Category: Comedy

Innovative Artists has developed one of the premiere Comedy departments in the entertainment industry. In keeping with the agency’s commitment to inclusive representation, Innovative Artists’ client roster ranges from established comedians to the freshest up-and-comers, making them among the most coveted in the stand-up, personal appearance, and comedy communities.

Comedy Hosting

Draya Michele

Draya is an American media personality, model, actress, host, and entrepreneur. With a huge social media presence consisting of over 6.8 million Instagram followers and over 700,000 Twitter followers, she has hosted the BET Awards 2014 and the 2016 Soul Train Awards. In addition to having been apart of the cast of VH1’s BASKETBALL WIVES, Draya recently starred in and executive produced the BET Feature Film, WE BELONG TOGETHER, which was the most-viewed program on the network for the summer. She can also recently be seen portraying ‘Holly’ in the Lionsgate Feature Film, THE PERFECT MATCH, alongside Paula Patton, Donald Faison and Cassie. She is also the creator and owner of several successful fashion lines; the most notable being her swimsuit company, Mint Swim, which was recently featured in Style Fashion Week New York 2018. Draya can next be seen in the lead roles in TALES for BET opposite Isaiah Washington and in the Kevin Hart/ Jeff Clanagan produced show, HIP HOP LIES, which will be available for streaming on Kevin Hart’s LOL app. She can also recently be seen recurring on STAR for FOX, alongside Quincy Brown, Miss Lawrence, and Brandy.

Chinedu Unaka

Chinedu Unaka is a Los Angeles-based actor, comedian, host and writer whose wit, effortless style, and grounded storytelling have made him a rising star in comedy. He recently filmed a stand-up special with Kevin Hart’s HARTBEAT Productions, which premiered on Hulu in July 2025.

Chinedu’s comedic talent has been featured on Coming to the Stage (HULU), Are You Still Listening? (Netflix), Don’t Tell Comedy, CC Stand Up (Comedy Central), Hot Mic (LOL Network, Sirius XM), and he appeared as a special guest on The Arsenio Hall Late Night Show (Netflix Is a Joke Festiva). His widely popular Don’t Tell Comedy set has amassed millions of views, showcasing his distinct mix of observational humor, cultural insight, and laid-back delivery.

On screen, Chinedu starred as Sly in the House Party reboot from Warner Bros., produced by LeBron James and directed by Calmatic. He also guest-starred as Tristan in Quinta Brunson’s Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary on ABC, Omari in Issa Rae’s Insecure on HBO and MLK in Mindy Kaling’s The Mindy Project (FOX). He was a series regular on We Need to Talk About America (Fuse TV), and his debut comedy album Mostly Kidding debuted at #1 on iTunes, recorded live at the world famous Caroline’s on Broadway and executive produced in partnership with Comedy Dynamics.

Behind the camera, Chinedu served as Executive Producer for Yvonne Orji’s HBO comedy special A Whole Me, and was Executive Consultant on her NAACP-nominated debut Mama, I Made It!. Chinedu was also the Co-Host & Co-EP of Spotify’s Original Podcast Nosy Neighbors (Best Comedy Podcast nominee, The Ambies). Chinedu was also named a Comic to Watch by Time Out LA, a finalist in NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity showcase, a regular on-camera contributor for All Def Digital and Netflix’s Pop The Balloon. and a featured act in multiple comedy festivals including: Just For Laughs (LOL Network TV Taping), Moontower, Netflix is a Joke, The New York Comedy Festival, etc.

Chinedu’s hosting credits include Netflix is a Joke Radio’s red carpet emcee for the Roast of Tom Brady, the Shot Awards, COLA Awards, Overheard LA’s Happy Hour Series. He also hosts a monthly comedy show at SOHO House DTLA, spotlighting diverse rising voices in stand-up. Chinedu’s commercial work includes national campaigns for brands such as Toyota, Hertz, Ford, etc. and most recently, as the character Dr. Fresh for Febreze. As a touring stand-up, Chinedu headlines comedy clubs and colleges worldwide as a part of his Time Well Spent Tour and has toured with comedy stars including Marlon Wayans (Sextuplets), Yvonne Orji (Insecure), and Damon Wayans Jr. (New Girl).

