Comedy Night for Immigrant Rights is the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area’s flagship fundraising event. Our 10th Annual comedy night features comedians Joel Kim Booster, Melissa Villaseñor, W. Kamau Bell, Negin Farsad as emcee.
Every ticket directly supports high-quality, affordable immigration legal services for Bay Area immigrant families – at a time when the need is most urgent.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@iibayarea.org
Event Information
DATE: Thursday, April 30th, 2026
TIME: Show starts at 7:30 PM
Reception for Premiere ticket holders begins at 5:30 PM
LOCATION: Herbst Theatre · 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 · Get Directions
TICKETS:
- Premiere: $250 (includes hors d’oeuvres + pouring by Turley Wine Cellars and Tres Sabores.)
- General Admission: $75
- Students: $45
Performers
MELISSA VILLASEÑOR broke barriers by becoming the first-ever Latina cast member of Saturday Night Live. A comedic impressions expert, she got her start as a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent. Some of Melissa’s most memorable SNL impressions include Owen Wilson, Lady Gaga, and Dolly Parton.
W. KAMAU BELL is a comedian, author, and filmmaker. His CNN docu-series “United Shades of America” won five Emmy awards, and he was awarded a Peabody for his docu-series “We Need To Talk About Cosby.” He is most proud of his Emmy award-winning documentary short “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed”. Kamau is on the board of Donors Choose and Live Free, and is the ACLU’s racial justice ambassador. In 2023 he and his wife Melissa Hudson Bell co-founded Who Knows Best, an Oakland-based production company.
NEGIN FARSAD was named one of 50 Funniest Women by Huffington Post, named one of the 10 Best Feminist Comedians by Paper Magazine, and was selected as a TEDFellow for her work in social justice comedy. She is author of “How to Make White People Laugh,” a memoir-meets-social-justice comedy manifesto which was nominated for the Thurber Prize and recommended by Oprah Magazine. Farsad is host of Fake the Nation, a political comedy podcast on the Earwolf network and she’s a regular panelist on NPR’s “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me.”
JOEL KIM BOOSTER is a Chicago-bred, Los Angeles-based actor, comedian, producer and writer. He is best known for writing and starring in “Fire Island,” which landed him two Emmy Award nominations. Joel’s Netflix comedy special, “Joel Kim Booster: Psychosexual,” explores his experiences and observations as a gay Asian American male with commentary on identity, sexuality cultural expectations and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where is my ticket?
Tickets are sold exclusively through City Box Office: online here (insert ticket purchasing link) by phone at (415) 392-4400, or in person. Digital tickets are emailed immediately after purchase. All sales are final. Refunds are only available if the performance is canceled. A $5–$7 per ticket service fee set by City Box Office is added to most online and phone purchases and is paid by the buyer. - What and when is the Premiere Reception?
Event sponsor guests and Premiere ticket holders are welcome to join IIBA at the pre-show reception from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Please arrive no later than 6 PM to enjoy complimentary wine, beer, “heavy” appetizers, and fun surprises. (Not sure if you have a Premiere ticket? Contact us at giving@iibayarea.org.) - How do I get to the Herbst Theatre?
The Herbst Theatre is part of the of the War Memorial Performing Arts Center across the street from City Hall in San Francisco’s Civic Center. 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. For transportation information, please visit their website. We suggest arriving at least 15 minutes early to find parking and get your wristband. - Is there parking available?
There are several parking garages within walking distance. - What is the dress code?
We suggest business casual. - Who can I contact for support?
For all questions, feel free to contact the IIBA team at giving@iibayarea.org.
For sponsorship questions, please reach out to giving@iibayarea.org