the importance of communing and having joy whilst in survival mode in 2025.

Follow Laser @lasertheboy & The Joy Who Lived: trans/gnc comedy & performance festival @joywholived (that still has a handful of shows left, FYI)

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 254: Alexis Dubus & Attempting to Translate Comedy in 2025

April 17, 2025

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alexis dubus, marcel lucont, uk comedy

The brilliant Alexis Dubus has made an entire career out of not only playing a character, but playing a misanthropic Frenchman, Marcel Lucont and that presents quite a winding path here in 2025, especially as Dubus is set to play a handful of American dates as Lucont coming up very soon. We have a badinage as well as an in-depth chat about Alexis’ journey in and out of himself and Marcel and how he is forging ahead with a character drenched in tasty irony.

Follow Alexis @alexisdubuscomedy and Marcel Lucont @marcel.lucont and get tickets for his 4/21 show at The Elysian here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 253: Rebecca Drysdale & Using The Force With Improv

April 10, 2025

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improv, improv classes, la comedy, rebecca drysdale

Still, to this day, Rebecca Drysdale is one of the funniest improvisers we’ve ever seen. Coupled with her vast writing experience, we’ll take any chance to have her on TCB Field Report and what a chance it was for this episode. We legitimately intertwine The Force from Star Wars into improv theory and practice (along with some other IP based metaphors) for a marvelously comedy philosophy heavy episode.

Follow Rebecca @beckdrys on IG and sign-up for her classes (the latest round start next week) at drysdaleclasses@gmail.com.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 252: Pilot Season & Growing an Improv Show Out of the Writers’ Strike

April 2, 2025

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improv, pilot season, ucb, writer's strike

At a time where AI is threatening writing jobs and Trump is mercilessly dismantling all the DEI initiatives that he can, a hybrid improv/writers show, Pilot Season, rises, phoenix-like, from the rubble of the WGA Strike. Hosts/creators Chris De La Cruz and Saleh Karaman lead a packed improv show that creates a freshly baked before the audience eyes and ears where some of the most accomplished TV writers around collaborate with UCB’s best and brightest. Also, very often, as it would happen, the panel of writers and cast of improvisers are from almost every background imaginable. This week’s TCB Field Report talks to De La Cruz and Karaman in how they built this juggernaut of a show and exceeded any expectation they had.

Follow Pilot Season @pilot_szn on IG and get tix for 4/6 show UCB LA here. Follow Chris @chris_dlc_ and Saleh @cirquedusalad.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 251: YALL Comedy Fest & Juggling Truth to Power & Safe Spaces in Comedy

March 26, 2025

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nyc comedy, yall comedy fest

A comedy festival premised on the idea of punching up and calling it the absurdity of those in power and also providing space for representation for those that are in the margins is now, more so than in a long time, pretty crucial. Thank goodness to the Yes And… Laughter Lab Comedy Festival AKA the YALL Comedy Fest. This week’s TCB Field Report chats with the leadership team at YALL Comedy, Mik Moore, Erika Soto Lamb, and Chike Robinson on putting on this festival that fervently believes that comedy can make a difference and aims to make that notion a truth.

Follow Yes And… Laughter Lab @yallcomedy and get tickets to YALL Comedy Fest here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 250: Skyler Higley & MANDAL & Guaranteeing GUARANTEED!

March 19, 2025

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Skyler Higley and MANDAL are on the precipice of making what very well may be LA’s next stand up to always be at with GUARANTEED! presented by Vulture (and produced by our very own Jake Kroeger). The trio breaks down launching this very special show (as well as the use of RICO charges in crime thrillers).

Follow Skyler @skylerhigley and MANDAL @themandalman and get tix for GUARANTEED every 2nd & 4th Tuesday starting 3/25 @ 7:30PM right here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 249: Sarah Claspell & Doing Improv Literally Everywhere

March 12, 2025

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improv, la comedy, sarah claspell, world's greatest improv school

Even though improv had one of the longest roads back from COVID, it’s back and more expansive than we remember. Sarah Claspell, a longtime celebrated veteran of improv in LA, walks us, on this week’s TCB Field Report, through how that’s happening both with her touring the world doing/teaching improv and co-owning the World’s Greatest Improv School (affectionately pronounced WEE-gis) and the best way to take notes on improv.

Follow Sarah @claspy across socials.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Clay Larsen

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 248: Kristal Adams & Fields-of-Dreams-ing It in NYC

March 6, 2025

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kristal adams, nyc comedy

The wonderful Kristal Adams packed up from LA a few years ago and journeyed to the America’s other comedy mecca, NYC. Adams had definitely established herself in the scene in LA, but opted for the wealth of stage time that New York. Over the last few years, Kristal has not only risen in that scene, but built up a wondrous independent show at multi-purpose bookstore, P&T Knitwear, Bookstore, Coffee, & Podcast Studio, with Alexis Bradby, another LA to NYC transplant. This week’s TCB Field Report has a beautiful in-depth chat about how and where Adams has put so much thought into building an indie comedy show in NYC in the 2020s.

