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Key people at Don't Tell Productions.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Don't Tell Productions organizes live stand-up comedy shows in non-traditional pop-up venues and produces digital comedy video content for online distribution. The organization operates on a global scale, coordinating live performances for audiences across more than 250 cities worldwide, including major international markets such as London, Paris, and Melbourne. Beyond its core live event operations, the company films select stand-up performances to build its digital presence and recently produced its first major comedy special for Netflix featuring comedian Hannah Berner. This debut video project was recorded live at The Fillmore in Philadelphia and subsequently reached the top ten most popular shows category on the global streaming platform shortly after its initial release. Operating without disclosed external funding metrics, Don't Tell Productions was officially founded in 2017 by Kyle Kazanjian-Amory.
Key people at Don't Tell Productions.
Don't Tell Comedy (often stylized as Don't Tell Productions in some contexts) is a comedy production company specializing in live events, digital content, and community-driven comedy experiences across the U.S. and internationally.[1] Founded by comedian Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, it produces surprise pop-up comedy shows in unconventional venues, streams content online, and builds a network of comedians and fans, serving comedy enthusiasts, performers, and local markets by making high-quality stand-up accessible, affordable, and unpredictable.[1]
The company solves the problem of stale, expensive comedy club experiences by delivering fresh lineups in unique locations—like bars, warehouses, or parks—fostering organic discovery and growth through word-of-mouth and social media.[1] It has expanded rapidly with a distributed team covering over 20 cities, indicating strong momentum in scaling live and digital comedy post-pandemic.[1]
Don't Tell Comedy was founded by Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, a comedian frustrated with traditional comedy circuits, who launched the concept around 2017 to bring surprise shows to unexpected venues.[1] The idea emerged from Kazanjian's desire to recreate the thrill of discovering new talent without the predictability of big-name clubs, starting small in New York and quickly gaining traction through viral social shares and repeat audiences.[1]
Pivotal moments include its pivot to online streaming during COVID-19 lockdowns, which broadened its reach globally, and subsequent expansion to cities like Asheville, Atlanta, Austin, and even international spots like London and Toronto.[1] Today, it boasts a robust team led by CEO/Founder Kazanjian-Amory, COO Brett Kushner, and regional coordinators, evolving from grassroots pop-ups to a full production operation with live events, content creation, and partnerships.[1]
Don't Tell Comedy rides the wave of live entertainment digitization and creator economy trends, blending IRL pop-ups with online streaming to capitalize on platforms like TikTok and YouTube for comedy discovery.[1] Timing is ideal post-2025, as hybrid events thrive amid demand for authentic, affordable experiences amid rising streaming fatigue and venue costs.[1]
Market forces like decentralized content creation and fan-driven virality favor its model, influencing the ecosystem by democratizing comedy—empowering mid-tier comedians and fostering regional scenes that feed into national tours or Netflix specials.[1] It exemplifies how tech-enabled logistics (e.g., quick bookings via apps) amplify cultural trends in experiential entertainment.
Don't Tell Comedy is poised for explosive growth by doubling down on international expansion (e.g., more UK/Canada hubs) and AI-driven personalization for lineups or virtual events.[1] Trends like immersive AR comedy or metaverse pop-ups, alongside live-ticketing booms, will shape its path, potentially evolving it into a full-fledged comedy media brand with original series.[1]
As it scales its network, its influence could redefine discovery in entertainment, turning "don't tell" surprises into a blueprint for other live-content hybrids—echoing its founding hook of unpredictable joy in a scripted world.[1]
