Comedians with Disabilities Act Launches Comedy Tour and Documentary Film

In 2010, the Comedians with Disabilities Act was assembled in Northern California to represent a comedic perspective that had long been ignored. Since then, the troupe has taken many forms and performed for thousands of laughing audiences of all abilities-at colleges, comedy clubs, corporate events, and the occasional dive bar.

Now, 2026 marks a major new milestone for CWDA: the group is set to film its first-ever comedy docu-special, Comedians with Disabilities Act: Going Beyond the Punchlines! The special will feature nine comedians across four live shows in two states.

Featured comedians:

Jade Theriault is a Forbes-recognized comedian who combines provocative thought with moving furniture. Jade, a Bay Area native, is a regular at The Punchline, Cobb's Comedy Club, Tommy T's, and the San Jose Improv.

Serena Gamboa ("The Spicy Latina") was born and raised in the Central Valley. She is a three-time winner of the Modesto Area Music Award for "Best Comedy" in 2018, 2021, and 2023-the first comedian to win three MAMA Awards.

Elvin Maglinte hails from Stockton and remains a favorite there since he started in 2018. Elvin grinds weekly and has performed all over California and Nevada, including at the Jimmy Kimmel Club, Tommy T's, The Comedy Chateau, Laughs Unlimited, Punch Line Sacramento, and Deaf Puppy Comedy Club.

John Howard is a filmmaker and disability advocate, and is considered the godfather of the Missoula, Montana comedy scene. He also leads the film crew for the CWDA project through his role at BASE Film Extravaganza.

Michael Beers is a comedian and professional speaker. He won the Norman G. Brooks Comedy Competition at the Hollywood Improv in 2005. He was also the previous winner of FunnyFest (the Calgary Comedy Festival) and has opened for comedians such as Gilbert Gottfried.