Follow Kristal @thedarkkristal and Astigmatism Comedy @astigmatismcomedy on IG.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 247: Joel Mandelkorn & Closing Out a 20 Year Weekly Show

February 20, 2025

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hot Tub, joel mandelkorn, kurt and kristen, la comedy

Legendary weekly comedy show, Hot Tub with Kurt Kristen, just marked its 20th year anniversary this past weekend and, for now, has come to its end. It marks the end of an era and the wonderment of what lies ahead with the new era ahead. As such, we talk with long time Hot Tub co-producer Joel Mandlekorn (shout out to his co-producer/partner Mandee Johnson as well for making Hot Tub one of LA comedy’s best shows) and pulling off one hell of a finale and where we all might go from here.

Follow Joel @cleftclips

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 246: Teresa Lo & Sticktoitiveness

February 13, 2025

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Teresa Lo still very much is a fiercely determined up and coming stand-up comedian in the vast and highly competitive LA comedy scene. The proof rests in the fact that she is returning to telling jokes on stage after being violently assaulted at an open mic by a comedian who took issue with how he was portrayed in the documentary Breaking the Fourth Wall, a film covering the LA comedy open mic scene. Lo shares her story and her delightful plans in the not so distant future on this week’s TCB Field Report.

Follow Teresa @teresalowriter on IG and watch Breaking the Fourth Wall on Tubi here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @comedythatsbadass

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 245: Meg Penney & What Goes Into Running a Cool Brooklyn Venue

January 16, 2025

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littlefield, meg penney, nyc comedy

As strange as it is to say since so much insanity has happened from Jan. 1st onwards, Happy New Year to you all. We’re thankful to talk all things NYC comedy, specifically at the wondrous venue that is Littlefield in Brooklyn with Junior Booker Meg Penney. Meg walks us through all the little things that folks might take for granted to put on an unforgettable show at a super cool indie venue.

Follow Meg @megpenneywashere and Littlefield on @littlefieldnyc on IG

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 244: Lindsay Adams & The Neverending Quest of Being Liked

December 18, 2024

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This week’s TCB Field Report has a frank conversation with beloved LA scene staple Lindsay Adams on her constant quest to better herself as both a comedian and a person. This desire fueled her latest endeavor, an experimental solo show where she actively asks the audiences if they still like her after divulging the most cringeworthy moments of her life, offering up a great exploration of Lindsay’s persona, drive, and creative process.

Follow Lindsay @lindsayadamsispopular and get tickets for Do You Still Like Me? on 1/3 @ Lyric Hyperion here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 243: Sam Morrison & Endless Miles of Your Solo Show

December 11, 2024

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sam morrison, solo show, sugar daddy

Sam Morrison, a wonderful, touring-round-the-world comedian, is hot on the trail of being the next big solo show turning into, possibly, a Broadway sensation (and probably a big time special) with his Sugar Daddy. This week’s TCB Field Report gets into the countless hours (and miles?) of work that has gone into and will go into having this show and himself ascend into stardom.

Follow Sam @samuelhmorrison and Sugar Daddy @_sugardaddyshow

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 242: Jenny Chalikian/Romantic Comedy & The World’s First & Only Bicoastal Romance Novel Store Comedy Show

November 28, 2024

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comedy show, erin judge, jenny chalikian, romantic comedy

To do a live comedy show for 8 years is a feat, but try upping the ante to doing it in a romance novel only store and franchise it to the the romance novel store’s second location all the way across the country, THEN record an entire album. That has been the trajectory of Romantic Comedy, the long running comedy show at the wondrous gem that is The Ripped Bodice and we talk to co-host/co-creator Jenny Chalikian about what’s been integral to Romantic Comedy’s success.

Follow Romantic Comedy @romcomshow, Jenny @jchalikian, and Erin Judge @iamerinjudge. Get Live at The Ripped Bodice here starting this Friday.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 241: Emily Browning and the Path to Comedy Balloon Enlightenment

November 21, 2024

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The path of every artist is something truly singular and, far enough long, something amazing and often unprecedented. Emily Browning is marvelous example of this as she has found her way in and throughout stand-up, clown, writing, acting, and, yep, balloon art and is bringing all of that together in a very, very special balloon art crowd work special, shooting next month. TCB’s Jake Kroeger has an enlightening conversation of how Emily has come to this splendid current moment.

