NYC Comedian Kalliope Barlis Named a 2026 Ladies of Laughter Top Ten Finalist

New York City stand-up comedian Kalliope Barlis has been named one of the Top Ten Finalists in the 2026 Ladies of Laughter National Competition. Barlis will perform for industry judges on October 21, 2026, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York, competing for national recognition, theater bookings, and the Ladies of Laughter title.

Barlis brings a diverse background to her comedy. Prior to her stand-up career, she played professional golf from 1997 to 2000 and has since won a club championship and placed in a professional tournament. She is also a Master Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and a three-time best-selling author. Her TEDx talk has garnered over two million views, and a documentary series she produced and directed has received numerous film festival awards.

Her on-stage material draws from personal experiences, including her upbringing, the challenges of competitive sports, and common human fears. Barlis has performed extensively, headlining monthly shows and appearing at various comedy clubs and festivals. She has accumulated over 300 stage performances in just 15 months, building significant career momentum.

Following the Ladies of Laughter competition, Barlis is set to embark on The KFC Tour with comedian Felicia Madison, with dates scheduled in several U.S. cities. The Ladies of Laughter competition has previously launched the careers of notable comedians such as Amy Schumer and Michelle Buteau. Barlis aims to use comedy to spread positivity globally.

Finalists will compete at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street, New York. The event is a significant opportunity for aspiring comedians to gain exposure and professional advancement within the entertainment industry.