IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Taylor Tomlinson

WHAT: Taylor Tomlinson began performing comedy at age 16 and decided it would be her full-time career at 19. In 2015, she was a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and was named as one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch” in 2018. Since then, Tomlinson has starred in multiple Netflix specials, performed in venues around the world and connected with millions of fans using her relatable content, vulnerability, sharp wit and well-timed delivery to resonate with younger audiences.
WHEN: Dec. 5-6
WHERE: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
INFO: drphillipscenter.org

YOUR SEASON PLANNER

Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.

BONKERZ COMEDY CLUB

The club is located inside The Corner, 70 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando, with shows every Friday and Saturday night. More information: 407-629-2665 or bonkerzcomedyproductions.com/locations/the-corner

LUKE SEVEREID: Nov. 14. Hill hiking and metal music are among the hobbies of this Pittsburgh-based stand-up comedian.

CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The arts center is at 3700 U.S. 27 in Clermont. More information: clermontperformingarts.com

THE DISH RACK COMEDY SHOW: Oct. 10 and Dec. 12. This stand-up comedy show, hosted by Gregory Metts, lets comics find the humor in the domestic struggles and absurdity of everyday life.

SAK COMEDY LAB: Nov. 29, 2025, and Feb. 21, 2026. Orlando’s long-running improvisational-comedy troupe visits the art center with its trademark all-ages show.

OLD MANSPLAINING WITH TOM BRISCOE: Jan. 23, 2026. The stand-up comedian tackles bad jobs, a good marriage, travel mishaps, raising daughters, empty nesting, ungracefully aging and more in a politics-free show.

John Mulaney will perform in Orlando this fall. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The arts center is at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org

TIM MURRAY IS WITCHES: Oct. 8. The TikTok performer presents a high-energy comedy cabaret of original stories and songs celebrating pop culture’s most iconic spellcasters. For ages 18+.

THE BALD BROTHERS: Nov. 2. Comedians and podcasters Tony Baker and KevOnStage stage a freestyle comedy performance.

ALI SIDDIQ: Nov. 14. The comedian and public speaker developed his razor-sharp humor while incarcerated.

TAYLOR TOMLINSON: Dec. 5-6. The host of CBS’s “After Midnight” brings her “Save Me” tour to town.

NURSE BLAKE: Dec. 9. The medical professional-turned-comic is on his “Did You Die?” tour. For ages 18+.

JOHN MULANEY: Dec. 10-11. The award-winning writer, comedian, actor and talk-show host on his “Mr. Whatever” standup tour.

SAL VULCANO — EVERYTHING’S FINE TOUR: Jan. 11, 2026. The comedian is best known for co-creating and starring in the comedy show “Impractical Jokers.” For ages 16+.

FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB

The club is at Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive in Orlando. All shows are for ages 21+ unless otherwise noted. More information: orlando.funnybone.com

TONY ROBERTS: Aug. 29-31. Originally from Detroit, the comedian, actor, writer and occasional director visits Florida for three nights.

ARMANDO ANTO: Sept. 3. This violin prodigy turned comedian has notes in his performance that are “dark, daring and dangerously funny.”

DERAY DAVIS: Sept. 5-7. Chicago-born comedian found his way into acting after his Showtime comedy special.

KRISTIN KEY: Sept. 11. Growing up as a minister’s daughter in West Texas, Key found her voice as a comedian while in college and later appeared on “Last Comic Standing.”

RAFI BASTOS: Sept. 12. The Jewish-Brazilian comedian has millions of followers on social media, known for his observational humor and worldly view.

ANTHONY RODIA: Sept. 16. A first-generation Italian-American from New York, Rodia found his way into comedy after managing a luxury car dealership.

KEVIN JAMES THORNTON: Sept. 17. The comedian has made a name for himself by sharing his experience of growing up gay in a religious community in the 1990s.

BRUCE BRUCE: Sept. 19-21. The comedian and actor’s talent has landed him on national comedy tours, TV shows and in film.

CHAD & JT: Sept. 24. Podcast hosts use their platform to raise awareness and enact change.

PAULY SHORE: Sept. 26-27. Known for the MTV show “Totally Pauly” that debuted in 1990, the comedian turned actor has starred in movies and comedy specials in his career.

LIL MO MOZZARELLA: Sept. 28. The natural jokester, creator, entertainer and entrepreneur also moonlights as a food critic.

PETER ANTONIOU: Oct. 1. From “America’s Got Talent” to headlining in Las Vegas, this comedian combines his wit and mind-reading tricks.

4TH ANNUAL JUSTCALLMOE COMEDY JAM: Oct. 2. Law firm-sponsored event benefits the Yellow Brick Road Foundation.

