ABOUT US

Since our inception in 2009, we’ve provided new and aspiring comedians with opportunities to develop through open mics, new talent shows, and workshops. Stand up comedian Jeff Lawrence founded Laughing Buddha Comedy as a vehicle to provide a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic environment for aspiring comedians to begin their journey. Our shows are packed with great audiences, and our mics are organized and professionally run with over 100 events a month, and our classes are known to be the very best in NYC.

While many of the comedy club schools overbook their schools with 20 plus students, ours are limited and include necessary stage time. Our school has been featured on the front pages of the Wall Street Journal and the Tampa Bay Times, and named a top 10 Comedy Spot in NYC by USA Today.  We offer small classes taught by professional working comedians. No promises of fame, just a great community to help you get started in pursuing your dream.

Our New Talent and Industry Showcases have helped countless comics launch their careers and have featured stars of comedy including Marc Maron, Dave Attell, Jim Gaffigan, Janeane Garofalo, Mark Normand, Gilbert Gottfried, Colin Jost, Tracy Morgan, and Pete Davidson, among others. Countless comics have landed agents, managers, film and TV roles, and more.

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PRESS AND TESTIMONIALS

“The VERY best shows to perform in! …That sounds fake, but I’m being really sincere!”

- Janeane Garofalo

"Jeff Lawrence and LBC provided me quality stage time and introductions to industry connections that have helped me appear on MTV, Letterman, Comedy Central, MSG, as well as open for comedy legends and more. Thanks, Laughing Buddha!"

- Chris Distefano |  MTV's Guy Code, Comedy Central

"I know I am guaranteed to see quality cutting edge performers who have earned the credibility that is the foundation of LBC, and I'm going to book them for Catch A Rising Star clubs across the country".

- Suzy Yengo | Owner Catch a Rising Star

"The six week workshop really helped jump start my comedic journey. Jeff Lawrence really helped edit my material resulting in a crisp, clean feel to my routine. He is a very invested teacher. The special guest instructors  always had insightful notes and were very approachable. Thanks, Laughing Buddha!"

- Jeffrey Marx | Emmy Award Winning Casting Producer

“When I first attended Laughing Buddha Comedy’s Industry night as a guest, I found an absolute gold mine of funny, well trained, emerging comics from NYC’s stand up comedy scene. Over the past few years, I have booked comics on paid commercials, spots on Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel and more. I am always looking for new talent, but I can safely say I now know exactly where to find it.”

- Sandy Gunar, Manager | Avanti Talent Management

"Gina and Kevin's classes are a steal! For those with performing experience but who haven't done standup, they teach you how to translate your current skills into comedy. And for those with experience, they force you to dig deep. I highly recommend these classes for any level and for anyone."

- Jonah Nigh

“Outlandishly cool!”

- Everyday Magazine with Rachael Ray