Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – ArtsQuest has announced its inaugural comedy lineup for the new performing arts venue opening this fall in the Lehigh Valley.
ArtsQuest said the performances will take place in the Joe & Corey Bergstein Theater, located in the upcoming Creative Factory, powered by PPL.
The Wednesday morning announcement introduces the first nationally touring comedians who will perform on the ABARTA Coca-Cola Stage in the intimate, 150-seat theater.
According to the organization, this is ArtsQuest’s first centralized venue dedicated to comedy programming throughout the year.
The new venue provides a dedicated space designed to elevate the audience experience while spotlighting a diverse mix of local, regional, and nationally touring talent, said ArtsQuest.
Scheduled performances feature comedians who have built a growing national following and notable industry credentials, including Netflix showcases, major comedy festivals, late-night television appearances, and sold-out tours, said the organization.
According to ArtsQuest, the Joe & Corey Bergstein Theater will serve as the permanent home for the organization’s comedy programming, while also hosting performing arts presentations, educational programming, school field trips, community events, and private functions.
Designed as a flexible, multi-purpose venue within the Creative Factory powered by PPL, the theater will expand opportunities for artists and audiences alike while complementing ArtsQuest’s larger performance spaces at SteelStacks, said ArtsQuest.
The announcement represents another step toward the anticipated opening of the Creative Factory this fall.
“Comedy has become one of the fastest-growing forms of live entertainment, and having a dedicated venue like the Joe & Corey Bergstein Theater strengthens the Lehigh Valley’s position as an in-demand destination for arts and culture,” said Alex Michaels, President & CEO of Discover Lehigh Valley.
“Visitors are increasingly looking for authentic experiences beyond traditional attractions, and this new theater expands the region’s entertainment offerings while generating additional tourism and economic impact for our local businesses,” he said.
Additional announcements regarding new comedy shows and classes at the Joe & Corey Bergstein Theater will be shared in the coming months.
According to ArtsQuest, Fall 2026 Comedy Programming at the Creative Factory, powered by PPL, will include:
Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.- Kirsten Michelle Cilis
Kirsten Michelle Cilis is a terminally ill stand-up comic known for her dark wit, commanding stage presence, and unmistakable Philly edge. Performing alongside her oxygen tank, she transforms personal adversity into razor-sharp comedy. Kirsten has headlined clubs and colleges nationwide and opened for Tim Meadows, Judy Gold, Mark Gagnon, and Laurie Kilmartin. She was recently featured at the Big Pine Comedy Festival and the Boston Comedy Festival, earning “Best of Fest” honors at both.
Nov. 21, 8:00 p.m.- Winston Hodges
Winston Hodges is from DC by way of Richmond, VA. He’s toured all over the East Coast, showcasing his southern charm and edgy wit. He has been featured on Don’t Tell Comedy’s Secret Sets and was a Top 6 finalist on Kevin Hart’s “Funny AF” for Netflix – starting with thousands of applicants and forty four original competitors. His videos have been viewed over a combined thirty million times online.
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. – Olden Girls: A Drag Parody in Two Acts
Dorothy, Sophia, Rose, and Blanche are back when Jerry Schmidt’s Enigma Players present ‘Olden Girls – A Drag Parody in 2 Acts. In Act One, What Did Blanche Do Now?, the girls find themselves dealing with the latest chaos caused by Blanche’s questionable decisions. In Act Two, Rose Sees the Light, follows Rose as she discovers joy, purpose, and unexpected happiness through a new church experience. Featuring original scripts that feel like long-lost episodes of the beloved series, Olden Girls captures the heart and humor of the classic characters while giving them a fresh, distinctly modern twist.
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.- Carmen Lynch
Carmen Lynch has over 280K followers on TikTok and Instagram combined at @carmencomedian. She has toured all over Europe with Louis CK and made multiple appearances on most late-night talk shows, including Fallon, Colbert, Letterman, Conan, and Ferguson. Carmen has three comedy specials on YouTube: one in English titled “Queef Week”, one in Spanish called “Carmen Lynch en Español,” and a Dry Bar special titled “Awkwardly Hot”. She’s recording her fourth hour later this year.