Press

Visit Varietyville the second Thursday of every month* at the LA Connection Comedy Theatre!

*Special shows on Halloween and Mardi Gras

Download Press Kit

Austin Walker’s Varietyville is a monthly live show that pays homage to the timeless spectacle of variety shows and vaudeville, serving as a playground for Tinseltown’s funniest and most peculiar performers.

Drawing inspiration from classic variety show legends like Dean Martin, Carol Burnett, and the Muppets, Varietyville blends scripted storytelling with improvisational blunders, guided by the antics of Founder and Mayor of Varietyville, Austin Laine Walker. Each show features characters from The Varietyvillians, the foot-stomping tunes of The Varietyville Pickers, and side-splitting local talent.

Each Varietyville is a new chapter in the story of our town, and you, the audience, are our citizens. With new and recurring characters, episodic sketches, and sequel storylines, we hope you feel at home at every show!

Visitors to Varietyville say:

“This is what joy looks and sounds like.”

“It’s amazing! Love the singing! Love the jokes!”

“There’s sketch, puppets, magic, musical performances, stand up comedy, improv…aliens have shown up before! It’s in the name, and it genuinely lives up to the concept of variety.”

“Scrappy and full of heart!” 

“I like that with very new act, you don’t know what’s coming. You see a lot of stuff. That’s what variety is…you come to see the unexpected.”

Two men dressed in costumes with hats, smiling and posing for a photo on a stage.
A wedding scene with a bride holding a bouquet, standing with a groom and two officiants during the ceremony.
A man with gray curly hair and a beard, wearing a brown checkered blazer, speaking into a microphone on stage with a dark background and colorful text projection.
Five actors in costume on stage during a play with a forest scene projected in the background.

Featured Clips

“Best Day Ever” feat. Tom Kenny at Varietyville Turns Two

“Vatican Rag” at Varietyville At Sea

“Gumbo Man” at Varietyville Mardi Gras (original song)

