Who We Are
Curated live comedy with a focus on quality, community, and unique voices.
Kickstand Comedy is Portland’s home for 🔥 local comedy. Providing mission-based programming and educational outreach that helps Portland connect, learn and laugh together. We run the #1comedy training center in the Pacific Northwest featuring improv, stand up, sketch, physical comedy classes and more!
Thank you to our founders Dylan Reiff, Kara Moore, Garrett Palm and Adam Trabka! Kickstand began as a concept from Dylan and Garrett based on the idea of seeing more independent local comedy in Portland in 2014. They then set up a comedy show in the basement of the Velocult bike shop and Kara volunteered with the donation bucket. In 2015 it was decided to open a training center so, Kara being the independent business lady that she acquired an LLC. Adam, Dylan and Kara worked together to found the training center and officially opened in 2016. The program grew three times its size in three years. In 2018 Kickstand Comedy became a nonprofit.
Guided by a diverse and dedicated Board of Directors, we work tirelessly to advance our organizations mission + vision, develop performers, create hungry fans, and strive to make Portland comedy undeniable!
Special Thanks to OG Leadership and Volunteers: Adam Trabka, Dan Weber, Brie Pruett, Curtis Cook and Alex Falcone, Nick Beaird, Lauren Sinner, Michael Knackstedt, Hannah Kim, Cimberly Nickell, Cat Hayes, Eric Simons, Chris Williams, Carla Cackowski, Pat Moran, Garrett Warren]
our mission.
To transform and enrich the lives of performers and audiences through comedy. We work to eliminate the historic barriers that have kept folx from seeing and doing comedy, addressing the ongoing needs of our community and its diverse perspectives through dynamic shows, and community outreach events—creating equity across our organization and beyond while providing opportunities for performance, education, and laughter.
Our Vision.
A thriving, diverse, equitable and representational comedy scene that compensates performers, and establishes Kickstand and its fans as an iconic institution in the Pacific Northwest.
CHECK OUT OUR SUCCESSFUL KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
See how “Kickstart Kickstand” raised over $34k in April of 2019 to transform the former Brody Theater building into a thriving, inclusive hub for comedy in Portland.
“Kickstart Kickstand” crowdfunding video. Directed and edited by Michael Zimmer and Jeff Oliver
Our Partners
We love to collaborate with non-profits and community organizations. Since our creation, we have consistently hosted and helped local and national institutes raise money, including Outside In, Planned Parenthood, Animal Aid, and the ACLU.
Partners
