Groundlings workshops

Harnessing comedy as a tool to resist authoritarianism.

In partnership with The Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, the Committee brings together comedy writers, performers, directors and producers for collaborative workshops that turn the biggest threats to free expression and free speech into sharp, funny content built to educate and inspire the public into action.

Writers dig into the latest attacks on free speech, censorship and the democratic freedoms at the heart of the Committee's work, then break into teams to write sketches. Performers join them to bring the strongest ideas to life — often taking a piece from brainstorm to finished shoot in a matter of hours. The result is comedy that cuts through the noise and gives audiences a different way into issues that can otherwise feel complicated or overwhelming.

Using our craft

We believe the entertainment industry can be a pillar of democracy because the things our members do every day — write, perform, direct, produce and make people laugh — can help people understand what's happening around them and imagine something different. Our Groundlings workshops put that belief into practice. They are also spaces to experiment, build new creative relationships and give Committee members another way to respond to the issues we face.