ARIES SPEARS: Oct. 3-5. New York native combines quick wit, charisma and “ferociously aggressive” style of comedy.

TRISH SUHR: Oct. 7. Designer, professional organizer, moving expert and TV host wears many hats, including one as a comedian.

DAMON DARLING: Oct. 9. TikTok-famous comedian is headlining his own tour after opening for big names previously.

MARTIN AMINI: Oct. 10-11. California-based comic draws from his multicultural background to riff on relationships.

STEVEN ROGERS: Oct. 12. After opening for big names in comedy, Rogers headlines his own show.

EARTHQUAKE: Oct. 24-25. Stand-up “juggernaut” has appeared on comedy specials, including “Legendary” on Netflix.

ALEXANDER NEZLOBIN: Oct. 26. Comedian performs a set in Russian.

RICARDO O’FARRILL: Oct. 29. This personal and “brutally honest” show will be delivered in Spanish.

BENJI BROWN: Oct. 31-Nov. 1. The comedian has worked with A-list stars and made a name for himself on social media.

DOUG STANHOPE: Nov. 5. Stand-up comic’s show features “confrontational, unfiltered comedy.”

GIGI LEFLAIR: Nov. 6. Rising stand-up star has garnered a following of 1 million on TikTok.

AKAASH SINGH: Nov. 7-8. Nationally touring comedian, podcaster and actor has appeared on MTV, Netflix and HBO shows.

POLY DIAZ: Nov. 9. Venezuelan stand-up comedian, writer and actress will perform in Spanish.

GABRIEL RUTLEDGE: Nov. 12. Touring comic has won national comedy competitions and appeared on TV specials.

MARIO ADRION: Nov. 13. A stand-up comedian from a small town in Germany has garnered a large social media following.

STEPHAN DYER: Nov. 16. International comedian who has made stops in 17 countries tells stories of immigration.

CARLOS SANCHEZ: Nov. 18. Dominican comedian, who will perform in Spanish, has toured worldwide and released several comedy specials.

STEF DAG: Nov. 19. Internationally touring comedian makes jokes about her immigrant mom.

THE BORICUAS OF COMEDY TOUR: Nov. 26. Life experiences and family.

GARY OWEN: Dec. 4-6. Stand-up comedian and actor cultivated a large following after headlining on BET and performing at Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Star Comedy Jam Tour.

CACTUS TATE: Dec. 10. “Fearless performer” takes on taboo topics with “wit and charm.”

JEFF ALLEN: Dec. 11. Storyteller’s 2025 tour blends signature comedy and heartfelt messages.

TACARRA WILLIAMS: Dec. 12-13. School teacher, plus-sized model and motivational speaker speaks her mind and elicits laughs.

DALE ELLIOTT JR. Dec. 14. Jamaican-born comedian speaks about identity and immigration.

JARED FREID: Dec. 19-20. Stand-up comedian and podcaster starred in Netflix special “37 & Single.”

TOM RHODES: Dec. 21. Former Comedy Central host has a career of more than three decades.

COREY B: Jan. 2-3, 2026. New York-based radio personality, comedian and content creator has a large social-media following.

SOMMORE: Jan. 9-11, 2026. The “Queen of Comedy” brings a combination of “class and sass” to Orlando.

MARCUS D. WILEY: Jan. 23-24, 2026. Earlier this year, the entertainer released a comedy special, “Marriage Is Major Surgery,” which has 3 million views on YouTube.

NACHO REDONDO: Feb. 1, 2026. A Venezuelan comedian based in Mexico City will perform in Spanish.

ROB ANDERSON: Feb. 4, 2026. Comedy show explores the pop culture of the 1990s.

SUGAR SAMMY: Feb. 12, 2026. An international comedian has performed over 2,000 shows in 32 countries.

GREG WARREN: Feb. 20-21, 2026. The comedian recently released his special “The Salesman,” co-produced by Nate Bargatze.

BOB MARLEY: March 12, 2026. Hailing from New England, the comedian has made appearances on Comedy Central and late-night shows.

KELSEY COOK: March 13-14, 2026. Stand-up comedian has grown her audience online through YouTube and other social media.

Dane Cook is slated to visit the Hard Rock Live this fall. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

HARD ROCK LIVE

The venue is at 6050 Universal Blvd. at Universal CityWalk in Orlando. More information: entertainment.hardrock.com/live/orlando

DANE COOK: Oct. 17. Stand-up comedian and actor is known for his observational, vulgar and dark comedy.

RANDY RAINBOW: Oct. 25. Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, producer, singer, writer, satirist, host and author performs on his “National Freakin’ Treasure” tour.

