In celebration of Black History Month The Groundlings Theatre and School will host a series of online performances and panels in an effort to further explore diversity and inclusion in comedy and entertainment.
“These workshops are just a small part of the new programs and changes we are making to create more diverse and inclusive school and theater,” said Groundlings Main Company member Leonard Robinson. “It’s a very exciting time to be at The Groundlings.”
The month-long celebration kicks off on February 3 and 4 with two nights of special editions of their all-improvisational shows: “The Crazy Uncle Joe Show,” a long-form improv show and “Cookin’ With GAS,” a short-form improv show. Both shows will run throughout the month of February and all performances will be directed by Groundlings alumnus Jordan Black (Saturday Night Live, Last Man Standing).
The Groundlings have also partnered with the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a Los Angeles-based institution that offers programs and professional training in the performing arts for emerging artists and at-risk youths.
On February 28, Groundlings and Amazing Grace Conservatory students will come together in a joint performance of sketch comedy called “The Groundlings & Amazing Grace Conservatory’s Online Improv Jam.” Proceeds from the show will be split to benefit both non-profit institutions.
The Groundlings will host two special webinars in February to promote important conversations of diversity, equity and inclusion.
On Sunday, February 14, Groundlings alumni and Main Company members Jordan Black, Daniele Gaither (BoJack Horseman), Julian Gant (Call Me Kat), Phil LaMarr (Family Guy) and Lyric Lewis (A.P. Bio) will join moderator and Main Company member Leonard Robinson (Insecure) in a discussion on sketch, improv, comedy and becoming a Groundlings Main Company member as a person of color. The conversation, called “This Is Us,” will dig deep into race and why representation with opportunities matter.
On Sunday, February 28, Leonard Robinson will also moderate “Racism in Sketch & Improv Comedy: Part 2,” a follow-up discussion with Groundlings consultant Povi-Tamu Bryant of Freedom Verses, a specialist in leadership, equity, and diversity training. The webinar will dive deeper into racism, intersectionality, and creating equity on sketch and improv comedy stages. Proceeds from both webinars will benefit The Groundlings Diversity Fund, which supports Groundlings students of diverse backgrounds at all levels. The entire line up of special events for Black History Month include:
- The Crazy Uncle Joe Show: February 3 & 17 at 8:00 p.m. PST.
- February 3 show cast includes Jordan Black, Nyima Funk, Julian Gant, Sandi McCree, Leonard Robinson, and Gary Anthony Williams. Directed by Jordan Black.
- Cookin’ With GAS: February 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 8:00 p.m. PST.
- February 4 show cast includes Nyima Funk, Daniele Gaither, Julian Gant, Phil LaMarr, Leonard Robinson, and Gary Anthony Williams. Directed by Jordan Black.
- This Is Us webinar on February 14 at 4:00 p.m. PST with Jordan Black, Daniele Gaither, Julian Gant, Phil LaMarr and Lyric Lewis and Leonard Robinson.
- The Groundlings & Amazing Grace Conservatory’s Online Improv Jam on February 28 at 2:00 p.m. PST. Cast to be announced.
- Racism in Sketch & Improv Comedy: Part 2 webinar on February 28 at 4:00 p.m. PST with Leonard Robinson and Povi-Tamu Bryant.
For information on these events and to purchase tickets, visit www.groundlings.com. For additional information on The Groundlings diversity initiatives, visit: https://www.groundlings.com/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity.
About The Groundlings Theatre & School Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
The Groundlings Theatre and School is committed to nurturing a diverse community of students, staff, and board members and believes that everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or physical ability should be given the same opportunities within our program. The Groundlings Theatre and School has several diversity and inclusion initiatives including outreach workshops with local colleges and high schools, a scholarship program, and an annual Diversity Festival. For more information, please go to www.groundlings.com/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity.
About The Groundlings Theatre & School
The Groundlings Theatre is an improvisation and sketch comedy theatre that has been entertaining LA audiences since 1974. They are a non-profit organization founded by Gary Austin. The Groundlings School has been the foremost comedy training ground in Hollywood and the springboard for countless careers including comic geniuses from film and television such as Melissa McCarthy, Phil LaMarr, Jennifer Coolidge, Ben Falcone, Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer, Kathy Griffin, Cheryl Hines, Chris Kattan, Taran Killam, Lisa Kudrow, Jon Lovitz, Paul Reubens, Maya Rudolph, Mindy Sterling and Kristen Wiig, among others. You can catch Groundlings and recent alumni on shows such as Saturday Night Live (Heidi Gardner, Mikey Day), The Righteous Gemstones (Edi Patterson & Tony Cavalero), Community (Jim Rash), Man with a Plan (Matt Cook), A.P. Bio (Lyric Lewis), Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Andrew Leeds), Insecure (Leonard Robinson), Veep (Emily Pendergast), Call Me Kat (Julian Gant), and much more.