Born and raised in South Los Angeles by Nigerian immigrant parents, Chinedu began performing while studying at UC Santa Barbara. After earning a BA in Sociology, he completed a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University. He spent six years teaching and mentoring students with special needs in inner-city schools—and credits his time teaching to his growth as a performer.

College Comedy Hosting

Adam Mamawala

Adam Mamawala is a stand-up comedian based out of New York City. He has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, BET, Amazon Prime and SiriusXM, and both of his albums, Statistically More Relatable (2022) and One of the Good Ones (2017) debuted at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts. Most recently, Adam has toured as Dane Cook’s feature act, performing at iconic venues including The Fillmore in Detroit, The Met in Philadelphia and NYC’s Beacon Theatre.

Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Vanessa Fraction

Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation.

As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven’s Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo’Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barber Shop 2.

Not only is Vanessa “Action” Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense.

Comedy Stand-Up

Tony Roberts

Originally from Detroit, comedian, actor, writer and (sometimes) director, Tony T. Roberts has been blessed with the coveted honor of being the, “Comedians-comedian.” The guy other performers love to watch work. His hilarious and refreshing energetic comedy style has granted him respect and created a huge demand for him on the comedy circuit, here in the states and abroad. Legendary comedian and sitcom director, David Steinberg, acclaimed Tony as, “A breakout talent” after witnessing Tony’s stand-up act and casting him as the lead in a series of funny burger king commercials he directed.

Currently a part of the Bay Area’s KBLX Morning Dream Team, you can catch Tony on the radio Monday – Friday from 5am – 9am. Tony headlines comedy clubs all across the United States. He also tours the country playing theaters and areas as part of The Shaquille O’Neal All Star Comedy Jam Tour and the Nephew Tommy “I Got People Inside My Head” Tour; just to name a few. Tony’s television debut was on HBO’s “DEF COMEDY JAM”, followed by, “IT’S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO” , “BET’S COMICVIEW” and THE SHAQUILLE O’NEAL ALLSTAR COMEDY JAM and ABC in the recurring role of CY on UNCLE BUCK.

Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Rodney Perry

To call Rodney Perry a legend in comedy wouldn’t be far fetched, in fact it’s necessary. He’s appeared on stages around the world giving his own brand of comedy that many have emulated. Rodney has appeared in countless movies in various roles including the highly anticipated Coming to America 2. Rodney’s work speaks for itself. From being friends with and mentoring some of the biggest stars in comedy such as Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, and Katt Williams to more humbling experiences such as overcoming a Stroke and COVID-19 both Rodney’s resilience and Comedy won’t be denied. This is his time, don’t miss an opportunity to see him in such an intimate setting.

College Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Rip Micheals

Winner of the 2013 Bay Area Black Comedy Competition, two time Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA) Comedian of the Year, American Comic Awards – College Entertainer of the Year, USO and MWR Comedian of the Year in 2008, 2009 and 2011… just a few of the well deserved accolades for the talented Rip Micheals. And with writing for Anthony Anderson, Cedric The Entertainer, Brandon T. Jackson, Nick Cannon and Johnny Depp, and stand-up performances alongside some of the biggest names in the industry including Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, and Bernie Mac, it’s easy to see why Rip Micheals is a rising star, quickly becoming known as a comedy triple threat (stand-up/writing/acting).

Comedy Stand-Up

Red Grant

Red Grant is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Known for his infectious laugh and his unrelenting work ethic, Red spends a solid forty eight weeks a year on the road doing stand up and is currently hosting Katt Williams’ 11:11 RNS World Tour.

Red began his career in 1996 performing at New York’s Apollo Theatre. He’s since gone on to star in such films as “American Hustle” and “First Sunday” alongside contemporaries as Katt Williams, Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan. Red has performed on “Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam” and appeared in Comedy Central’s “Reality Bites Back.” He’s written for such shows as Snoop Dogg’s “Dogg After Dark” and Comedy Central’s “Roast of Flavor Flav.” And He’s graced the small screen in his own hour-long Showtime special “Caught Red Handed” and Comedy Central Presents half-hour special “Red Grant.”

