About Comedy Playground
Every Voice Has a Story. Every Story Has a Place.
Comedy is more than entertainment. It’s a language that helps us navigate fear, overcome obstacles, connect through shared experiences, and rediscover the possibilities within ourselves. It is one of the most powerful tools we have to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and strengthen the human spirit.
How It All Began
Founder and President Susanna Spies began Comedy Playground, LLC on a stage she created in her own living room—a simple wooden plank built by a friend, surrounded by curtains, affectionately known as her “Murphy Stage.”
While teaching drama at Pilgrim School, Susanna began developing activities centered around comedy. She quickly noticed how naturally teens and pre-teens gravitated toward this art form as a way to express themselves, explore ideas, and share their unique perspectives.
That discovery sparked a bigger vision: to create a space where young people could be themselves, move beyond the obstacles that complicate life, recognize the value of their own voices, and discover the power of sharing their stories.
From that vision, Comedy Playground's original curriculum began to take shape. Through improvisation and stand-up comedy, students learn to draw from personal experiences, develop original material, think critically, communicate authentically, and connect with others through humor.
The goal is about so much more than getting laughs. It's about nurturing confidence, encouraging creativity, strengthening communication, celebrating individuality, and creating opportunities for personal growth and achievement. Comedy becomes a platform for self-discovery, connection, and the ongoing rehabilitation of the human spirit through humor.
From the Living Room to the Stage—and Beyond!
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Comedy Playground has been creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their voices through comedy since 2002. Youth programs combine improvisation and stand-up, with culminating class showcases that celebrate each student's creativity, growth, and original voice—including special performance opportunities at The Improv in Hollywood.
Today, Comedy Playground's reach extends beyond youth classes to include adult Finding Your Funny workshops, individual and group coaching, writing consultations, and customized on-site programs for adults, senior citizens, schools, and corporations.
With programs on both coasts, Comedy Playground continues to bring the benefits of comedy to diverse communities, creating welcoming spaces for people to express themselves, connect with others, and discover what makes their voices uniquely their own.
Bringing Comedy to Communities
Comedy Playground youth programs have been presented through partnerships and programs including:
UCLA's Writers' Retreat
The American School in London
The TEAK Fellowship in New York
Schools, community centers, and organizations throughout Los Angeles and across the country
Senior Stand-Up: Because Laughter Is Ageless!
SSU — Senior Stand-Up welcomes adults ages 55+ to share their stories, discover their funny, and connect through laughter.
Successfully piloted at Hollenbeck Palms in Los Angeles, SSU celebrates the experiences, perspectives, and humor that come with a life well lived. The program continues to bring opportunities for laughter and self-expression to retirement communities throughout Southern California.
Because it's never too early—or too late—to find your funny, share your story, and discover the joy of connecting with others.
The Heart of Comedy Playground
We each have a story. We each have a voice worth hearing.
Comedy gives us a platform to explore who we are, express what matters, and find common ground in the most unexpected places.
Different stories. Different voices. One common denominator: LAUGHTER!
Explore the possibilities, discover your voice, and come play with us!
In the Spotlight
Founder and President Susanna Spies shared her work and perspective as a presenter at World Muse in Bend, Oregon, celebrating the power of women's voices, creativity, and self-expression.
