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The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 274: Spaghetti Festival & Sticking on the Wall (Together)
November 12, 2025
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report
comedy, conversation, elysian theater, los angeles, new work, performance art, spaghetti festival

The Spaghetti Festival @ The Elysian represents a wholly rejuvenating spark of imagination and creativity as it puts up never-before-seen, never-before-produced works from some of the most original voices in and around comedy in LA. For this week’s TCB Field Report, we get into the all the many works and workings of the festival with Elysian Artistic Director Jacquelyn Landgraf as well as Spaghetti Festival artists Emily Browning, Emily Westheimer, Reshma Meister, Clowns of Color, and Madi Hart.

Get all details and tickets for Spaghetti Festival here and follow @elysiantheater.

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
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report
balloons, comedy, emily browning

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

Jena Friedman’s Latest Show “Indefensible” to Premiere on 10/14
August 20, 2021
News
comedy, indefensible, jena friedman, true crime

The latest intersection of true crime and comedy (you know that there are several, especially when it comes to podcasts, right?) is coming up in just under two months from the one and only Jena Friedman.

Coming off fresh from being nominated for an Oscar for writing on Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm (on top of being a true crime junkie herself), Friedman is going to take an even more unflinching dive into true crime stories that dig deeper than someone getting convicted for a heinous crime and then getting put behind bars in this brand new series, Indefensible. Though she has interviewed plenty of controversial figures including “the Cannibal Cop” and a heavily guarded and armed John McAfee, Friedman says this is even more intense.

One can only wonder what that could really mean when Jena had The Cannibal Cop be the mystery bachelor on a twisted version of the dating game or how dark she gets in this late night set that’s purely on true crime.

We cannot wait to see what Jena has up her sleeve this time. Look for the premiere of Indefensible on Sundance TV and streaming on AMC Plus on Oct. 14th at 8PM PT/11PM ET.

I have a show airing on @SundanceTV @AMCPlus Oct 14 at 11 pm ET called “Indefensible.” It’s about the criminal justice system and it’s a little more intense than my other stuff. We’re still in the edit & so many great people are working on it. I hope you get a chance to see it.

— Jena Friedman (@JenaFriedman) August 18, 2021

Pick of the Day: Jam in The Van Presents Melissa Villaseñor 1/6
November 25, 2020
News
comedy, live comedy, los angeles, melissa villaseñor, outdoor show, stand up

The new lockdown measures that take place in LA county due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases are pretty much shutting down outdoor shows until January. That’s, of course, only one facet of the what will be a rough several weeks ahead.

That being said, there is already outdoor, socially distanced, masked shows planned for January, pending a lift of current restrictions/no further restrictions and one such evening that you really ought to look forward to is Jam in The Van presenting a headlining set from SNL star Melissa Villasenõr. Her uncanny impressions and joyful energy that she brings to her stand-up is what so many of us need at the moment.

You’ll get a chance for that on Jan. 6th between two shows, 7PM PT & 10PM ET, thanks to Jam in The Van. Tickets are $50 per person and capacity is limited to 36 people per show. Included with ticket price is a treasure trove of drinks from Sierra Nevada, Devils River Whiskey, Dulce Vida Tequila, Topo Chico, Kill Cliff Energy Drinks, AquaHydrate, Artet, Castoro Cellars, Ashland Hard Seltzer, Dezo Canned Cocktails, Suja Juice, New Wave Soda and a free gifts from cannabis brands like Stone Road, Wyld Canna, S*SHOTS and MORE!

Undoubtedly, these tickets will go fast. Go get your tickets here before they sell out.
January 16, 2020
Uncategorized
black belt test, comedy, comedy show, experimental comedy, kimia behpoornia, live comedy, martial arts, ucb

Kimia Behpoornia has been a go-to performer for UCB for many years now, whether it be improv or sketch or whatever other crazy thing they come up with. 

While it’s worth catching her on Harold or Maude Night or Great Sketch!, the idea that she’s actually going to test for her black belt as a comedy show has our interest beyond peaked. 

That’s right, Kimia will be doing a martial arts test at UCB Sunset at the end of the month and our minds are racing as to figure out what could possibly happen ((notice how she’s even credited as a Black Belt Candidate as opposed to cast, writer, etc.).

