The Next Stage Comedy Project was an opportunity for a group of actors with autism and/or disabilities to form an online comedy troupe during the 2021-2022 season.

Under the guidance of Ruben Ryan, a professional comedian and improv artist, and John Lynch, a former student with autism and now a teacher for CADA, individuals were selected via auditions and interviews to develop material, rehearse and perform.

This was only possible through the support from the Ohio Arts Council’s ArtsNEXT Grant and our state legislators.

The troupe met with guest artists to further their writing, collaborating and performing skills throughout the fall. Troupe members also learned the practical aspects of forming a comedy troupe, taking turns in the roles of stage manager, technical director, while learning basic marketing and advertising techniques. The troupe even developed a YouTube presence and managed revenue streams from online performing. Their first performance was a comedy showcase in early December 2021. From January through May of 2022, the troupe presented monthly comedy shows online for which they each received stipends. In June, the troupe began presenting a FREE virtual comedy jam the last Friday of each month at 7:30 PM ET.