SPOTLIGHT: Yes And… Laughter Lab (YALL)
The Yes And… Laughter Lab (YALL) is a competitive incubation lab, pitch program and showcase that lifts up the best comedy writers and performers creating new comedy about topics that matter, with a focus on BIPOC, immigrant, Muslim, LGBTQ, and female talent and bringing people together to connect about urgent topics like racial justice, gender equity, climate change, and Islamophobia.
The Laughter Lab is designed to introduce these comedians to the entertainment industry, social justice organizations, philanthropists and activists who can help bring their work into the comedy marketplace – and into movements for social change.
The Yes, And…Laughter Lab Model:
THE LAB: CULTIVATING TALENT – Comedians answer a call for comedy about a social justice topic. Top projects are juried by a selection committee of entertainment industry executives, comedians, and social justice leaders. A group of Fellows begin a year-long incubator program.
THE TRAINING: DEVELOPING TALENT – Fellows are invited to an intensive two-day training program, where they strengthen their projects and are trained in how to pitch to industry and non-traditional partners.
THE SHOWCASE: PRESENTING TALENT – Fellows are invited to one of pitch showcase events held in New York or Los Angeles. There, they perform and pitch their hilarious work to pitch tables of entertainment leaders and social impact experts, curated for their specific projects.
Timeframe to Complete Project: Years
Cost Range: varies
Key Words: Intermediate, Community, Creative Community Conversations, Diversity, BIPOC, racial justice, equity, LGBTQ
To learn more about Yes And… Laughter Lab click on the link below.
YALL is a project of the Center for Media and Social Impact (CSMI), a creative innovation lab and research center that focuses on media for equity and social justice. Their work bridges boundaries between scholars, media producers, social justice organizations, and communication practitioners. Learn more by clicking the button below.