Follow Emily @emilybrowntown across socials and get tix for her Improvised Balloon Comedy Hour taping at Lyric Hyperion on 12/3 here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 240: John Hastings and the One After that Dumb Election in 2024

November 13, 2024

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election, john hastings, los angeles comedy

After really, truly, deeply not having the time to do an episode last week because of one of the stupidest elections in our lifetime, we are grateful to reconvene with the Field Report and the realignment of comedy in LA and elsewhere with the ever gallivanting John Hastings (on the path to releasing 8 specials this year that you should very much enjoy and watch).

Follow John @thejohnhastings and watch his specials on YouTube here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 239: Lauren Leroux & Standing Out When Everyone Else Is Trying to Stand Out Just Like You

October 31, 2024

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Lauren Leroux, the host/star of the illustrious NYC variety show, The Cigarette Club, talks with us about why she’s bringing the show to a close as well as the bright shining horizon she’s headed towards with her top secret new show. Lauren also details a nightmare of a show that she survived and looking onwards and upwards after such an ordeal all on this week’s TCB Field Report.

Follow Lauren @laurendesleroux on IG and get tix for the very last Cigarette Club on 12/7 @ Chelsea Music Hall here.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @enemypixels

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 238: Sam Varela & El Paso Silverlake Ramen Comedy

October 23, 2024

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sam varela

On the week of The Comedy Bureau’s 14th Anniversary, we’re so very glad to have our dear friend and fellow comedy behind-the-scenes compatriot Sam Varela (Naked Comedy) joining us in on getting to the nitty gritty of the state of comedy (as well as discussing what’s going in Texas where Sam is taking some time away from being on the coasts). As always, it was a deep, insightful on where the winds are blowing these days in comedy between generations/classes/schisms/etc.

Also, yes, there’s a Silverlake Ramen opening in El Paso.

Follow Sam and all of her shows @nakedcomedy

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Van Corona

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 237: Luke Null & Standing Up for Guitar Comedy

October 17, 2024

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guitar comedy, luke null, musical comedy

Luke Null is one of a handful of marvelous comedians that are leading the way forward with a guitar in a way that is very good (and not something to be looked down upon by every other corner of comedy). Null’s innovation, daring, and sheer comedic verve have seen him rise into one of the best musical comedians we have today, which is perfect timing for the hour special he just shot. We chat with Null on this week’s TCB Field Report about his chosen path and how he is blazing through it and how the stereotypical thinking towards guitar comedy and musical comedy might be changing these days.

Follow Luke @luke_null on IG.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Mike Falzone

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 236: Tiffany Kimmel & Kind Darkness

October 10, 2024

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dark comedy, tiffany kimmel

There are so many reasons to talk to the wondrous writer/director/creator/connector of peoples Tiffany Kimmel. Definitely focusing on the splendor that can come from bringing seemingly disparate worlds together, dark comedy and puppets and clown, is what we hone in on with Tiffany for this week’s ep. of the TCB Field Report and what goes into to pulling off something so magical, even if it’s so specifically niche.

Follow Tiffany @nihildeclarandum on IG

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 235: James Adomian & (All the) Path(s) of Most Resistance

October 2, 2024

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james adomian

One of comedy’s most brilliant chameleons and searingly funny voices, James Adomian, has just released his very first hour special, The Path of Most Resistance. It’s an astounding hour of comedy and James leaves it all out on the stage for the benefit of us all. We talk it up with our good friend and one in a lifetime talent, Adomian, about the journey to this special as well as every other facet of the comedy industry along the way (as well as a brilliant dream about performing for aliens).

Follow James @jadomian across platforms and watch/listen/enjoy Path of Most Resistance wherever you get your comedy specials.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 234: Danny Jolles & Knowing Yourself/Your Credits

September 25, 2024

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danny jolles, stand up comedy

Danny Jolles returns to the TCB Field Report having just taped his latest hour special. Thus, we’re in a mood to talk the finer points of doing stand-up, namely anything from the value of your credits in your intro to the value of truly knowing yourself as a person in service of your comedy to the value of doing a special in this day and age.

Follow Danny @dannyjolles

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jill Petracek

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 233: Caroline Hirsch & Doing a Comedy Festival in NYC for 20 Years

September 18, 2024

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Caroline Hirsch is a name you might be better acquainted with in relation to Caroline’s on Broadway, the famous NYC comedy clubs that stood for decades in Manhattan as a true, blue headliner comedy club. Indeed, Hirsch is the titular Caroline for the club as she co-founded it along with the New York Comedy Festival that will be celebrating its 20th year in 2024.

We talk to Caroline through her journey and rise over two score to being a pillar in NYC comedy and what goes into running a successful comedy festival in a city that has a veritable comedy festival every night.

Follow all things NYCF at nycomedyfestival.com.

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

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