SANTA MONICA, CA | BERGAMOT STATION
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Championing diverse voices through comedy and storytelling as tools for expression, healing, and social progress.
305
Artists Paid & Counting Each Day!
548,430.87
dollars in total paid to artists, with $204,597.87 coming from this year alone (year-to-date**)
7,680
Open mic performances at The Crow
Learn more about the impact through each of our programs
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STORYECTOMY* Storytelling Mentorship
A community-driven social justice and mental health initiative that utilizes the art of storytelling and comedy to provide creative expression, community healing, and social justice policy change.
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Bergamot Comedy Fest
Bergamot Comedy Fest is for discovering and advancing up-and-coming and marginalized voices, connecting them to audiences and Hollywood executives seeking new talent.
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Education for Adults
Stand-up, improv, sketch, and storytelling to help students deepen their understanding of themselves and develop their performance skills to present their true selves to the world.
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Education for Children
We are preparing our future world leaders to use their voices for good, feel comfortable standing on a stage with confidence, strengthen their team-building skills, and discover their own personal power of creative expression.
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Professional Development of Comedic Artists
Discovering and advancing up-and-coming comics and underrepresented voices; connecting them with top industry to amplify their voice and impact culture through the art of comedy.
Press & News
ABC 7
At the soul of comedy is storytelling
NBC
Laugh until it hurts - all for a great cause
KCAL NEWS
Storyectomy is as cathartic for [the performer], as it is for the audience
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LA TIMES
Creating a safe and accessible space for comics at all stages of their careers [is the] vision…
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LA MAG
The human experience is not meant to be alone; we need to find our village, our commonality. It’s a way of finding hope and healing through laughter…
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SANTA MONICA OBSERVER
This collaborative space is built around inclusivity and advancement for all…
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NEWS BREAK
The safety of the room....breeds vulnerability, which leads to connection and friendships…
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THE ARGONAUT
The Crow is committed to bettering the world through stand-up, performance art, music and storytelling…
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SMPD
Storyectomy classes act as a unique support group where experiences are shared and meaningful connections are made…
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SMPD
When you have to watch that person on stage... you realize the reflection in the mirror could be you or is part of you…
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LA TIMES
Storyectomy: the Crow Cancer Comedy Class
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LA TIMES
Bergamot is going to lift you up, bring [the] industry to you and allow you to be seen without shame, without the idea of, ‘We want you to be more like ‘this.’...
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SMPD
I feel like this really hits with what Bergamot Station Arts Center was made to be," Blaine said. "It [is] supposed to be a collective of community, celebrating the arts, and there is supposed to be programming here that is free, that is vibrant, and that represents the voices from all...
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LA TIMES
Over the last two years since the Crow opened, Blaine has made it the community-oriented venue's mission to amplify underrepresented voices of female-identifying, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ talent. To do so, she decided to work backwards. If there weren't enough ...
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SMPD
The BCF is also putting a special focus on the showcasing of female-identifying, IPOC and LGBTQ talent. A rigorous selection process made sure the pool of performers was diverse - 50% female and non-binary identifying in the end...
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SMPD
Borowsky and the comedians on site attempted to build 300 boxes during the afternoon session, part of a mental health focused day for the entertainers run by Comedy Gives Back. The nonprofit teamed with Crow Founder Nicole Blaine to bring FYA ...
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LA TIMES
The festival is designed to nurture not just comedians but the surrounding community. Before any performer takes the stage at the Crow for the Bergamot fest, Blaine provides in-depth educational conversations with key industry players.
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THE ARGONAUT
Education should be free, so all the panels are free, whether you got into the fest or not,” Blaine said. “It has to be accessible … and that’s the only way to build a real community of artists. You’ve got to give them the tools…
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYIN’
Kids Summer Comedy Camp
"The importance of diversity of stories and backgrounds is life changing, and life saving."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience"A dazzlingly inclusive, intimate, hilarious, and joyful evening that made me feel closer to the Santa Monica community than I've experienced in four and a half years of living here."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience"I identify as a cisgender heterosexual man and when a transgender woman took the stage to talk about the pain she felt for simply being who she was, I cried. I felt empathy for my fellow human being... and it didn't matter that she was different than me."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience"Cities like Santa Monica where inclusivity and belonging are core values needs programs that knot the community together like this one. I urge the city's stakeholders to continue to support Storyectomy."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audienc"I cannot await to attend something again at the CROW but also to vehemently support this annual event next year. So needed."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
"One particularly notable moment was when a colleague, also a physician, shared their reflections on the event. They remarked how Storyectomy, Family Pride demonstrated the spirit of Santa Monica as a gem of diversity and inclusion in Los Angeles."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer"Storyectomy highlighted the beauty and power of storytelling, showcasing the authenticity and vulnerability in human experiences. It is my great hope that this class offering will continue for the next person who needs it, god knows I did."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer"This program didn't just offer stories; it built a community of support and empathy, reminding us that we are not alone in our battles. It was a beacon of hope and strength during a dark time, and for that, I am eternally thankful."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer"To have a platform like this, at such a professional place, with such gifted and experienced teachers, was a dream. I feel beyond lucky to have been a part of this six week program. It has truly changed my life and the way I view myself in the world."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer"The experience was incredible. Being in Nicole’s class helped me heel from my birth trauma more than years of therapy and medication had. It was truly life changing and so fun."
Storyectomy* Baby Bumps Performer-
"Storyectomy was the first phase of my trauma therapy after my cancer journey. It gently eased me back to face the darkest moments of cancer treatment with my son..."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"The importance of diversity of stories and backgrounds is life changing, and life saving."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"A dazzlingly inclusive, intimate, hilarious, and joyful evening that made me feel closer to the Santa Monica community than I've experienced in four and a half years of living here."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"I felt so accepted and in turn I was able to give more of myself."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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"The event provided a platform and venue for very important and meaningful voices to be heard about an important and powerful subject."
