NYLaughs is thrilled to announce its first show featuring Australian comedians and joining us as emcee is the non-Australian voice of the beloved former correspondent from “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” Roy Wood, Jr. Since its inception in 2007 in Tompkins Square Park with only a sign, a mic, and a wild dream to change the artistic landscape of NYC, NYLaughs has grown into something extraordinary. From its humble beginnings, the organization has built a remarkable community, finding one co-founder, Jane Squields, through Craigslist and another, Andrew Bencina based in Melbourne, via MySpace. Andrew contributed to graphics and web design from afar.
A humorous anecdote from NYLaughs’ history is that for years, communication with Andrew was solely online, as there was a fear he might be a minor! Despite this, Andrew’s incredible contributions shaped the organization’s identity, as we proudly reflect the Aussie green and gold.
For a long time, NYLaughs has aspired to create shows that celebrate the friendship between Australia and the US. The arts have always served as a bridge between cultures, and it’s the same for NYLaughs with comedy. This evening marks a significant cultural exchange, featuring the talented Aaron Chen, Blake Freeman, and Cassie Workman on stage. NYLaughs hopes to make this night a memorable celebration of comedy and culture, underscoring the importance of fostering international artistic connections.
Join us for an unforgettable evening that highlights the unique bond between our worlds, and experience the vibrant blend of humor that spans continents.
For more info on this free performance and obtaining Fast Track tickets, check Lincoln Center for details here.
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NYLaughs is excited to be back this summer with its highly anticipated series of free comedy performances, offering New Yorkers a much-needed laughter intervention! NYLaughs is thrilled to join forces with Lincoln Center for it’s summer programming for our fourth year, a celebration of collaboration and giving back to the community. Our calendar has expanded to 8 nights. Now New Yorkers have a place to laugh every Wednesday at 8pm. Best of all, admission to all shows is free!
This remarkable program is made possible by the generous support of various organizations. In addition to Lincoln Center, NYLaughs would like to extend its gratitude to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council for public funding; A.R.T./New York; A.R.T./New York’s NYC Small Theatres Fund made possible with support from the Howard Gilman Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul. We thank the New York City Council for Discretionary Funding in addition to the Honorable Gale Brewer and Keith Powers for their ongoing support of NYLaughs’ programming and mission.
Please follow us for details on talent announcements. Talent line-ups are subject to change. Contact details and information for the public can be found by visiting www.nylaughs.org, calling 917-727-5233 or following NYLaughs on twitter / X @NYLaughs or Instagram #NYLaughs.
Lineup
Aaron Chen
Aaron Chen is a writer and comedian based in Australia. His performances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival have earned him the Best Newcomer Award in 2017 and the Director’s Choice Award in 2019. He also has experience in television, appearing in “Fisk,” a legal comedy, and having written for “Squinters,” a comedy about the workers of a consumer goods dispatch center.
Cassie Workman
Cassie Workman is an Australian comedian, actor, and musician. In 2019, her “Giantess” show debuted at Griffin Theatre’s Batch Festival in Sydney. She then went on to perform it at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where it was nominated for the award for most outstanding show, and the Sydney Comedy Festival, where it won the Best Show Award. During the pandemic, she received a grant from the City of Sydney to write an epic poem called “Aberdeen,” based on the rock star Kurt Cobain, which she performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Blake Freeman
Blake Freeman is an Australian comedian known for his energetic and honest comedy. In 2019, his debut stand up routine “There’s Something There” was nominated for, and won, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s award for ‘Best Newcomer.’ Freeman has also performed at London’s Soho Theatre and appeared in ABC’s “Question Everything,” a show about dissecting the news with Australia’s best comedians.
Roy Wood Jr Emcee
Roy Wood Jr. is a multi-talented comedian, Emmy-nominated documentary producer for PBS’s The Neutral Ground, and a correspondent on Comedy Central’s acclaimed The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Notably, he guest-hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to its highest ratings since 2017. Beyond his television work, Wood has showcased his acting chops in Paramount Pictures’ Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch, and made guest appearances in popular series like Only Murders in the Building, Better Call Saul, The Last O.G., and Space Force. As a prolific writer and executive producer, Wood has secured development deals with major networks, including Comedy Central, HBO Max, NBC, and FOX. His stand-up specials on Comedy Central, including Roy Wood Jr.: Father Figure, Roy Wood Jr.: No One Loves You, and Roy Wood Jr.: Imperfect Messenger, have garnered critical acclaim and high ratings. Renowned for his incisive comedy, Forbes hailed him as “One of comedy’s best journalists,” Entertainment Weekly praised his “charismatic crankiness,” and Variety Magazine named him “One of 10 Comics to Watch in 2016.” Wood’s journey in comedy began in 1998 while attending Florida A&M University, and he has since graced numerous television platforms, including The Late Show with David Letterman, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, consistently delighting audiences with his sharp humor and insightful commentary. Additionally, Wood has shown his support for the troops by performing on numerous USO Tours in various locations around the world.
