Get ready to laugh together, play together, and celebrate the joy of comedy as the Nevada City Film Festival (NCFF) brings back Comedy Nights for a lively, family-friendly weekend at the historic Nevada Theatre.
This year’s program shifts the spotlight from stand-up to the spontaneous magic of improv comedy, featuring Nevada County’s newest troupe, Laughter Shock Improv, on Friday, April 10, followed by a special tribute to legendary comedic improviser Catherine O’Hara with a double feature screening of Frankenweenie and Best in Show on Saturday, April 11.
“NCFF has a long tradition of showcasing exceptional comedic talent before they become household names,” said Jesse Locks, Executive Director of Nevada City Film Festival. “Over the years we’ve welcomed performers like Marc Maron, Tig Notaro, Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Natasha Leggero, and Eric Andre. This year we wanted to celebrate the spirit of improv – something joyful, unpredictable, and deeply communal – while highlighting the incredible comedic talent we have right here in Nevada County.”
Friday Night: Laughter Shock Improv Takes the Stage
On Friday, audiences will experience Laughter Shock Improv, a brand-new, multi-generational troupe featuring performers ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s.
Improv – short for improvisational theater – is comedy created in the moment, where actors build scenes, characters, and dialogue on the spot, often with suggestions from the audience. The result? Every show is completely unique.
Laughter Shock players include John Paul, Kimberly Ewing, Lindsay Dunckel, Anna Durga, Rod Tayler, Chel Svendgaard, Sandra Rockman, Heather Federmeyer, Brian Coe, Ehrland Hollingsworth, and Marsha Burch.
Some performers have years of acting and improv experience, while others discovered their knack for comedy more recently. Together they share a common philosophy: the art of play.
“We’re exploring more long-form improv and character-driven storytelling,” said troupe founder and director Kimberly Ewing. “It creates deeper connections – not just between performers, but between the stage and the audience. The audience is part of the experience, and that’s where the magic happens.”
With a name like Laughter Shock, audiences should expect the unexpected – spontaneous scenes, hilarious misfires, and moments of comic brilliance.
Saturday: A Catherine O’Hara Celebration
Saturday’s program honors the incomparable Catherine O’Hara, one of comedy’s greatest improvisational talents, with a double feature celebrating two beloved films that showcase her comedic range.
The evening begins with Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece Frankenweenie (2012, PG) – free for kids – a heartfelt story about a boy, his dog, and the magic of imagination. O’Hara lends her voice to multiple characters in this visually stunning tribute to classic monster movies and childhood creativity.
Next comes Christopher Guest’s cult comedy Best in Show (2000, PG-13) – free for dogs – a hilarious mockumentary about the eccentric world of competitive dog shows. Built largely on improvisation, the film features an ensemble cast including Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Parker Posey, and O’Hara in one of her most iconic comedic performances.
“Catherine O’Hara is a master of improvisation,” said Locks. “These films show both sides of her brilliance – the warmth and artistry of Frankenweenie and the comedic genius of Best in Show. We wanted to create an affordable weekend that families and friends could enjoy together.”
A Weekend of Laughter and Community
Comedy Nights is more than just a show – it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the simple joy of laughing together.
Whether you’re discovering improv for the first time, cheering on local performers, bringing the kids to their first movie at the historic Nevada Theatre, or sharing a laugh with friends (two-legged or four-legged), Comedy Nights promises a weekend of feel-good entertainment.
Because in a world that can feel really serious sometimes, a good laugh – shared together – might be exactly what we need.
WHO: Comedy Nights
WHEN: Friday April 10, Laughter Shock Improv Troupe, Doors 6pm, Show 7pm & Saturday, April 11, FRANKENWEENIE – Doors 4pm, Show 4:30pm, BEST IN SHOW – Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm
WHERE: Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad Street, Nevada City
TICKETS: Friday Night $20, Saturday Frankenweenie $10/Adults, Kids Free, Best in Show, $10/GA