We’re sure there’s a whole other bevy of surprises for Kimia Tests for Her Blackbelt: LIVE (as many other go-to UCB performers are on the bill), but the testing for the black belt itself ought to be something special.  

So, Kimia Tests for Her Blackbelt: LIVE is set for Wed. Jan. 29th at 10:30PM. Tickets are $7 and you can (and should) get them here.

Vulture’s The Comedians You Should and Will Know of 2019
October 29, 2019
Uncategorized
comedians you should and will know, comedy, comics to watch, vulture lists, vulture picks

Vulture’s The Comedians You Should and Will Know of 2019

So, we got tapped once again to help put this wondrous list together. 

Please note that we determine this list not unlike The Black List by asking those in the know (from indie comedy producers to network executives) who they think are going to break and thank goodness that they picked the likes of Anna Seregina, David Gborie, Hannah Einbinder, Martin Urbano, Jacqueline Novak, and more. It’s as accurate of a list of “who’s next” as we can make.

Anyways, get into Vulture’s Comedians You Should and Will Know for 2019 here. So many of our favorites ended up on this list FYI.

John Mulaney’s Next Comedy Special Will Be Modeled After a Children’s Variety Show and Be For Kids and Adults
September 12, 2019
Uncategorized
comedy, for the kids, john mulaney, stand up, tv

John Mulaney’s Next Comedy Special Will Be Modeled After a Children’s Variety Show and Be For Kids and Adults

This time where comedians seem to be shifting away from just writing and telling the best jokes and bits possible with a mic on an empty stage in front of a big crowd was inevitable. 

What was to come in this shift, however, was a mystery until a few years ago. 

Julio Torres showed off his favorite shapes, Drew Michael performed with no audience, and Maria Bamford performed in front of just her parents in her living room. Revealed today in an Esquire profile of John Mulaney, John will be taking a swing at making a comedy special that will be truly for all ages and takes on a bit more of a Sesame Street vibe. 

Our mind is racing as to even conceptualize what that might be, but we trust that Mulaney will make something special with this project.

Just for Laughs Montreal’s New Faces of Comedy for 2019 Announced
July 22, 2019
Uncategorized
comedy, comics to watch, jfl, just for laughs, vulture section lede

Just for Laughs Montreal’s New Faces of Comedy for 2019 Announced

JFL Montreal’s New Faces, the annual class of comedians deemed to be watched as they’re on the rise, is a tightly held secret until the moment it’s announced and, fortunately, the moment is here. 59 folks got handpicked by the powers that be at Just For Laughs to be this year’s New Faces of Comedy (which includes a brand new “New Faces: Canada” category).

Much love to some of our favorites Hannah Einbinder, Punkie Johnson, Carmen Angelica, Logan Guntzelman, Sam Tallent, Haley Hepworth, Brad Silnutzer, Anna Drezen, Dewayne Perkins, and Opey Olagbaju!

NEW FACES OF COMEDY

Anna Drezen
Brad Silnutzer
Brendan Scannell 
Chanel Ali
Dan Licata
Dewayne Perkins
Hannah Einbinder
Isabel Hagen
Jay Jurden
Joe Praino 
Kevin Iso
Logan Guntzelman 
Matty Ryan
Opey Olagbaju
Punkie Johnson
Reggie Conquest
Shane Gillis
Shapel Lacey
Tacarra Williams 
Tien Tran 
Tyree Elaine 

NEW FACES: CHARACTERS 

Allison Dunbar
George Aivaliotis
Haley Hepworth 
Michael Churven
Michael Van Schoick
Rachel Pegram
Shukri R. Abdi 
Taylor Ortega 
Thomas Whittington
Tristan Griffin 

NEW FACES: UNREPPED 

Andrew Murphy 
Andrew Stanley 
Craig Conant 
Drew Dunn 
Janae Burris 
Jordan Jensen
Lael O’Shaughnessy 
Napoleon Emill 
Sean Grant 
Sam Tallent 
Tina Friml 

NEW FACES: CREATORS 

Benito Skinner 
Brad Gage
Carmen Angelica 
Felipe Di Poi 
Jennah Brittany
Tiny Chef (Rachel Larsen, Adam Reid and Ozlem Akturk)
Tutweezy aka Darius Tutwiler 

