Big Couch

Conception and Pandemic Origins (2020)

Scott Anderson and Carrie Moulder conceived Big Couch in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, envisioning a dedicated home for long-form improv comedy in New Orleans. The project took several years to realize due to pandemic conditions and the challenges of establishing a physical performance space.

Opening in Bywater (2024)

Big Couch opened its physical venue in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans in January 2024, marking the realization of the founders' four-year project. The theater offers both performances by resident ensembles and a class program, filling a significant gap in New Orleans's live comedy landscape and giving the city a dedicated improv home.

Big Couch brings dedicated long-form improv performance and training to New Orleans's Bywater neighborhood, realized after years of planning through the pandemic period.

Three to six shows weekly (Wednesday through Sunday) spanning improv, stand-up, sketch comedy, storytelling, burlesque, drag, film screenings, and theatre. Free Saturday 1 PM improv comedy jam open to all levels. Programming in a 75-seat theater inside a 4,900-square-foot Bywater venue at the corner of St. Claude Avenue and Desire Street, which also includes a classroom, art exhibition space, and lounge area.

Co-founded by Scott Anderson and Carrie Moulder, both with decades of national and international experience producing, performing, and teaching improv comedy. Opened in 2020 in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood as a multi-discipline creative incubator extending beyond traditional improv to support stand-up, sketch, burlesque, drag, music, and visual arts. The venue serves as a community hub for New Orleans' independent comedy and performance scene.