Storyectomy* Baby Bumps Performer
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""...If just one person hears my story and it gives them an ounce of hope, an ounce of happiness, an ounce of pressure relief during a life and death situation, the Storyectomy experience will be a success. "
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"One particularly notable moment was when a colleague, also a physician, shared their reflections on the event. They remarked how Storyectomy, Family Pride demonstrated the spirit of Santa Monica as a gem of diversity and inclusion in Los Angeles."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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"The experience was incredible. Being in Nicole’s class helped me heel from my birth trauma more than years of therapy and medication had. It was truly life changing and so fun."
Storyectomy* Baby Bumps Performer
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"This show was amazing and so important!! For anyone who's experienced cancer, as a patient or loved one, the stories provided such emotional catharsis and support. There isn't a show like this anywhere and I know everyone who attended was lifted up and inspired. "
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"The experience has left an indelible mark on me, and I am grateful for the chance to be part of such a meaningful and impactful event."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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"Thank you so much to The Crow for providing Storyectomy to our community and also for the performers who undoubtedly gained so much from the experience."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"This program is more than stopping cancer, it’s a community for growth and healing. As far as Nicole would go for her crew is beyond iconic!"
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"To have a platform like this, at such a professional place, with such gifted and experienced teachers, was a dream. I feel beyond lucky to have been a part of this six week program. It has truly changed my life and the way I view myself in the world."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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" I identify as a cisgender heterosexual man and when a transgender woman took the stage to talk about the pain she felt for simply being who she was, I cried. I felt empathy for my fellow human being... and it didn't matter that she was different than me."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"Storyectomy highlighted the beauty and power of storytelling, showcasing the authenticity and vulnerability in human experiences. It is my great hope that this class offering will continue for the next person who needs it, god knows I did."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"Sharing my story through Storyectomy was incredibly healing. I created a community during a desperate time in my life..."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"My nonbinary child was thrilled to see people like them, telling stories they could relate to, on stage in front of a crowd. It gave my child a boost in confidence and made them "feel seen"..."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"[Twelve... on a scale from one to ten] would recommend for others to participate in. Nicole has a gift of doing this work and EVERYONE who walks into the Crow / these programs will walk away a better person, a stronger survivor, and a better storyteller, too."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Perfomer
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"The biggest impact Storyectomy had on me was the community of people it connected me with… It was extremely validating to feel seen and heard by others who have had similar experiences."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"As an oncologist, Storyectomy made me a better doctor. Hearing stories from both sides of the desk was transformative and life affirming."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"I am deeply grateful to the Crow for fostering such a safe and nurturing environment. It became a sanctuary where we could openly share our highs, lows, and everything in between."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"The courage and vulnerability of the participants, combined with the compassionate atmosphere, made Storyectomy an unforgettable and transformative experience."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"This program didn't just offer stories; it built a community of support and empathy, reminding us that we are not alone in our battles. It was a beacon of hope and strength during a dark time, and for that, I am eternally thankful."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"As a person still in treatment when I performed in the first Storyectomy show, the experience was so novel, supportive, fun and healing!!! Laughter is the best medicine."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"She has created such a warm, collaborative space for performers, cancer people, their supporters, & audience members it was just a great process and wonderful part of my healing. I will be forever grateful..."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"I was really impressed by Nicole’s casting as all of the participants had really unique stories and personalities. We became each other’s cheerleaders and showed each other respect and support."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"Nicole created a safe environment for us to express ourselves in ways we didn’t know were possible. It was an incredible experience full of laughter, tears, and cherished memories."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"Participating in Storyectomy at The Crow was a transformative experience."
Storyectomy* End Cancer Performer
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"This was the most impactful and inspiring class I’ve ever taken."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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"This show included all walks of life, identity, and perspectives. It made me laugh, cry, and then laugh again. It was real."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"The Storyectomy Family Pride class with Jeffrey Jay and Nicole Blaine was the best class I've ever taken."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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"Moving and brilliant. Cathartic and healing."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"This event lit up Santa Monica for a night. [It] was a huge breath of fresh air, and I think there should be many more like it."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"Nicole was amazing at fostering community and making us all feel comfortable opening up and sharing really hard and vulnerable stuff."
Storyectomy* Baby Bumps Performer
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"I am disabled (Hard of Hearing) and both the teachers and classmates worked to make sure I was fully included at all times, which I deeply appreciated. Our performance night will go down as one of the best nights of my life."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Performer
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"Cities like Santa Monica where inclusivity and belonging are core values needs programs that knot the community together like this one. I urge the city's stakeholders to continue to support Storyectomy."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"Hearing so many people who went through almost the exact same things was so powerful, and knowing that there is life and levity on the other side has stuck with me since the show. It showed me I can keep going, and that there is community and love waiting for me."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"Building a community to share your most vulnerable life experience requires a very special safe space... this event would not have been possible if the room wasn't completely safe, comforting, and connecting."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"I am a straight, white, man and it was immensely helpful for me to hear the stories of my neighbors who are different from me. Hate and misunderstanding grow when we don't listen and connect with people that are different from ourselves. This show will send a positive wave of connection throughout our city."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"We need more safe places like this on our globe!"
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audiece
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"I cannot await to attend something again at the CROW but also to vehemently support this annual event next year. So needed."
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
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"The Crow has been able to provide this amazing stage that embraces the very essence of: We are here together for you.. and all of us!"
Storyectomy* Family Pride Audience
Thanks to our funding partners
