Comedians with Disabilities Act

The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) is a powerful and hilarious comedy showcase featuring comedians with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Founded in 2010 by comedian Michael O’Connell in Sacramento, California, CWDA continues to honor his legacy after his passing in 2016 by spotlighting seasoned, fearless, and genuinely funny performers.

This tour is part of a comedy docu-special that includes four shows across two states, highlighting 10 comedians and the stories behind the laughs. The film marks director Gina Chin-Davis’ third feature film and producer and comedian Nina G’s second. The film crew is led by John Howard and comes from the BASE Film Extravaganza of Summit Independent Living in Missoula, Montana.

Comedians Performing at The Covellite Headliner: Mean Dave A San Francisco Bay Area favorite, Mean Dave is a regular at comedy clubs and colleges across the country. He has opened for Josh Blue, Big Jay Oakerson, and Jay Mohr. Dave has been in recovery for over a decade, which he weaves into his comedy with honesty and heart. His work with CWDA helps bring visibility to the fact that addiction recovery is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Host: Michael Beers Michael Beers is a comedian and professional speaker who won the Norman G. Brooks Comedy Competition at the Hollywood Improv. He is also a former winner of Funny Fest at the Calgary Comedy Festival and has opened for Gilbert Gottfried. Beyond comedy, Michael is a sought-after keynote speaker on humor, disability advocacy, education, and community building.

Loren Kraut Loren Kraut is a writer and comedian based in San Francisco. She has performed at SF Sketchfest, Cyprus International Comedy Festival, Savage Henry Comedy Fest, SheDot Festival, and The World Series of Comedy. Her solo show A Bit Touched won Best Comedy at the Tucson Fringe Festival in 2018. She hosts the monthly show Draw & Guffaw and created LOL Little Old Lesbian and Giraffe Corner. She lives with her cat Scout and an impressive number of stuffed giraffes.

Adam Keys Adam Keys began his comedy career in 2018 through the Armed Services Arts Partnership and has since performed on stages across the country. Born in Canada and raised in the U.S., Adam served in the U.S. Army after 9/11. His comedy explores life after injury, recovery, and the unexpected moments that come with a changed reality, delivered with sharp humor and honesty.

Nina G Nina G is a comedian, professional speaker, author, and comedy historian. Her debut special Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted premiered in 2024. She has been featured by HuffPost, Variety, NPR, BBC, Psychology Today, TEDx, KQED, and more. Nina performs and speaks nationwide at colleges, conferences, corporations, and community events, blending insight, advocacy, and comedy.

Accessibility Disclaimer This show is expected to take place on the upper level of the Covellite Theatre. Accessible entry is located at the corner of Idaho Street and the alley directly behind the Covellite Theatre. Please check in at the Lounge entrance, or have someone from your party do so, and an usher will assist you to the accessible entrance.