In 2009, Jeff Lawrence attended his first open mic, where the opening comedian launched into a homophobic rant. At his first bringer show, Jeff brought 35 guests to a major comedy club and was yelled at for asking for more stage time—though they gave him an additional minute. He also took his first comedy class, taught by someone who had never performed comedy, and was told that Hitler and Holocaust jokes would never work.

That’s when Jeff decided there had to be a better way. With the support of his friends and the few comedians he knew, he created open mics and shows with incredibly supportive audiences. He ensured that real stage time was a part of every comedy course, and that’s how Laughing Buddha Comedy was born—a place where new and aspiring comedians could pursue their dreams.