ArtsUP! LA presents:

VETERANS EMPOWERMENT THEATRE COMEDY NIGHT

a one-night-only comedy event!

Listen to talented Veterans get up on the mic and speak the truth! This will be a night of

poignant, hilarious stand-up comedy that you don’t want to miss.

When?

November 4th @ 7PM

Where?

The Blue Door Theatre, 9617 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA.

The show will also be screened virtually - link will be provided with ticket purchase!

(Veterans Comedy night will be re-screened in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11th)

Who?

​Veterans Empowerment Theatre (VET) features a variety of performing arts workshops and opportunities that give our nation’s brave service members a safe environment to voice their own heroic stories, personal tragedies, triumphs, and experiences through theatre. VET is a program within the scope of ArtsUP! LA. 

Single tickets are priced at $10, with $5 tickets available for Vets, people with

disabilities, seniors, and students.

Audience members must provide proof of vaccination for Covid-19, or a recent negative Covid test (3 days or less prior to event)

Including Performances By: 

Irene Cruz – Irene is a Chicago native, and served in the United States Marine Corps

as an Electronic Communications Technician and Supervisor. Years after discharge she

became an outspoken advocate for veterans and was instrumental in providing a safe

space for women veterans and a group of attorneys that led the charge in getting VA

claims for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) overturned. In 2014, she was named Woman

Veteran Leader of the year for the State of CA. In 2015, she was the first female to be

awarded Veteran of the Year for Los Angeles County. Irene is an actress, comedian,

public speaker, educator, writer.

Samuel LaSan – served in the United States Army as a 31 Kilo Communication

specialist. While in basic training, he was known as one of the most motivated soldiers

by the drill sergeants. Now he runs his own Electrical Contracting Business.

Les Probst – A Korean War veteran who got his Electrical Engineering degree from

NYU in 1959 and formed several computer companies over the next 40 plus years. After retirement, he moved to California, and began writing, including a play he co-

wrote with other veterans about PTSD.

Terrell James – a Philadelphia born native who served in the United States Army.

Terrell graduated from UCLA in 20201 with a certification in Music Business. He Is

currently pursuing his dream of opening the KUSH House in California which supports

and grows artists to build their communities.

John Smith - As a Marine Corps Combat Veteran with time spent in the Gulf War, John

Smith enjoyed learning how to Improvise, Adapt, & Overcome. After his time in the

service, he enjoyed training and mentoring over 100,000 adults in the Corporate and

Healthcare industries as a Skills & Effectiveness Trainer and Coach.

Angela N. Adams - born in Florida, and raised in New Jersey, she served in the United

States Army and United States Army Reserves where she retired as a Command

Sergeant Major after serving 30 years. Angela is a proud Veteran of Operation Desert

Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Angela is an actress, comedian,

and public speaker.

Al Dipmore - a New York born, Alabama raised native and U.S. Navy Veteran who is a

comic on the rise. His career began in the Fall of 1993 and was active until the Fall of

2005. He took a 10-year hiatus and decided to return to the stage in 2015 to resume

his passion.