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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Michael Yo

Michael Yo is a two-time Emmy-nominated stand-up comedian, actor, and host whose first love is the stage. Houston-raised with Black and Korean roots, he turns his multicultural background and family life into warm, punchy storytelling that connects across generations.

Michael has released three full stand-up specials Blasian (2018), I Never Thought (2022), and Snack Daddy (2025 on YouTube). As a proud father and husband, he builds a huge chunk of his material around the beautiful chaos of family, turning parenting fails marriage negotiations, and cultural clashes into big, high-energy laughs. His style is clean enough for TV, real enough for late-show crowds, and always grounded in jokes that actually mean something.

Mentored early in his stand-up journey by Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy, Michael developed a voice that’s honest, self-deprecating, and relentlessly fun. He tours nationally, headlining clubs and theaters across the country, and holds a twice-weekly residency at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at THE LINQ in Las Vegas, while also appearing as a featured comedian in Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil. TV audiences were introduced to his stand-up on Season 15 of America’s Got Talent, where he received four yeses from the judges and advanced to the Quarter-Finals.

On the hosting side, Michael currently fronts the fast-paced, family-friendly game show Scrambled Up, airing in national syndication where his quick wit and crowd work drive
the action. He also leads A&E’s travel-food adventure series 1,000 Ways to Dine, mixing his love of storytelling with delicious, offbeat culinary experiences.

In the podcast and talk space, Michael is a regular on The Joe Rogan Experience, bringing his stand-up instincts and personal stories into long-form conversation. He also hosts “The Yo Show” podcast, blending stories from the road with insightful and funny conversations with fellow entertainers and creators.

As an actor, Michael recurs as Philip on the Apple TV+ series Amber Brown and has appeared in multiple scripted TV projects. Whether he’s on stage, on screen, or behind the mic, Michael Yo brings heart, energy, and a stand-up sensibility that always puts the comedy first.

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Orlando Jones

Orlando Jones is what happens when a brilliant joke writer becomes a chaos-powered storyteller with receipts. He started out writing for icons, Martin Lawrence, Sinbad, Jay Leno, Colin Quinn, Ben Stiller and co-wrote the pilot for the legendary sitcom Martin. Before that, he wrote on the groundbreaking NBC series A Different World.

Then he starred in the ADDY Award–winning McJordan McDonald’s campaign with Michael Jordan, launched the FX Network into 18 million homes, and became famous as the “Make 7 Up Yours” guy–the only ad campaign in history to move soda and cause arguments at PTA meetings.

A founding writer and original cast member of MADtv, after two seasons, he joined Larry David’s first film, Sour Grapes, then Robert Rodriguez tapped him for Dusk Till Dawn. His film and TV hits include Abbott Elementary, Evolution, The Replacements, Drumline, Office Space, Time Machine, Double Take, Swagger, Sleepy Hollow, Winning Time, Family Business: New Orleans, and his now-legendary portrayal of Mr. Nancy in American Gods.

His Comedy Central special was filmed in South Africa and broadcast across the continent. MTV dubbed him the King of Fandom, and at Comic-Con he literally married dozens of fans legally because SyFy asked and apparently no one said, “Don’t let Orlando do that.”

Onstage, he blends storytelling, razor-sharp political and cultural commentary, and the kind of jokes you think about three days later and start laughing in public like a lunatic.

Orlando Jones: Come see the live show that made the internet say “Wait… he did THAT too?!”

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College Comedy Stand-Up

Ahren Belisle

Ahren Belisle has skyrocketed onto some of the biggest stages in comedy—despite only performing stand-up for a few short years. He won over millions as a Top 10 Finalist on America’s Got Talent and made an unforgettable debut on the wildly popular podcast Kill Tony, where he’s become a regular fixture. A former software engineer and mental health advocate, Ahren was born in Northern Ontario with cerebral palsy and is nonverbal, delivering his punchlines through his phone. His innate charm and quick wit have earned him a unique place in comedy—where the comedian who doesn’t speak is allowed to say anything. Ahren has built a devoted following of over a million fans across social media, using his platform to blend bold comedy with messages of positivity, inclusion, and resilience.

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Navv Greene

A true Atlanta native, Navv Greene is a multi-faceted entertainer known for his live comedy, podcasting, situational comedy roles & television/film. Currently the host of 85 South Media’s BROKEN PLAY, he gets into the highlights and lowlights of all things sports. He’s a regular contributor to the popular podcast 85 SOUTH with DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller & Chico Bean and is most known for his character as “The Shiftleader”, often going viral for his comedic take as manager of a fast food restaurant. Greene’s ability to perform in a variety of different comedy genres including hosting, improv, and clean comedy, makes him the comedic genius that he is. Released earlier this year, Navv was featured on BET’s remake of COMICVIEW hosted by Mike Epps and recurs on Druski’s COULDA BEEN HOUSE. In the acting space, he’s appeared on the sequel to the original classic, COMING 2 AMERICA alongside Eddie Murphy and most recently guest starred on Kevin Hart’s FIGHT NIGHT. He’s currently on the “Family Business” tour with comics Clayton English & Moneybag Mafia and continues to open up for 85 SOUTH in arenas across the country.