Passionate about the world of entertainment, Red took the next step and made a name for himself as a producer, writer and director for film and television. In 2000, he wrote and produced his first film “Family Reunion.” He then went on to create and produce a number of projects for the Viacom Network through his film company MOVIEOS in partnership with Lionsgate Entertainment.

As an avid golfer and humanitarian, Red takes pride in giving back to the community, which he does with his annual charity golf tournament “Golf Beef.” Some of his cohorts who’ve joined him for the event include GRAMMY winner Snoop Dogg, actor/comedian Cedric The Entertainer, Hall of Famers Gary Payton and Jim Brown, former NBA champion Matt Barnes, and long-drive champion Troy Mullins – to name a few.

Red was born and raised in Washington DC and currently resides in Los Angeles. #whotheheckisredgrant

Comedy Hosting Stand-Up

Nephew Tommy

Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles has built a career that encompasses radio, television, film and more. Thomas’ role as co-host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show puts him in front of a live radio audience of more than 9 million listeners daily. As Nephew Tommy he provides a key role in the morning show, perhaps best known for his prank calls, and lighting up the airwaves with his own cast of colorful characters.

Thomas also has a loyal following as a stand-up comedian and has earned a reputation for wowing crowds. For three years, he served as the exclusive opening act on the Luther Vandross tour an served as the exclusive Mainstage host for the Essence Festival in New Orleans for 7 years, which drew over 250,000 fans and featured acts such as Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Usher, and Kanye West. In 2017 Thomas hosted the Time To Laugh event at Bishop T.D. Jakes Megafest. In October 2010, Thomas recorded his one-hour special at the famed Motor City Casino in Detroit. He continues to keep the crowds laughing as he tours nationally to sold out crowds across the country.

He’s a talented thespian who studied theatre at Texas A&M University, performed in dozens of stage plays, and studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company of London. He’s been a featured actor or guest star in several films and TV shows including 2011’s “N-Secure” and “The Heart Specialist” with Zoe Saldana; David Talbert’s “Baggage Claim;” “Think Like A Man,” Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Halloween” and the TV series “Uncle Buck.” Since its premier in 2018 Thomas has served as the wise and electrifying host for the Oprah Winfrey Network’s hit dating show “Ready to Love,” produced by one of Hollywood’s blockbuster hit makers, Will Packer. The show has been picked up for a fourth season, is currently ranked as one of today’s top reality shows, and this season it has been nominated for an MTV Movie & TV Award as “Best Dating Show.”

Of his humanitarian initiatives, in 2011 and 2013 Thomas traveled to over a dozen military bases in the Middle East with the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff USO Holiday Tour, where he shared his humor, insight and wisdom to thousands of military men and women. This interaction with soldiers, both stateside and around the world, inspired Thomas to establish “Miles of Giving,” a non-profit foundation created for the purpose of assisting wounded veterans.

Whether on the stage, big screen, television or radio, Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles continues to demonstrate his remarkable talent to the delight of audiences worldwide.

Comedy Stand-Up

Mark Curry

Mark Curry is an actor, comedian, and host, best known for playing ‘Mark Cooper’ in the hit ABC sitcom, HANGIN’ WITH MR. COOPER. With a background in standup comedy, Mark tours worldwide, selling out comedy clubs and theaters with his lively energy and natural stage presence. His standup can also be seen on the HBO special, ONE NIGHT STAND, COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS, and HBO’s DEF COMEDY JAM. In addition to his live comedy performances, Mark is also a seasoned actor in both the comedy and drama spaces, having appeared in MARTIN for FOX, THE JAMIE FOXX SHOW, Tyler Perry’s HOUSE OF PAYNE, INSTANT MOM for Nickelodeon, BLACK JESUS, and the ABC Family drama, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, alongside Shailene Woodley.