NEW FACES: CANADA 

Bee Bertrand
Brett Forte
Cassie Cao
Charles Haycock
Hisham Kelati
Leonard Chan
Rebecca Reeds
Rob Bebenek 
Tranna Wintour
Yumi Nagashima

Colin Quinn’s Red State Blue State Is Now Going from Off-Broadway Show to Comedy Special at CNN
May 10, 2019
Uncategorized
cnn, colin quinn, comedy, comedy specials, tv

Colin Quinn’s Red State Blue State Is Now Going from Off-Broadway Show to Comedy Special at CNN

Colin Quinn’s new hour has found a new home. It’s pretty much assumed that his solo shows will eventually become specials. It’s interesting that there is a move from Netflix (where his last special was) to CNN, but we’re going to guess that Colin is getting to do pretty much what he wants at either place. 

Also, maybe this will stream for free on CNN.com for brief period of time as well? We’ll just have to wait and see.

With W. Kamau Bell and United Shades of America and this recent announcement of a new Colin Quinn special (specifically focused on the political divisiveness all around right now), it would seem the CNN is aiming for a niche in political comedy specifically. 

BBC Having Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge Return, This Time as a Host of History Series
April 10, 2019
Uncategorized
alan partridge, british comedy, comedy, innit bruv, steve coogan

BBC Having Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge Return, This Time as a Host of History Series

When the BBC seeks to send-up its own history documentaries, who better to tap than Coogan’s legendary character (perhaps one of the most renowned characters in UK comedy history) Alan Partridge?

We can’t wait to see Partridge attempt doing something educational and can only hope that it finds it way to the States sooner rather than later.

Shooting gets underway next month and we’ll keep you posted on premiere dates, especially the ones for us Yanks.

How the #FuckFuckJerry Movement Was Born as Summarized by Its Creator Megh Wright
February 9, 2019
Uncategorized
comedy, fuck jerry, fuckjerry, instagram, jerry media

How the #FuckFuckJerry Movement Was Born as Summarized by Its Creator Megh Wright

So much has happened so fast that with #FuckFuckJerry that we had a bit of trouble with keeping up with the developments of this story. Thankfully, Megh Wright over at Vulture has given an exhaustive account in the article linked above of what has happened with the movement that she started and why Jerry Media should be taken down several more notches than they already have. 

Currently, they’ve been knocked down from 14.3 million followers on Instagram to 14 million. While you’re at it, you can go ahead and unfollow the rest of the Jerry Media gang: @beigecardigan and @krispyshorts.

Really, all hail Megh Wright, a righteous defender of the art form of comedy, which is indeed an art form and not an endless mine of potential ad copy to be exploited.

39 Comedians You Should and Will Know
November 13, 2018
Uncategorized
comedians you should and will know, comedy, comics to watch, vulture section lede

39 Comedians You Should and Will Know

As you can see in the byline, we had a hand in making this list happen and feel honored to do so at Vulture. 

Sure, we’re a bit biased (though we reached out to all sorts of industry folks in the know on who they thought you should watch out for and compiled a list from them-so maybe not too biased on our end?), but it’s one of the lists of comedians to watch that we think you can really rely on. 

Also, there are 21 picks we made, but, as some of them are groups or duos, it added up to 39, FYI. 
October 29, 2018
Uncategorized
comedy, halloween, haunted house, los angeles, ucb

On Halloween this Wednesday, there will any and all sorts of haunted houses that you can imagine all throughout LA. 

For those looking for something a little funnier (and maybe a little less scary), but staying in the spirit of the night, you can check UCB’s version of a haunted house that they’re calling “Yanny or Laurel Present Internet Expl-Horror”. 

Many of the UCB faithful will take over and utilized several of the rooms, spaces, common areas, closets at UCB Sunset to make for this immersive comedy experience. 

They have four different times that you can enter this Wed., 7PM, 8PM, 9PM, and 10PM. Tickets are only $7 and you can and should get them here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, screenings, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com.

Niecy Nash Will Be the Host of a TNT Late-Night Show Pilot
August 20, 2018
Uncategorized
comedy, naked with niecy nash, pilots, tnt, tv

Niecy Nash Will Be the Host of a TNT Late-Night Show Pilot

Niecy Nash of both Claws and Reno 911! fame getting a pilot for a late night might be signaling a new trend. Along with Michelle Wolf’s The Break was just cancelled at Netflix and Busy Philipps getting ready for Busy Tonight, it might seem late night might be shifting away from off-shoots of The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight into something that’s more personal and less socio-political.

