Chautauqua Institution & National Comedy Center Present “Comedy Now” Week Curated by Lewis Black

Chautauqua Institution and National Comedy Center Present “Comedy Now” Week Curated by Lewis Black, June 28–July 5 Featuring Pixar Chief Creative Officer & Academy Award Winner Pete Docter; Comedians Roy Wood Jr., Paula Poundstone; “The Daily Show” Showrunner & Emmy Winner Jen Flanz; Actors Tony Shalhoub & Brooke Adams

 

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. — June 25, 2025 — Pixar Chief Creative Officer and Academy Award-winner Pete Docter, comedians Roy Wood Jr. and Paula Poundstone; The Daily Show Emmy winner and showrunner Jen Flanz, and actors Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams headline Chautauqua Institution’s weeklong exploration of comedy’s impact on culture and society, curated by comedian Lewis Black and presented in partnership with the National Comedy Center, the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy. 

Taking place June 28–July 5, this week explores the craft of comedy with insight and humor from the people who do it best, offering audiences a rich blend of morning lectures and evening performances that showcase comedy as both an art form and a vital part of how we connect. 

Lewis Black, Curator of the Comedy Now week: 

“Comedy is more than just entertainment — it’s a lifeline. In times like these, laughter helps us stay sane and connected, even when the world feels upside down. I’m thrilled to be working with Chautauqua Institution and the National Comedy Center to bring together some of the funniest and smartest voices in comedy today. This week will remind us why we need comedy now more than ever.” 

Deborah Sunya Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Chautauqua Institution: 

“Comedy Now exemplifies how Chautauqua convenes some of today’s most influential creators and thinkers for meaningful conversation and creative exchange. In partnership with the National Comedy Center and Lewis Black, we look forward to an inspiring and joyfilled week of dialogue and performance.” 

Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, National Comedy Center: 

“Comedy is a unifying art form that fosters conversation, reflection, and resilience. We’re honored to partner with Chautauqua Institution to spotlight comedy’s vital place in our culture, and to present such an extraordinary lineup of voices and talents.” 

 

Morning Lectures | 10:45 a.m. | Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater  

Monday, June 30 – Pete Docter & Kelsey Mann, moderated by Lewis Black
Pixar’s creative duo—Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up) and Kelsey Mann (Inside Out 2)—join Lewis Black to explore how humor and storytelling intersect in animation, and how Pixar uses comedy to connect with global audiences. 

Tuesday, July 1 – Behind the Scenes at The Daily Show
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of daily news satire, featuring the Emmy-winning creative team: Jen Flanz, Matt O’Brien, Max Browning, Elise Terrell, and Lewis Black. 

Wednesday, July 2 – Johnny Carson at 100 with Wayne Federman and David Bianculli
Comedian, author, and historian Wayne Federman and David Bianculli, TV critic and guest host of NPR’s “Fresh Air” reflect on Johnny Carson’s legacy at 100, and examines how late-night comedy has shaped American culture. 

Thursday, July 3 – Paula Poundstone, moderated by Journey Gunderson
Renowned stand-up comedian, author, and NPR “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” panelist Paula Poundstone brings her signature wit and insight to a conversation moderated by Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center. 

Friday, July 4 – Tony Shalhoub & Brooke Adams, moderated by Kelly Carlin
Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Tony Shalhoub (Monk, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and acclaimed actress Brooke Adams join moderator Kelly Carlin—author, podcaster, and daughter of comedy legend George Carlin—to reflect on humor, humanity, and creativity across their acclaimed careers. 

 

Evening Performances | 8:15 p.m. | Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater 

Wednesday, July 2 – Lewis Black’s The Rant Is Due: Live from Chautauqua
Lewis Black delivers his signature humor and sharp social commentary in a live taping of his podcast Rantcast, featuring audience-driven material. 

Thursday, July 3 – Roy Wood Jr.
Former Daily Show correspondent and Emmy-nominated comedian Roy Wood Jr. brings his incisive stand-up comedy to the Amphitheater stage. 

Located just 20 minutes from Chautauqua Institution in nearby Jamestown, New York, the National Comedy Center will also welcome Comedy Now participants and visitors throughout the week. Guests are encouraged to explore the Center’s acclaimed state-of-the-art museum experience, which celebrates comedy’s rich history and contemporary impact through immersive exhibits and rare archival collections. 

 

Tickets & Additional Information:

Single tickets for individual morning lectures, evening performances, and afternoon lectures, as well as full week passes, are available for purchase at chq.org. Many events may also be accessed with a Traditional Gate Pass. 

For the full schedule and ticketing details, visit chq.org. 

 

About Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre residential community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State. During its nine-week summer season, approximately 7,500 guests are in residence daily, and over 100,000 attend scheduled public events—many more engage online—through CHQ Assembly. Chautauqua is committed to exploring the best in human values and enriching life through programming that spans religion, education, music, theater, visual arts, and recreation. Its mission is to explore the important religious, social, and political issues of our time; stimulate thoughtful, creative response; and promote excellence in teaching and performance in the arts. Gate ticket and other revenues cover only a portion of the cost of the Chautauqua experience, making it dependent in part on philanthropic support. 

About the National Comedy Center
The National Comedy Center is the United States’ official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations, as formally designated by the U.S. Congress in 2019. Located in Jamestown, New York, the Center features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and immersive galleries that celebrate comedy across all eras and genres. Since its opening in 2018, it has been recognized as the “Best New Museum in the Country” by USA Today and named one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME magazine. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization also operates the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and hosts the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.