“TikTokers, Influencers, and Streamers! Oh My!” at Varietyville Visits Oz

“Aunt Dicey’s House” at My Varietyville Valentine

“A Train Robbery” at Varietyville Wild West

Stay in the loop…

As the crisp autumn air envelops the City of Angels, spirits rise from their slumber to fill the skies for the ghastliest time of the season… Varietyville-O-Ween 3!! 🎃👻🔮🐊 ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT our third annual spook-tacular returns from the
As the crisp autumn air envelops the City of Angels, spirits rise from their slumber to fill the skies for the ghastliest time of the season… Varietyville-O-Ween 3!! 🎃👻🔮🐊 ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT our third annual spook-tacular returns from the grave and this time it’s bigger than ever thanks to the @burbankarts Grant! Trader Gator has packed up his swamp shack to set up shop at the @laconnectiontheatre for a manic evening of magic, music, and mayhem. Starring special GHOSTS: award-winning recording artist, @honeylarochelle, and Magic Castle Junior Society magician, @isha_magic_! With a frightful video introduction from the devilish @davidkoechner... Plus the altogether ooky antics of your favorite fiends: Dr. M.C. Gainey & the Varietyvillians (@caitbidwell, Suzanne Nichols, @awilldressedman, @irisrae426, and @yasha.rayzberg) and music from @mikebolgermusic & the Varietyville Sound (Fiddlin’ @tomhanslowe, @jaredtashjian, and @missmadison38), at a new spooky showtime of 8:30pm. Preceded by our very first FREE community event, Trader Gator’s Trick-R-Treatin’ Sideshow!! Featuring special guests, the @laghostbusters! There’ll be copious amounts of candy. Cartoons from @fleischertoons. Spidora, the spider-girl, Beulah the Bearded Lady, Crawdope the Crawdad Kid, and MORE all alive and in person!! The fun creeps in at 6:30pm on October 31st, so make your plans to visit Varietyville this Halloween!! Come for the treats, stay for the freaks! #linkinbio #halloween #spookyseason #varietyshow #losangeles #burbank #comedy #music #magic #ghostbusters #freakshow #sideshow
DISCLAIMER!! Absolutely no Artificial Intelligence goes into the creation of Varietyville! However… thanks to a birthday gift from Trader Gator, some OMNISCIENT Intelligence does. #sydneysweeney #americaneagle #mcgainey #conair #varietyshow #losangeles #TraderGator #ai #artificialinteligence #puppet
STOP! Look, and listen… It’s Halloween!! Happy spooky season to all who celebrate! 🎃👻🔮🐊 We can’t wait to for our annual shindig with Trader Gator again on Halloween night at the @laconnectiontheatre. Don’t forget to give him your vote for #FaceOfHalloween!! Trust us, we NEED him in a good mood. #linkinbio #horrorhost #spooky #halloween #october #varietyshow #losangeles #character
Trader Gator seemingly commandeered @1025thebone’s broadcasting signal and transmitted himself smack dab in the middle of #SenningShow… Our apologies to all involved. @thejohnsenning. The #BoneFam. FCC czar, Brendan Carr. We had NOTHING to do with this. #linkinbio #faceofhalloween #horrorhost #tradergator #talkradio
As we continue to mourn the untimely explosion of our host and founder, @theaustinwalker, we’re reminded of all those who departed Varietyville too soon… Many of whom we miss dearly, now memorialized for posterity during this tender moment from Varietyville Turns Two; Here’s our stirring rendition of Dr. Ralph Stanley’s “Gloryland”. #inmemoriam #bluegrass #folk #acapella #ralphstanley #varietyshow #losangeles
That Monday feelin’. 📸: @adamk7861 #varietyshow #mcgainey #sketchcomedy #losangeles #roman #monday
That Monday feelin’. 📸: @adamk7861 #varietyshow #mcgainey #sketchcomedy #losangeles #roman #monday
We’re still recovering from an emotional show last week after our host and founder, Austin Laine Walker, took the brunt of a bomb during “Varietyville Dies Hard”. That may have been the final chapter in Austin’s story, but in
We’re still recovering from an emotional show last week after our host and founder, Austin Laine Walker, took the brunt of a bomb during “Varietyville Dies Hard”. That may have been the final chapter in Austin’s story, but in his memory, Varietyville lives on… Join us for our annual Halloween spook-tacular, Varietyville-O-Ween III, on Friday October 31st! More details to come. Rest in peace, Austin. 🙏🏻👼🏼 #varietyshow #losangeles #comedy #theatre #burbank
Don’t cry because it’s Monday… Smile because Varietyville Dies Hard THIS Thursday!! 8pm at the @laconnectiontheatre in beautiful downtown Burbank! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #burbank #comedy #losangeles #theatre
Don’t cry because it’s Monday… Smile because Varietyville Dies Hard THIS Thursday!! 8pm at the @laconnectiontheatre in beautiful downtown Burbank! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #burbank #comedy #losangeles #theatre
Wishing all our compadres an easy ride into the weekend! Rest up because we’ve got an action-packed week ahead as Thursday September 11th, VARIETYVILLE DIES HARD! Yippee-ki-yay!! 🤠 #linkinbio #happytrails #wildwest #cowboys #geneautry #varietyshow #losangeles #burbank #western #theatre
There’s less than eight hours to help Trader Gator finish first in the initial round of @officialfaceofhalloween!! He’s currently in second place and we’re really worried about what he’s capable of if things stay that way, so
There’s less than eight hours to help Trader Gator finish first in the initial round of @officialfaceofhalloween!! He’s currently in second place and we’re really worried about what he’s capable of if things stay that way, so please support @starlightchildrensfoundation and vote as soon as you can… the very existence of Varietyville may depend on it! #linkinbio #faceofhalloween #horrorhost #halloween #swampmagic #TraderGator #varietyshow #losangeles #florida