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Lance Woods

Lance Woods is one of the hottest, most sought after young comedians working today! His high-energy style, unique storytelling ability and clever punchlines give him universal appeal. He has performed at some of the top venues across the country as well as for the U.S. Marine Corp troops in Japan and has also been featured on Amazon prime, AppleTV, Hulu, Fox, ESPN, and NBC Sports. Lance Woods is truly a comic to watch!

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Brandi Denise

Brandi Denise Boyd is a standup comedian, actor, and writer, who can be seen as a series regular on the BET show GAMES PEOPLE PLAY, and can be seen recurring on Starz’ POWER and POWER BOOK II: GHOST. She most recently appeared on ABBOT ELEMENTARY. Brandi is an alumnus of Chicago Second City Improv Program and a Conservatory Student, Annoyance theater alumni and the I.O. Writing for TV Program. Brandi’s standup comedy is often described as honest, witty and refreshing with huge bursts of energy

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College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Justin Whitehead

A native of South Georgia, Whitehead was born and raised in Desoto, a rural, tight-knit community with a population barely over 700 people. He was raised by both parents, alongside 4 siblings and has always bared witness to hard work and ambition. Growing up, he didn’t intend to go into comedy, but his peers always recognized his natural sense of humor and vibrant energy he brought to every room. After non-stop encouragement from his peers and community, Justin performed at countless local shows and was met with rave reviews.

With intentions to advance his career, he relocated to Atlanta in 2012. His knack for improv and storytelling has made him a popular name on the circuit, garnering bookings at premier venues such as Uptown Comedy Club, The Funny Bone, and Stardome. Through his hysterical stand-up shows, and viral moments on social media, he’s built a loyal fanbase of more than 300k followers and become a favorite amongst celebrities including Diddy, Rickey Smiley, and many more. In February 2021, he launched the “Go Live” tour, selling out venues in more than 18 cities nationwide. Citing Redd Foxx, Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac, and Jamie Foxx as inspiration, Whitehead is destined for stardom, wielding his undeniable stage presence to lead the next generation of superstar comedians.

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College Comedy Stand-Up

Eden Sher

Eden Sher is most known for her portrayal of Sue Heck in ABC’s THE MIDDLE, where she appeared alongside Patricia Heaton. She also starred in ABC’s THE MIDDLEMAN and THE OC, as well as in Showtime’s acclaimed series WEEDS. Vulture hailed Sher as “the breakout star of the series,” while Emily Nussbaum of The New Yorker praised her fearless performance as Sue. Sher received five Critic’s Choice Award nominations for her role, winning in 2013. Additionally, she voiced the character ‘Star’ in Disney Channel’s STAR VS. THE FORCES OF EVIL. She’s also currently on her debut one-woman show comedy tour, I WAS ON A SITCOM – selling out across the country with her unique take on motherhood, the pitfalls of life, and yes, being on sitcoms!

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College Comedy Stand-Up

Kristin Key

Kristin Key is a nationally headlining, queer, musical comedian with sold-out shows nationwide. Her hilarious viral videos — including the iconic LESBIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM — have garnered over 95 million views from more than 900,000+ dedicated followers across social media. Using comedy as a way to uplift her community and create safe spaces for comedy fans from all walks of life, Kristin also donates to local nonprofits with every tour date. Kristin is honored to be the North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s 2024 Award of Merit Recipient as well as a 2025 Curve Power List Recipient in recognition of her impact. More than a fandom, this is a movement!

Kristin’s got 6 full-length comedy albums and 1 DryBar comedy special, and has also appeared on NBC’S Bring the Funny & Last Comic Standing, VH-1, SiriusXM, and more. She hosts Kristin Knows Blank, a popular comedy podcast featuring exclusive interviews and games with pop-culture icons and rising comedy stars available on all major streaming platforms. Catch Kristin on her newest international headlining tour today! Learn more at kristinkey.com

To date, Kristin has recorded six full-length stand-up comedy albums and one studio music comedy album. Her social media videos have over 95 million views and Kristin has over 900,000 followers. She currently hosts Kristin Knows Blank, a popular comedy podcast available on all major streaming platforms. Kristin’s additional credits include Comics Unleashed, VH-1’s 100 Greatest Series, The Bob and Tom show, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

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College Comedy Stand-Up

Alfred Kainga

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, throughout his childhood, Alfred Kainga developed a comedic talent and was known for making family and friends erupt in laughter. He moved to the United States in 2001 and began his comedy career in 2005, in the highly competitive, Dallas, TX comedy scene.

Alfred has achieved much success in the world of comedy throughout a short span of time. He is a 2 time Finalist in the Funniest Comic in Texas Competition. Alfred Kainga made his television debut in 2016 on Comedy Central, performing in Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City.” He has also appeared on the Chad Prather Comedy Shootout on RideTv in 2018. Alfred has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in comedy and is a staple feature in Comedy Clubs across the country and has toured in colleges and universities across the US.

Most recently, Alfred has taken his “Funny from A to Z” brand of comedy global, performing in several countries, including, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and South Africa, Jamaica, Canada, Uganda, and England. He has received rave reviews from fans all across the globe. Alfred’s comedy is universal and entertains fans from various races and backgrounds.