Comedians have a strange sort of superpower. Granted, they can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound and no, they can’t catch speeding bullets with their bare hands. What they can do, however, is arguably even more helpful (unless you really do need someone stronger than a locomotive, in which case you are out of luck!). By calling attention to the absurdities of our world and making the seemingly complex grounded and relatable, comedians can shift a listener’s entire perspective at a moment's notice and inspire change at a fundamental level. Sound powerful? It is. Take that, Superman.

Greg Proops, Actor and Comedian

Greg Proops is probably most recognizable for his role on the hit show, Whose Line is it Anyway?, but his comedy accolades extend far beyond the international improv hit. He has performed voiceover work for Disney and Netflix projects, released his own stand-up album, and has toured internationally with improv groups all across the world ranging from Tokyo to London.

In addition, Proops currently hosts the hit podcast, The Smartest Man in the World, portions of which serve as the inspiration for his keynote speech. Much like an improv act, Proops strings together seemingly unrelated concepts ranging from quirky historical references to sports trivia, and general life advice to make a larger and more fundamental point on living well and making your presence known.

John Crist, Stand-Up Comedian

In an age where many comedians get their biggest laughs from jokes that feel jaded or cynical, John Crist feels like a breath of fresh air. He has a down-to-earth style that is impossible not to like. Best known as a viral sensation with over 300 million views on his YouTube shorts, Crist pokes fun at everything from millennials to extreme subcultures to the absurd challenges of taking your kids to Disneyland.

Though he has become increasingly well known in recent years and opened for the likes of Jeff Foxworthy, Dave Chappelle, and Trevor Noah, Crist still keeps his feet on the ground. His act is inspired in large part by his upbringing, being raised as one of eight homeschooled siblings and growing up as an active member of the Church.

Ryan Hamilton, Named One of Rolling Stones’ Five Comics to Watch

With appearances on the Tonight Show and the release of his own Netflix special, Ryan Hamilton is well on his way to becoming a household comedy name. In fact, he recently opened for Jerry Seinfeld and Gad Emalah at Carnegie Hall. He has racked up an impressive number of comedy festival appearances and built up a following of fans who can’t get enough of his self-effacing and unassuming style.

Born and raised in Idaho, but now based in the New York comedy scene, Hamilton’s act has a bit of a “small town boy in a big city,” flavor, but don't let that fool you. He covers a wide range of topics and finds a way to bring a laugh to all in attendance.

Michael Carbonaro, America’s Favorite Trickster

Magician and prankster Michael Carbonaro amazes and confounds audiences in equal measure with a truly unique style. Named “Magician of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts, Carbonaro has gained notoriety in recent years from his hit show, The Carbonaro Effect, a hidden camera series that runs in the vein of Candid Camera, and captures his illusions and pranks on unsuspecting (and often unbelieving) audiences.

Now, Carbonaro is taking his talents on the road and performing live for audiences across the nation. His act combines magic, video clips, and a general sense of fun and disbelief for a truly unforgettable experience.

Tom Shillue, Comedian and Television Host

Tom Shillue has done a little bit of everything. And by a little bit, I mean an incredible amount. He is the host of the Quiz Show on Fox Nation, made appearances on Fallon’s, Colbert’s, and Conan’s comedy shows, and hosted his own Comedy Central special. Perhaps the most impressive jewel in his comedy crown was the release of twelve back-to-back comedy albums for a “12 in 12” project.

In his keynote speech based on his book, Mean Dads For A Better America: The Generous Rewards Of An Old-Fashioned Childhood, Shillue reminisces on growing up in 1970s Boston, the value of a traditional childhood, and the counterintuitive logic of how tough parents may produce more grounded and happy children.

Tim Urban, Celebrated Blogger

Blogger, Cartoonist, and Free Thinker, Urban is best known for his work drawing and producing the long-form comic, Wait but Why, where he tackles issues ranging from “The American Brain” to “Email Delays.” Don’t let the description of “comic” fool you into thinking this is anything less than art, Urban has had several of his works reprinted and distributed by noted publications ranging from the Atlantic to Time. A master of making the complex simple and accessible, Urban has carved out a unique niche for himself in the modern media and intellectual landscape.

Urban has delivered several Ted Talks with his address on procrastination being particularly well-loved and shared. His other keynote speeches range from highbrow topics like artificial intelligence and the search for extraterrestrial life to something as ordinary as how to communicate well.

Interested in hosting an event that your audience will cherish for years to come? Contact Executive Speakers Bureau and book a top Comedian Keynote Speaker today.