KUMAIL NANJIANI: Nov. 14. Oscar and Emmy-nominated actor and comedian recently starred in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”

MICHAEL BLAUSTEIN: Nov. 22. Comedian, actor and writer who co-hosts the “Stiff Socks” podcast is known for his crowd work.

TRAILER TRASH TAMMY: Dec. 7. Internet personality, comedian and actress appears on social media using her alter ego, Trailer Trash Tammy, and tours with her stand-up routines.

FORTUNE FEIMSTER: Dec. 20. Actress, comedian and writer who got her start on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” often riffs on body image, growing up in the South and coming out as a lesbian.

MICHELLE BUTEAU: March 13, 2026. Star of Netflix comedy series “Survival Of The Thickest” is “Surviving and Thriving” on her latest tour.

HIDEAWAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The theater, which also presents plays and concerts, is at 431 Plaza Drive in Eustis. More information: hideawaypac.com

HOUSE OF LAUGHTER: CLEAN COMEDY: Sept. 14. Orlando’s James Yon hosts a night of standup performances.

JACK WILLHITE ROCK & ROLL COMEDY SHOW: Oct. 17. Willhite employs a half-ton of guitars, amps, lighting, effects, props and costumes to create musical parodies of rock acts such as AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Ozzy Osborne, Prince and others.

IMAGINE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The center, which also presents and hosts plays, is inside Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd. in Oviedo. More information: imagineperformingartscenter.org

IMAGINARY FRIEND IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19.

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of Lucasfilm’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California, in 2023. (Michael Tran/AFP)

KIA CENTER

The Kia Center is at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: kiacenter.com

SHANE GILLIS: Sept. 27. Stand-up comedian, actor and writer is known for his unapologetic, “boundary-pushing” humor and Netflix specials.

BERT KREISCHER: Nov. 1. Known for his storytelling and high energy, the comedian, actor and podcaster delivers stand-up about his personal life and wild adventures.

GABRIEL IGLESIAS: Nov. 15. “Fluffy” is known and beloved for his high-energy performances and relatable humor.

MATT RIFE: Dec. 14. The youngest performer on MTV’s comedy show “Wild ‘N Out,” Rife has honed his quick improvisational skills and built a massive social media following.

MAMA’S COMEDY SHOW

The show is performed weekly at Ten10 Brewing, 1010 Virginia Drive in Orlando. More information: mamascomedyshow.com

MAMA’S COMEDY SHOW: Ongoing, each Friday night. Leave the kids at home for this adult-only comedy show.

ORLANDO COMEDY FESTIVAL

The festival takes place at Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center, 6515 International Drive in Orlando. More information: orlandocomedyfestival.com

10TH ANNUAL ORLANDO COMEDY FESTIVAL: Oct. 3-4. A celebration of comedy in all its forms.

THE PLAZA LIVE

The venue is at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. More information: plazaliveorlando.org

PRETTY VEE: Sept. 25. Philanthropist, entrepreneur and celebrity comedian has been a regular on “Wild ‘n Out” for nine seasons.

LESLIE JONES: Oct. 11. A regular cast member on Saturday Night Live, the stand-up comedian and actress touches on personal experiences and observations. For ages 18 and older.

TREVOR WALLACE: Oct. 18. Stand-up comedian built his audience on social media through funny sketches and situational humor.

JOSH JOHNSON: Nov. 8-9. Known for his work on “The Daily Show,” the stand-up comedian and writer also worked on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

NOEL MILLER: Nov. 21. Miller and Cody Ko worked as software engineers before starting the “Tiny Meat Gang” podcast and leaving their careers to become comedians.

CHARLIE BERENS: Dec. 6. Emmy-winning journalist, comedian and host is the creator of the Manitowoc Minute and a frequent collaborator on “Funny or Die.”

PETE CORREALE: Dec. 20. Seasoned comedy veteran has performed on numerous late-night TV shows and stars in his own specials.

SAK COMEDY LAB

The improv group is at 55 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: sakcomedylab.com

DUEL OF FOOLS: Ongoing, Fridays and Saturdays. Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs in the company’s signature show, suitable for all ages.

KING OF THE HILL: Ongoing, Fridays and Saturdays. A comedy battle in which the audience puts the performers through their paces — and decides who advances to the next round.

AN EVENING OF IMPROV: Sept. 16. The Elder Tails (Dog) Sanctuary Project and Polk County Bully Project receive 80% of profits from this benefit show featuring the SAK professional ensemble.

HALLOWEEN TORTURE SHOW: Oct. 31. The improvisers face “light torture” as they compete for laughs. Come dressed in your Halloween costume to enter a contest.

— Listings compiled by Patrick Connolly and Matthew J. Palm 

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/29/orlando-sentinel-2025-season-preview-comedy/