Nestled in the vibrant Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, the newly opened Big Couch emerges as a haven for comedy, creativity, and community engagement. Located at the corner of St. Claude Avenue and Desire Street, this 4,900 square-foot venue serves as a dynamic incubator for artistic exploration, offering educational programs, live performances, and a supportive space for local talents to thrive.

Founders Scott Anderson and Carrie Moulder, with extensive backgrounds in improv comedy, bring decades of producing, performing, and teaching experience, both nationally and internationally. Beyond their comedic roots, their professional expertise in management and communications forms a solid foundation to foster creativity across the region.

Big Couch boasts a multifaceted space, featuring a 75-seat theater, a classroom, designated wall space for art exhibitions, and a cozy lounge area. With a mission to nurture emerging talents and provide a platform for experimentation, the venue has already hosted a diverse array of events, including theater productions, podcast recordings, film screenings, sketch comedy, and monthly standup, improv, and storytelling shows.

One notable offering is the five-level improv curriculum, providing an avenue for both seasoned performers and newcomers to hone their skills. The curriculum includes a free 4-week fundamentals course, and the venue recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort.

Scott and Carrie express their commitment to supporting the local creative community, emphasizing the need for a space that goes beyond the traditional stage, lights, and sound. Leveraging their extensive network, Big Couch aims to be a collaborative hub where established and emerging creatives can come together, share ideas, and grow collectively.

The venue’s schedule, showcasing a variety of events, can be explored on Big Couch’s website.