Laugh Boston and John Tobin Presents Announce Merger

Boston's Iconic Stand-Up Comedy Club and Iconic Stand-Up Producer Officially Tie the Knot

BOSTON, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a major move for the New England comedy scene, Laugh Boston and John Tobin Presents (JTP) have officially merged, bringing together two of the region's most influential comedy producers under one unified banner. The merger solidifies a longtime collaboration between Laugh Boston and JTP, who have worked closely for over a decade to develop not only Laugh Boston, but a variety of successful comedy brands, venues, and touring shows throughout Greater Boston and beyond.

Laugh Boston is part of the Asylum family of companies, which also includes the iconic Improv Asylum, Asylum NYC, Lil' Chuck, and a growing slate of original comedy content, classes, and corporate team building programs, including Asylum Team Building.

"I am overjoyed by having John Tobin Presents officially join Norm and the Laugh Boston and Wicked team," said John Tobin, founder of JTP. "The truth is, we have worked together for years and built—and helped each other build—some pretty special entertainment brands in Boston, its suburbs, and beyond. By becoming one cohesive brand, we will be able to work smarter and with a complete focus on our talent on stage and off—and especially our loyal audiences. We are all in on much bigger things ahead working as one!"

As part of the merger, John Tobin will serve as Vice President of the Stand-Up Comedy Division, overseeing booking strategy, talent development, and venue expansion across the region. All JTP operations and team members will be integrated into the broader Asylum organization, further aligning shared values around artist support, innovative programming, and audience experience.

"John has been instrumental in bringing stand-up comedy to Boston for over 25 years," said Norm Laviolette, CEO and Co-Founder of Improv Asylum and Laugh Boston. "I don't know anyone who genuinely loves stand-up comedy—and particularly the comics themselves—more than John. On stage and off, there has been no bigger champion of comedians than John. I look forward to continuing our comedy collaboration with Laugh Boston and beyond."

Together, the combined entity will present a robust calendar of shows at Laugh Boston, Off Cabot in Beverly, Roar! Comedy Club at MGM Springfield, and many other stages throughout New England—solidifying its position as the premiere independent comedy brand in the region.

About Laugh Boston

Laugh Boston is a 300-seat state-of-the-art comedy club located in Boston's booming Seaport District. Since its opening, it has become a home for national headliners, up-and-coming talent, and special event programming. It is a proud member of the Asylum family of companies, one of the most successful independent comedy enterprises in the country.

About John Tobin Presents

John Tobin Presents is a Boston-based entertainment and production company that has curated stand-up comedy across dozens of venues in the region. With a deep passion for live entertainment and decades of experience, JTP has built a strong reputation for championing comics and producing top-tier comedy experiences.

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SOURCE Improv Asylum