EXCLUSIVE: Erin Von Schonfeldt, a comedy executive bearing more than three decades of history with Levity Live‘s Improv comedy clubs, has been promoted to the company’s Chief Programming Officer.
Most recently Executive Vice President of Programming, Von Schonfeldt’s promotion comes in recognition of her significant contributions to the growth and evolution of Levity Live’s programming portfolio across more than three decades of leadership within the Improv.
Von Schonfeldt began her career as a server at the Irvine Improv in 1991. Driven by a passion for live comedy and an instinct for identifying emerging talent, she’s steadily advanced through the organization through the decades and has ultimately assumed responsibility for programming Improv venues across the country.
Throughout her career, Von Schonfeldt has developed lasting relationships throughout the comedy industry and championed numerous performers well before they became nationally recognized headliners. Her programming work has supported the careers of acclaimed comedians including Bert Kreischer, Sarah Silverman, Daniel Tosh, Taylor Tomlinson, Zach Galifianakis and Kathleen Madigan, among many others.
“Erin has identified, booked, and supported thousands of comedians throughout her career, treating everyone, from generational talents who exploded off our stages to struggling hopefuls, with the same respect and encouragement,” said Levity Live’s founder, Robert Hartmann. “Through it all, she has maintained an uncanny ability to identify artists who possess the right stuff at the earliest stages of their stand-up careers in what is arguably one of the world’s most difficult professions. She has impeccable taste and judgment, and she’s flat-out funny. We’ve never offered her stage time because, candidly, we couldn’t afford to lose her to touring.”
Levity CEO Alireza Ghaemian said Von Schonfeldt’s career “represents everything that makes the Improv special: a genuine love for comedy, an unwavering commitment to artists, and the ability to recognize extraordinary talent.”
Ghaemian added, “Her influence can be seen throughout our programming and in the careers of countless comedians who found an early home on our stages. This promotion reflects the tremendous confidence we have in Erin and in her vision for the future.”
During her time at the Improv, Von Schonfeldt has played an important role in preserving and advancing the legacy as one of the most influential brands in live comedy. In 2023, she helped organize the Improv’s 60th-anniversary celebration, including nationwide performances and the Netflix special The Improv: 60 and Still Standing.
As Chief Programming Officer, Von Schonfeldt will continue to oversee programming across Levity Live’s portfolio of venues while leading the company’s long-term programming strategy.
Von Schonfeldt said, “I’ve been lucky enough to spend the last 35 years doing what I love in the greatest business there is, helping comedians find their audiences. Comedy is always evolving, and every generation brings new voices, new perspectives, and new ways to make people laugh. I am so grateful to continue as Chief Programming Officer for the Improv, where I get to work with incredible talent every day and help discover the next wave of stand-ups. It’s a privilege to be part of a place that has been helping launch careers for decades, and I can’t wait to see who’s next.”