With a talented ensemble like ours, there’s sure to be some dissension amongst the cast… When that time comes, it’s always best to express your grievances in a calm and collected manner. As exemplified in this moment from Varietyville Turns Two! Now on YouTube. Catch Jim, Jane, and The Varietyvillians back in ACTION on Thursday September 11th at 8pm at the @laconnectiontheatre when VARIETYVILLE DIES HARD!! #linkinbio #varietyshow #losangeles #burbank #comedy #theatre #puppet
IN A WORLD where action movies engross pop culture… one show dares to pay tribute the only way they know how: through musical numbers, puppetry, sketch comedy, and cartoons! On Thursday September 11th … VARIETYVILLE DIES HARD STARRING
IN A WORLD where action movies engross pop culture… one show dares to pay tribute the only way they know how: through musical numbers, puppetry, sketch comedy, and cartoons! On Thursday September 11th … VARIETYVILLE DIES HARD STARRING Hollywood hunk @robomalley, legendary character actor Dr. M.C. Gainey, magic man @matt.felten, The Varietyvillians (@caitbidwell, Suzanne Nichols, “Transatlantic Will” Marcil, @irisrae426, & @yasha.rayzberg), and the best band in the whole damn land - @jc.wrights.music, @mikebolgermusic, @alan.rigoletto, and Fiddlin’ @tomhanslowe. PLUS puppet team Rarick & Morgenstern, and cartoons from @artby_isaiah and @fleischertoons (courtesy of @rockinpins). Hosted by that southern-fried Florida Man, Austin Laine Walker. Don’t miss this heart-racing ride through Varietyville, next Thursday September 11th at 8pm, in beautiful downtown Burbank, ONLY at the @laconnectiontheatre! #linkinbio #varietyshow #losangeles #comedy #actionmovie #burbank
On the Best Day Ever, we closed out our second year of Varietyville with a surprise singalong featuring one of our heroes, the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny! We couldn’t dream of a more magical way to wrap up this season. Catch us in Year 3 on Second Thursdays every month at the L.A Connection Comedy Theater, and tune in tonight at 6pm PST as “Varietyville Turns Two” premieres live on YouTube! 🎥: @stephenjosephcraig @darrindecay @turnerburton_ 📸: @williamaphotos #bestdayever #varietyshow #losangeles #spongebob #linkinbio #tomkenny #theatre #burbank
You might’ve seen Trader Gator’s post yesterday about Face of Halloween, but in a display of true villainy, he failed to mention that @officialfaceofhalloween benefits our favorite charity, @starlightchildrensfoundation!! Every single sh
You might’ve seen Trader Gator’s post yesterday about Face of Halloween, but in a display of true villainy, he failed to mention that @officialfaceofhalloween benefits our favorite charity, @starlightchildrensfoundation!! Every single show since our @bekindvideo era, we’ve held a Varietyville t-shirt giveaway in support of Starlight, so any campaign that helps fulfill their mission of delivering smiles to seriously ill kids is one we’re proud to get behind! In two years we’ve raised over $600 through $1 donations!! We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to all who have contributed to that total. And thanks to Character Actor Hall of Famer #StephenTobolowsky for drawing our most recent winning ticket! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #losangeles #charity #forthekids #comedy
What do ya get when you add two legendary character actors, three musicians, some puppets, about ten lunatics, a clown, and the voice of a generation? Some might say… the best day ever! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #burbank #comedy #spo
What do ya get when you add two legendary character actors, three musicians, some puppets, about ten lunatics, a clown, and the voice of a generation? Some might say… the best day ever! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #burbank #comedy #spongebob #theatre
It’s time to meet the Varietyville Pickers, the two-man band that sets the musical tone every show! Our pickers are “Fiddlin” Tom Hanslowe and Al Rigoletto, who play fiddle (what else?) and guitar. They’re also responsible for
It’s time to meet the Varietyville Pickers, the two-man band that sets the musical tone every show! Our pickers are “Fiddlin” Tom Hanslowe and Al Rigoletto, who play fiddle (what else?) and guitar. They’re also responsible for the education of the children of Varietyville, with “Mr. Tom” leading classes on the regular with teacher aide Al, performing original musical lessons for the kiddos. Catch their tunes at Varietyville Turns Two! live in Burbank at the L.A. Connection Theater on Aug 14 at 8pm! Check the link in bio for tickets!
Now don’t you tell him you don’t remember him ‘cause he sure as heckfire remembers you!! See Character Actor Hall of Famer STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY this Thursday at Varietyville Turns Two! August 14th at 8pm, only at the @laconnectiontheatre. #linkinbio #varietyshow #losangeles #burbank #groundhogday #freakyfriday #freakierfriday #stephentobolowsky #characteractor #comedy
The Varietyvillian to meet today is our latest addition, Yasha Rayzberg! Yasha joined us when we took a trip back to the Old West, then he hopped aboard our Varietyville sea cruise and officially became a citizen! To see more of his work alongside th
The Varietyvillian to meet today is our latest addition, Yasha Rayzberg! Yasha joined us when we took a trip back to the Old West, then he hopped aboard our Varietyville sea cruise and officially became a citizen! To see more of his work alongside the rest of Varietyville, check out the link in our bio and buy tickets for Varietyville Turns Two! live in Burbank at the L.A. Connection Theater on Aug 14 at 8pm!
Today's Varietyvillian is Iris Perry! Iris first stopped into Varietyville as a Pickle Fairy before becoming a citizen, but she still delivers magic every month with her comedy skills and enchanting voice. To see more of her work alongside the rest o
