{{Short description|American improv comedy group}} {{use mdy dates|date=May 2022}} '''Cold Tofu''', also known as '''Cold Tofu Improv''', is a non-profit organization and Asian American improvisation and comedy group based in Los Angeles. Founded in 1981, it is the first and longest running Asian American improvisation and comedy troupe in the United States.<ref name = “Yamato”>[https://discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2024/4/17/cold-tofu/ Sharon Yamato, ‘’In the beginning there was Cold Tofu’’, April 17 2024, Discovernikkei.org</ref>
== History == Cold Tofu was founded in 1981 by Denice Kumagai, Marilyn Tokuda, Irma Escamilla, and Judy Momii. The four friends were sitting in Kumagai’s living room laughing at one another’s stories, and Tokuda suggested forming a comedy group.<ref name = “Yamato”/> For its 35th anniversary, Cold Tofu was featured in ''American Theatre'' magazine's list of "theatrical milestones".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americantheatre.org/2016/10/04/this-month-in-theatre-history-18/|title=This Month in Theatre History|website=American Theatre|date=October 4, 2016 }}</ref> Though reputedly an Asian American comedy group, Cold Tofu's roots are multi-cultural. Early members included Amy Hill, Phil LaMarr, Jim MacNerland, Jerry Tondo, Geoff Rivas, Joey Miyashima, Glen Chin and Robert Covarrubias.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iexaminer.org/archives_90/91_01_1.pdf|title=Multitalented perfonning artists take the stage at Winterfest '91|author=Shalln Hai-Jew|work=International Examiner|date=January 9, 1991|page=6|archive-date=August 22, 2016|access-date=March 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822212042/http://www.iexaminer.org/archives_90/91_01_1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In its early years, the group trained with Stephen Book (founder of Improvisational Acting Technique and a co-worker of Viola Spolin), Gary Austin (creator of ''The Groundlings'') and Andy Goldberg (director of ''Off The Wall'' at The Improv). Pat Morita was one of Cold Tofu's first sponsors. During the 1980s, Cold Tofu produced comedy shows that tackled issues of race, diversity and inclusion. Cold Tofu expanded its efforts in the late 1990s to service the community by providing improv workshops where actors and non-actors explored improv techniques to enhance performance and interpersonal skills.
Marilyn Tokuda and Denice Kumagai led Cold Tofu and shared the role of artistic director. In 1993, Robert Covarrubias and Helen Ota took over as co-artistic directors and served the organization until 2000, when Ota continued as the sole artistic director. In 2013, Jully Lee was appointed to the position.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coldtofu.com/history/|title=History|publisher=Cold Tofu|access-date=2017-03-31}}</ref>
== Operations == Cold Tofu's performing cast performs improv shows regularly in Little Tokyo and throughout Los Angeles. Cold Tofu also continues to provides student workshops through its Training Center for actors and non-actors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coldtofu.com/classes-workshops-1/|title=Training Center|publisher=Cold Tofu|access-date=2017-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145315/https://www.coldtofu.com/classes-workshops-1/|archive-date=2017-04-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Awards== * "Heritage Award" - Aquarium of the Pacific (2014)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lbpost.com/life/arts-culture/2000004817-leaves-to-fall-on-the-sea-aquarium-of-the-pacific-celebrates-13-years-of-autumn-festival|title=Leaves to Fall on the Sea: Aquarium of the Pacific Celebrates 13 Years of Autumn Festival|work=Long Beach Post|access-date=2017-03-31}}</ref> * "Excellence in Community Service Award" - Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) (2014)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://apex.org/index.php/cold-tofu-improv|title=Cold Tofu Improv|website=APEX|access-date=2017-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145641/http://apex.org/index.php/cold-tofu-improv|archive-date=2017-04-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> * "Visionary Award" - East West Players (2013)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/East-West-Players-to-Honor-THE-WALKING-DEADs-Steven-Yeun-and-COLD-TOFU-at-Gala-Today-20130421|title=East West Players Honors THE WALKING DEAD's Steven Yeun and COLD TOFU at Gala Tonight|work=Broadway World|access-date=2017-03-31}}</ref> * "Parade Marshal of Grand Parade" - Nisei Week Festival (2013)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rafu.com/nisei-week-awards-dinner/|title=8/12 — Nisei Week Awards Dinner|website=The Rafu Shimpo|access-date=2017-03-31}}</ref> * "Sen. Daniel Inouye Leadership Award" - Southern California Cherry Blossom Festival (2008)<ref name=RS>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rafu.com/2013/12/cold-tofu-artistic-director-board-president-to-retire/|title=Cold Tofu Artistic Director, Board President to Retire|website=The Rafu Shimpo|date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=2017-03-31}}</ref> * "Community Service Award" - Nisei Week Festival (2005)<ref name=RS/>
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Category:American comedy troupes