Also, Niecy, if this show gets picked up, would also be one of many late night hosts these days that didn’t come from a stand-up comedy background, which used to be the primary pedigree for those hosting late night. 

Called Naked with Niecy Nash will be curious to see where this might end up being like as “no topic will be off limits” and it will have a “late night feel”. That could mean any number of things at this point, but that’s appropriate as we feel as though the world of late night is heading into uncharted waters.

Hannah Gadsby Will Be Coming Out with Memoir “Ten Steps to Nanette” Next Year
August 15, 2018
Uncategorized
books, comedy, hannah gadsby, memoirs, nanette

Hannah Gadsby Will Be Coming Out with Memoir “Ten Steps to Nanette” Next Year

Reportedly coming out in the U.S. via Ballantine Books, there will be a book from Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby following her life before Nanette, a comedy special that has made her internationally famous.

What’s intriguing to us here is that a big face of Nanette is attempting to dissect the nature of comedy and this book, we would suppose, will go into the process that led to that. Maybe there will even be a diagram for how Gadsby’s describes the role of tension in comedy.

A specific date in 2019 has yet to be announced, but we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.

LA Comedians Reveal That the LA Comedy Scene Does Not Pay Six Figures a Year to Comics “Breaking Into the LA Circuit”
June 21, 2018
Uncategorized
comedy, los angeles, money, standup, vulture section lede

LA Comedians Reveal That the LA Comedy Scene Does Not Pay Six Figures a Year to Comics “Breaking Into the LA Circuit”

In response to this controversial THR article by Seth Abramovitch that indeed claims, “…a newer comic just breaking into the L.A. circuit can earn anywhere from $1,250 to $2,500 per week,” many of LA’s stalwart comedians gave Vulture the true figures as to what they’ve actually made while trying to come up in LA (spoiler alert: it’s a lot of drink tickets, if anything at all).

What’s essential to understand is that being in comedy involves being in it for the sheer love of it, then trying to figure out how you can patch enough gigs, comedy-related or no, to make any sort of living. From there, a select few actually do get to make the so-called “big bucks”, but it’s pretty much feast or famine (that’s the case for most creative endeavors by the way). 
June 8, 2018
Uncategorized
comedy, dave mizzoni, game show, gaymelbourne, hollywood, lgbtq, lgbtqia, los angeles, matt rogers, ucb

Dave Mizzoni and Matt Rogers’ beloved NYC gay-trivia-game-show-for-straight-guys Gayme Show (check this highlight in Vulture) will be doing a special round here in LA this coming Monday, June 11th at 10:30PM at UCB Sunset. 

FYI, it’s a pretty great way to keep Pride Weekend going.

Tickets are $7 and you can (and should) get them here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, screenings, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com

ICYMI: Our 2017 Year End List
January 3, 2018
Uncategorized
100 best, best of 2017, comedy, los angeles

We saw/heard literally thousands of comedy things (stand-up, sketch, improv, movies, podcasts, TV series, books, Internet content, etc. etc.) in 2017.

This was 100 of our favorites in no particular order*:  http://www.thecomedybureau.com/post/169208184685/100-best-comedy-2017
December 30, 2017
Uncategorized
adam conover, adam ruins everything, comedy, hollywood, los angeles, pilot taping, test pilot, ucb, upright citizens brigade

Adam Conover, the Adam of Adam Ruins Everything, has a new project up his sleeve. If you’re curious what that might be or just enjoy Conover’s brand of humor, you might want to head on down to UCB Sunset in the second week of January 2018 to see what he’s up to.

Get tickets here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com.

all listings are updated for next week (12/4/17) and beyond. If you want to submit something for TCB listings, please e-mail thecomedybureau at gmail
December 4, 2017
Uncategorized
comedy, comedy show, los angeles

This Year’s Grammy Nominations for Comedy All Go to The Most Famous Comedians with Netflix Specials
November 29, 2017
Uncategorized
comedy, grammys, stand up

The 2018 Grammy nominees for “Best Comedy Album” are as follows:

The Age Of Spin & Deep In The Heart Of Texas — Dave Chappelle
Cinco — Jim Gaffigan
Jerry Before Seinfeld — Jerry Seinfeld
A Speck Of Dust — Sarah Silverman
What Now? — Kevin Hart

It’s no secret that the Grammys have largely been a popularity contest for quite a long time. In music, there seems to be a whole world outside of what the Grammys pay attention to that gets as much, if not more, critical praise (and commercial success thanks to the Internet) than what charts and gets nominated. 

