Coup de Comedy 2016

The Revolutionary Comedy Award to artists who have not only found commercial success, but also help to make the world a better place. In the past we have honored individuals such as Tony Hale and Keegan-Michael Key. This year we honor Kay Cannon for her tremendous work in comedy and her positive work with individuals and the Steps of Faith Foundation.

Join us for a conversation with Aretha Sills, granddaughter of Viola Spolin!

"The Black Version is a completely improvised show that was created and performed to all sold out houses at The Groundlings Theatre starting in 2010. Rolling Stone Magazine calls the show "Hot" and the cast "A Comedic A Team", LA Weekly says it's " Red Hot" and "Scores more than it's share of Belly Laughs" and the LA Times calls the show "A Winner"!

The all African American cast of regulars includes show creator Jordan Black along with other comedy veterans Cedric Yarbrough, Gary Anthony Williams, Daniele Gaither, and Phil LaMarr all under the direction of Karen Maruyama. Past special guest performers include Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of Key & Peele (former original cast members) along with special guest performers such as Wayne Brady, Niecey Nash, Nyima Funk, Jerry Minor and Angela V. Shelton among others who come and perform in the show from time to time.

Along with the Groundlings Theater The Black Version has performed in San Francisco at the SketchFest comedy festival as well as the Louisville Improv Festival.

This talented cast has vast film and television credits ranging from Mad TV and Saturday Night Live to the Boondocks and Reno 911 and dozens more.

The show begins when the director asks the audience to suggest a popular film title and then the cast, right there on the spot, improvise the “black version” of that film.