Today's Varietyvillian is Iris Perry! Iris first stopped into Varietyville as a Pickle Fairy before becoming a citizen, but she still delivers magic every month with her comedy skills and enchanting voice. To see more of her work alongside the rest of Varietyville, check out the link in our bio and buy tickets for Varietyville Turns Two! live in Burbank at the L.A. Connection Theater on Aug 14 at 8pm!
Our next Varietyvillian is Suzanne Nichols! Suzanne lends her powerful voice and comedic timing to our fair city, not to mention starring as our own Aunt Dicey's BFF, Irene. To see more of her work alongside the rest of Varietyville, check out the li
Our next Varietyvillian is Suzanne Nichols! Suzanne lends her powerful voice and comedic timing to our fair city, not to mention starring as our own Aunt Dicey's BFF, Irene. To see more of her work alongside the rest of Varietyville, check out the link in our bio and buy tickets for Varietyville Turns Two! live in Burbank at the L.A. Connection Theater on Aug 14 at 8pm!
As the crisp autumn air envelops the City of Angels, spirits rise from their slumber to fill the skies for the ghastliest time of the season… Varietyville-O-Ween 3!! 🎃👻🔮🐊 ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT our third annual spook-tacular returns from the
DISCLAIMER!! Absolutely no Artificial Intelligence goes into the creation of Varietyville! However… thanks to a birthday gift from Trader Gator, some OMNISCIENT Intelligence does. #sydneysweeney #americaneagle #mcgainey #conair #varietyshow #
STOP! Look, and listen… It’s Halloween!! Happy spooky season to all who celebrate! 🎃👻🔮🐊 We can’t wait to for our annual shindig with Trader Gator again on Halloween night at the @laconnectiontheatre. Don’t forget to give
Trader Gator seemingly commandeered @1025thebone’s broadcasting signal and transmitted himself smack dab in the middle of #SenningShow… Our apologies to all involved. @thejohnsenning. The #BoneFam. FCC czar, Brendan Carr. We had NOTHING
As we continue to mourn the untimely explosion of our host and founder, @theaustinwalker, we’re reminded of all those who departed Varietyville too soon… Many of whom we miss dearly, now memorialized for posterity during this tender mome
That Monday feelin’. 📸: @adamk7861 #varietyshow #mcgainey #sketchcomedy #losangeles #roman #monday We’re still recovering from an emotional show last week after our host and founder, Austin Laine Walker, took the brunt of a bomb during “Varietyville Dies Hard”. That may have been the final chapter in Austin’s story, but in Don’t cry because it’s Monday… Smile because Varietyville Dies Hard THIS Thursday!! 8pm at the @laconnectiontheatre in beautiful downtown Burbank! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #burbank #comedy #losangeles #theatre
Wishing all our compadres an easy ride into the weekend! Rest up because we’ve got an action-packed week ahead as Thursday September 11th, VARIETYVILLE DIES HARD! Yippee-ki-yay!! 🤠 #linkinbio #happytrails #wildwest #cowboys #geneautry #varie
There’s less than eight hours to help Trader Gator finish first in the initial round of @officialfaceofhalloween!! He’s currently in second place and we’re really worried about what he’s capable of if things stay that way, so
With a talented ensemble like ours, there’s sure to be some dissension amongst the cast… When that time comes, it’s always best to express your grievances in a calm and collected manner. As exemplified in this moment from Varietyvi
IN A WORLD where action movies engross pop culture… one show dares to pay tribute the only way they know how: through musical numbers, puppetry, sketch comedy, and cartoons! On Thursday September 11th … VARIETYVILLE DIES HARD STARRING
On the Best Day Ever, we closed out our second year of Varietyville with a surprise singalong featuring one of our heroes, the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny! We couldn’t dream of a more magical way to wrap up this season. Catch us in Y
You might’ve seen Trader Gator’s post yesterday about Face of Halloween, but in a display of true villainy, he failed to mention that @officialfaceofhalloween benefits our favorite charity, @starlightchildrensfoundation!! Every single sh What do ya get when you add two legendary character actors, three musicians, some puppets, about ten lunatics, a clown, and the voice of a generation? Some might say… the best day ever! 📸: @williamaphotos #varietyshow #burbank #comedy #spo It’s time to meet the Varietyville Pickers, the two-man band that sets the musical tone every show! Our pickers are “Fiddlin” Tom Hanslowe and Al Rigoletto, who play fiddle (what else?) and guitar. They’re also responsible for
Now don’t you tell him you don’t remember him ‘cause he sure as heckfire remembers you!! See Character Actor Hall of Famer STEPHEN TOBOLOWSKY this Thursday at Varietyville Turns Two! August 14th at 8pm, only at the @laconnectionthea
The Varietyvillian to meet today is our latest addition, Yasha Rayzberg! Yasha joined us when we took a trip back to the Old West, then he hopped aboard our Varietyville sea cruise and officially became a citizen! To see more of his work alongside th Today's Varietyvillian is Iris Perry! Iris first stopped into Varietyville as a Pickle Fairy before becoming a citizen, but she still delivers magic every month with her comedy skills and enchanting voice. To see more of her work alongside the rest o Our next Varietyvillian is Suzanne Nichols! Suzanne lends her powerful voice and comedic timing to our fair city, not to mention starring as our own Aunt Dicey's BFF, Irene. To see more of her work alongside the rest of Varietyville, check out the li

and follow us on Instagram!