We are New York City's premier comedy school providing a vital modern approach for the evolving comedy landscape. Our mission is to amplify underrepresented voices that have been overlooked for far too long. We are proud to provide community while teaching integral stand up techniques you can’t find anywhere else. As featured in:
We offer a one-of-a-kind innovative curriculum, consisting of signature workshops, practical coursework, performance platforms, community connection, accountability programs and an empowering mission that’s not just about punchlines but instead, punching through barriers.
By challenging norms, we are creating meaningful dialogues and turning laughter into healing and enacting social progress along the way. We offer an essential, contemporary and healthy guide for any comedian wherever they’re at.
With The Collective, laughter isn’t just entertainment - it’s empowerment. The HER in The LaughtHER Collective is because we are led by womxn+, but we are working for anyone who's felt overlooked and underrepresented, which requires us all. Bottom Line: EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
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Our programs have helped develop professional stand up comedians and writers who have gone on to work for:
+ many more! Plus past students have Followings in the MILLIONS!
What the
COMMUNITY
is saying about
TLC...
"I have such high hopes for TLC. Christi isn't just hilarious - she really cares about people. This project has the potential to empower a lot of voices and foster a lot of good art." - Chris Gethard Comedian, Author, Podcaster
"I am so happy we live in a time where TLC exists. It is so important to diversity voices and perspectives in comedy. Providing resources and community is vital." - Mary Beth Barone The Tonight Show, RIDE
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"Christi's class was one of the best experiences I've had, and I can't recommend her enough! She was thoughtful with her lessons and not only gave incredible course material. Her notes and guidance helped to take my comedy to the next level, and I am forever grateful for her encouragement along the way." - Vannessa Jackson Saturday Night Live
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"I am super excited about TLC. I love Christi; she is inspiring, hilarious and actually gives a damn about people which makes me think this project could help a ton of voices be heard." - Matteo Lane Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch
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"Christi really takes the time to cover every aspect of the job, from specific joke writing structure and skills to managing yourself as a business. Any student of comedy would be lucky to learn from Christi!" - Amy Miller Comedy Central
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"Christi's class was the single best thing I have done for my comedy. My comedy is so much funnier and so much more ME because of Christi's joyful, warm and wise teaching." - Abby Wambaugh 2021 Funny Women Award Finalist
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"Christi's ability to relate and empathize helps her connect to students from every background and skill level. I wish I had a mentor/cheerleader like her when I first started in the business!" - Giulia Rozzi Conan, Comedy Central ​
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"Christi puts the most thought and care into supporting women and helping them develop their own gifts. She's also one of the best performers around!" - Blair Socci The Late Late show with James Corden
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"Jes & I couldn't stop talking about how thoughtfully this panel was curated. How you didn't just ask what it was like being a woman in comedy." - Robby Hoffman Showtime & Jes Tom Netflix on our 2022 NYCF Panel
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Our Pillars are WHAT!
Like Womxn+ and Diverse Communities, Each of Our Pillars Supports One Another
Womxn+
We are womxn+ led and focused on amplifying the underrepresented comedian. By equipping people with tools, resources, and opportunities to narrow the gender gap in every industry, but in stand-up specifically. Womxn+ and diversity make up less than 25% of the stand up industry -- a disparity we will disrupt.
Healing
“Laughter is the best medicine” which makes stand up comedians… doctors. It may sound ridiculous, but humor has been proven to heal and extend your life. Don't believe us? Take a look at these studies from... oh! I don't know... The Mayo Clinic, Stanford University, and The University of California, Berkeley
Authenticity
Like carbon emissions, we are offsetting an imbalance that should not exist to ensure that each and every voice can be heard, shared, and developed. We refuse to lose another unique and interesting perspective, joke, or delivery because it's from someone other than a person identifying as a man.
Tenacity
Through guidance, support, and opportunities, we are preparing and elevating everybody to exist, persist, and lead with conviction. The road has already been paved thanks to collective persistence from those before us, but we're far from done. Now, we are painting lines, putting up signs, and building community to last!
!ntentional
Everything about us in intentional. There is thought and consideration we put into everything we do, from our curriculum to our pillars. We are driven by purpose and supported by our tenacity.
Come to a LIVE EVENT & follow us on INSTAGRAM for announcements!
Workshop material & get constructive feedback in an encouraging intimate group of collective members led by Hope & Christi. We cap all workshops at 6 people & it's first come first serve!
Only $10 or completely FREE if you're an existing student!
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Join us for an end-of-year HoliGAY extravaganza! All are welcome to Bing-HOE hosted by our very own Glace Chase at The Rosemont in Brooklyn! Just register via this link so we know you're comin ;)
MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS
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Christi Somers & Hope D!
Christi Somers (formerly Chiello) and Hope D are like minded friends on a mission to level the playing field for womxn+ and underrepresented people. Combined, our decades of experience in entertainment, higher education, and career counseling uniquely suit us to prepare groups to handle and manage typical problems in their day-to-day lives. Our approach is effective, universal, and fun but most importantly: proven by science!
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HOPE D graduated Summa Cum Laude from Manhattan College with a Masters in Organizational Leadership. She has organized and executed over 300 workshops and events over the last 10 years! CHRISTI is a professional stand up comedian with numerous television credits (just a few listed below) and over 12 years of experience in the industry. She has taught extensively at colleges and comedy venues including: Muhlenberg College, Sarah Lawrence College, Hunter College, Arts Quest, Q.E.D. & The People's Improv Theatre.
Credits Include:
Let's Work
COLLECTIVELY
E-mail us! TheLaughtHERCollective@gmail.com
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter
which includes updates on everything we're doing,
highlights of our community, sneak-peeks and secret promotions!
Follow @TheLaughtHERCollective on Instagram!