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In 1985 Michael E. Williams, a former member of Quincy Jones Productions and a concert promoter, had an idea to provide a platform for African American culture. This platform would be in the area of comedy which would emanate from one place, from this idea the Comedy Act Theatre was born. Michael positioned his first club in the historic cultural neighborhood of Leimert Park, Los Angeles, California’s Westside. After experiencing the gifting, of the iconic Robin Harris, Williams hired him as the Master of Ceremonies for the Los Angeles club; it proved to be a gamechanger. (Harris remained MC until his untimely death in 1990.) On C.A.T’s first night, a little-known comic‒Sinbad was one of 17 other comedic talents to perform. As the concept skyrocket in success, the second club opened in Oakland, California, in 1987, then on to Atlanta, Georgia, 1990 and finally to the Chicago, Illinois in 1992 Comedy Act Theatre. As the club became successful, it emerged as an opportunity for the audience to hear their artistic voice expressed through the performers onstage. As founder-visionary of the original Comedy Act Theatre, Michael Williams was able to develop effective relationships with a variety of gifted performers. The collaboration was the development of a successful enterprise that combined the talents of the comedians with his undeniable entrepreneurial vision and leadership; also, Michael honed his skills as a writer and producer.

Under the leadership of Michael E. Williams, the Comedy Act Theatre became a powerful tool in establishing the relationship between audience and performer in a comedy club setting. The Comedy Act Theatre exposed (show-business professionals), including producers, writers, directors, casting agents and talent promoters, to a new pool of performers. Mr. Williams efforts opened industry doors, establishing diverse career opportunities within the industry and confirmed African American comedy was financially viable.