The same goes for the Grammys’ comedy category, which hardly pays attention to the plethora of brilliant of comedy albums released every year that don’t have the advantage of getting extra exposure beforehand with having been a special on a network or major streaming service. This year’s nomination made that dichotomy more glaringly clear than ever.  

Yes, there are many reasons that Chappelle, Gaffigan, Seinfeld, Silverman, and Hart are all household names in comedy and some of these hours are pretty good. Still, know that there were better albums released this year from Jackie Kashian, Shane Torres, and Myq Kaplan.

Unlike with music, there aren’t other, alternative, respected awards that other comedy albums made by people who haven’t had successful TV shows that bears their name can get in on. Sure, we and other comedy sites/blogs do our due diligence, but we can only reach so far.

So, with all of that said, please buy/listen/relisten to I Am Not the Hero of This Story, Established 1981, and No Kidding.

Louis C.K. Influenced a Generation of Comedians. What Happens Now?
November 13, 2017
Uncategorized
comedy, louis c.k., sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stand up comedy

Louis C.K. Influenced a Generation of Comedians. What Happens Now?

Vulture’s Jesse David Fox keys in on how a whole generation of comedy will need to reflect on what being “brutally honest” on stage means and how it might now be received depending on your angle.

If you watch or listen to any of Louis’ specials/albums where got “brutally honest” or watch the very controversial episodes of Louie now, you’ll find that much of what you might have laughed heartily at is now, unfortunately, kind of disturbing and sad. 

Hayworth Theater To Be Revived as a Multi-Purpose Venue by “Dynasty Typewriter” and Former Hollywood Improv Booker Jamie Flam
October 25, 2017
Uncategorized
comedy, crowdfunding, dynasty typewriter, hayworth theater, jamie flam, kickstarter, los angeles, theater, venue

Though LA is losing the Steve Allen Theater in a few weeks and Cinefamily is closed indefinitely pending an internal investigation of the extent of sexual harassment and assault, the city is gaining two new venues where primo comedy will get to live. 

Yesterday, we tipped you off to the rebirth of Echoes. Today, we can tell you about the revival of The Hayworth Theater as restored classical theater (restoration done by building owners Jenji Kohan and Christopher Noxon architect Linda Brettler) near MacArthur Park that is aiming to bringing premium comedy, music, podcasts, variety shows, screenings, etc. to LA’s Eastside. 

Thanks to Jamie Flam, a former booker of the Hollywood Improv and one of the most fun loving people we know, and his Wes-Anderson-esque fake company Dynasty Typewriter, a whole new wave of live shows is set to come in the next few months.

See Jamie tell you himself in this pretty swell Kickstarter video and read Julie Seabough’s write-up of the whole affair in LA Weekly. 

Speaking of Kickstarter, “Dynasty Typewriter” is looking for $100K by November 16th to spend on A/V installation, operation costs for the first 3 months, and staffing via this Kickstarter campaign. Knowing what Jamie is capable of and having been to the space throughout the years, we definitely think it’s worth backing.

Join the Dynasty (and support what will be a great indie venue) here.

All of our listings for shows and open mics in the Greater LA Area are updated for next week and beyond!
August 7, 2017
Uncategorized
comedy, la comedy, los angeles

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August 5, 2017
Uncategorized
comedy, comedy scene, los angeles

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  • The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 276: Andy Sandford & Keeping Jokes as Tight Possible - Andy Sandford's philosophy of trimming all the fat from all his comedy has served him… Read More
  • The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 274: Spaghetti Festival & Sticking on the Wall (Together) - The Spaghetti Festival @ The Elysian represents a wholly rejuvenating spark of imagination and creativity… Read More
  • The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 273: R.M. Aranda & Bringing Clown to All - The popularity of the corner of comedy that is clown continues to burgeon, especially in… Read More

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