Louie Pearlman, a proudly queer comedian and artist, has fueled NYC's comedy and arts scene with vibrant energy and creativity since 2002.

His original sketches starring the Sesame Street Muppets are featured at Sesame Street Learn and Play in the American Dream Mall, NJ. As a writer for The Sesame Street Podcast and the Webby Award winning Ready Set Ride with Elmo, he engages young audiences with humor and creativity.

An esteemed instructor at The Second City NYC and Improv for Life, Louie nurtures future performers, with his classes featured on People.com.

He also produces, directs, performs, and writes for Story Pirates, (where he has appeared on a Tonie!) captivating listeners and audiences nationwide.

Co-creator and co-writer of the musical Joey and Ron, Louie’s writing work extends to Archie Comics and articles for Gizmodo and Elmore Magazine.

Early in his career, he helped launch talents like Matt McGorry, Griffin Newman, and Elle King while directing Buck's Rock’s comedy program.

Louie Pearlman remains a dedicated innovator and collaborator in the fields of comedy, arts education and theater.

News

With Owen Chan in Ground Floor 44, Calgary AB

With Rob Janowski and Owen Chan, Ground Floor 44, Calgary AB

With the cast of Scribble, Rose Theater, Omaha

With the cast of At the Big Kids’ Table, Second City NYC

Projects this year include:

Directing and producing At the Big Kids’ Table, a professional sketch and improv show featuring rising young comedians from Second City’s prestigious kids and teens program.
Creating and starring in Ground Floor 44, an innovative comedy and variety show showcased at The Kinkonauts’ Coming Home Festival in Calgary, Canada.
DJing live for Scribble, a fully accessible, interactive fusion of art, theater, and dance, presented at Omaha’s Common Senses Festival.
Crafting a fresh, engaging script for the upcoming episode of The Story Pirates Podcast—stay tuned for its release!
Louie’s Improv Classes at Second City NYC received notable recognition, highlighted in a feature on People.com.

Coming Soon: Louie performs in a fully improvised play, Reset, hitting the Theater Center off Broadway this July! Stay tuned for the exact show dates!

Classes

Louie (right) with a recently completed Second City improv class

Photos by Fwee Carter

Testemonials:

Don't let Louie Pearlman's infectious positivity distract you: he is a smart, persistent, and determined educator who specializes in helping students find the latent creativity they didn't even realize they possessed. - Quinton Johnson, National Education Director, Story Pirates
It soon became very clear that Louie was creating a safe bubble in that drab classroom… [and] what we were there to do [was] play. - Breanne L. Heldman, People.com
Taking Improv with Louie Pearlman is some of the best acting/artist/person training I'll ever receive. Louie's passion and love for the process & his students are unmatched. This is the Improv class you've been looking for. - Phil Feldman, Current Student
Louie is an amazing educator and trainer. He does a great job helping people discover new and creative ways for every situation. He is fun, innovative, and I would hire him again and again. He makes the 'boring' become exciting. - Dr. Liz Lasky, PHD, LCSW, Urban Resource Institute
Louie is one of the most effective, qualified educators I've ever met. He manages to navigate between the line of instructor and collaborator with remarkable elegance, never making you feel like you're being talked down to, but always providing valuable insight. His years of experience as a teaching artist, improviser, arts administrator make him one of the most sought-after figures in the New York arts community. - Jason Boxer, Education Fellow, Story Pirates

Louie offers in-person and online classes both independently and through renowned programs like Second City and Story Pirates. He is currently accepting bookings to lead engaging workshops and classes tailored for your company, theater, school, or organization. Whether you’re looking for a one-time session or an ongoing program, Louie is ready to bring creativity and fun to your group.

Check out Louie’s Second City Term 4 ‘25 classes and reserve your spot today:

Improv 1: Mondays, 6:30–9 PM (Starts 6/23)
Improv 3: Sundays, 12–2:30 PM (Starts 6/29)
Improv 5: Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM (Starts 6/24)

Interested in future classes? Join Louie’s mailing list to stay updated on upcoming sessions and opportunities. Reach out now to schedule your class or workshop!

Writer

Louie has crafted a wide range of engaging podcast scripts for Sesame Street! Beyond that, he brings extensive experience as a content writer and blogger. Explore some of his audio and script samples below:

Ready, Set, Ride with Elmo (Webby Winner!):

Episode 108 - Grouchfest

Episode 106 - Rosita at the Baseball Game

Episode 103 - The Count’s Castle

Online Articles:

Reabeat Magazine - Remembering Peter Tork

Tough Pigs - Richard Hunt and the Queer Muppets Hiding In Plain Sight

Tumblr - An Interview with the King of Bubblegum Music, Joey Levine

Check out his Contently portfolio for more writing samples.

Podcast / Radio Show Hosting & Producing

Louie brought humor and insight to XOXO Riverdale, a fan podcast diving deep into the world of Riverdale, alongside fellow comedian Kate Vatter. He also co-hosted Kick The Jukebox, a unique blend of musicology and comedy, teaming up with viral comedy sensation Kyle Gordon to deliver entertaining and thought-provoking chats about the music they love.

He has also guested on many podcasts including:

Story Pirates - Louie was the lead singer on the song Backstroke Raptor

Famous Dead People with Jarret Berenstein

Geeks Out! Podcast

Movin’ Right Along

DJ

Louie is a dynamic DJ specializing in classic Gay Disco, 80s New Wave/Alternative, and 60s Dance Craze, Girl Groups, and Gum. As the resident DJ for Scribble and Camp John Waters, he brings vibrant energy to sets for all ages. Louie has rocked the decks at Union Hall, Beauty Bar, and countless weddings and private parties. Book Louie now. Don’t miss his electrifying Gay Disco Sample mix below!