Rooted In NYC
AÂ GAMIFIEDÂ COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Made By New Yorkers, For New Yorkers Â
The Missing Stage for NYC's Comedy Scene
Comedy has always been about connection— but the spaces that nurture it have all but disappeared.
Today, comedians have talent and drive, but few have a network to support them between performances. What's more is that many struggle to combine creative expression with the practical business skills needed to produce shows, grow an audience, and build sustainable careers. There isn't a consistent way to build community, collaborate, or engage audiences during the moments that truly shape their craft.
What’s missing isn’t opportunity, it’s infrastructure— a space built to keep the heartbeat of comedy alive, even when the spotlight fades. No single ecosystem combines community, creative development, and career opportunity, especially one rooted in the unique energy of NYC’s comedy scene.
The Comedy Circle is rebuilding that infrastructure by connecting comedians, audiences, and brands through NYC’s culture and creativity.
Developed by Rooted in NYC, it's designed to help comedians:
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Engage audiences between shows with challenges, storytelling, and interactive content
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Collaborate with peers, venues, and brands to grow their presence
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Access resources to make producing and promoting shows easier
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Earn rewards for creative participation and community impact
Why Join?
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Monetize Your Audience: Earn monthly recurring revenue when your audience joins the platform.
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Give Back Through Comedy:Â Tie your work to local initiatives that create a cleaner, greener, and healthier NYC.
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Grow Your Visibility:Â Be featured in Rooted In NYC programs, challenges, and community initiatives.
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Build Community: Connect with other comedians, creatives, community members, and even brands that care about the same things you do.
How It Works
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Join the Circle:Â Sign up as a member of the platform.
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Take on Challenges:Â From eco-themed jokes to community mic nights, each challenge is designed to grow your craft and your audience.
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Earn & Share Rewards:Â Your fans earn points for participating, while you earn revenue and recognition for bringing them in.
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Lead the Movement: Collaborate on activations, join clean-and-green comedy events, and showcase how laughter can build a better city.
Comedian Challenges Include:
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Write a “green punchline” and share it on stage or online.
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Join a local mic night where entry = bringing a recyclable or reusable item.
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Post a 30-second clip connecting comedy with NYC life & wellness.
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Attend a local clean-up initiative and make it funny.
What's Next?
We’re hosting an online Q&A session for those who want to learn more about Rooted In NYC, explore the beta program, and discover how to get involved as early testers and future affiliates. This is your chance to ask questions, see the platform in action, and find out how your comedy can connect to growth, rewards, and offline impact.
A Social Networking ANDÂ Rewards Platform?
We made a digital third space where every day turns into real support for community, culture, and collective wellness. The game is easy: participate in online and offline challenges, conversations, and activities that earn points to unlock real-world perks and prizes—discounts, event access, or special giveaways that celebrate culture, community, and impact.
This track is specifically designed for the NYC comedy scene, where you’ll gain early access to the platform, explore creative challenges, and help test features that will shape the experience for the wider community. As an affiliate, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn income while continuing to make an impact across the city we call home.
How Can Our Online World Serve To Make the Actual One A Better Place?
That's the question we asked ourselves when we set out to build this platform. We searched far and wide for ways to turn every day into an opportunity to support local businesses, communities and initiatives that foster growth and well-being for residents of New York City. That's how we came to create this gamified experience that rewards you for participating in real, tangible ways.Â
Where Do Proceeds Go?
40% Goes Back To The Community
This includes local projects, resources, and initiatives that you get to experience directly. This reinvestment strengthens community resilience and creates impact where it’s needed most.
10% Goes To Charity
This portion is donated directly to local charities that our members help decide on, ensuring support flows to causes that make a difference. It’s one more way Rooted In NYC turns collaboration into real, measurable impact across the city.
50% Goes To Staffing & Operations
This share covers fair wages, professional development, and the tools our staff and contractors need to bring this project to life. It also sustains essential operations so our work can continue year-round.
