RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - For seven Rancho Cordova residents, stepping onto a stage and making strangers laugh meant doing something even more difficult first: sharing their personal stories.

Participants in Ri-Nu Imagination’s “Healing Through Comedy” program took the stage April 30 for a graduation showcase after completing a five-week stand-up comedy workshop designed to help people transform life’s challenges into clean comedy.

The free program, funded through the City of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund grant, was part of Ri-Nu Imagination’s broader Healing Through the Arts initiative. Participants met weekly throughout April, learning storytelling, joke writing, timing, audience engagement and stage presence before performing original comedy routines for a live audience.

 

“The goal of the performance was to provide participants with a supportive environment where they could discover their voice, build confidence and share personal stories in a meaningful and uplifting way,” said Executive Director and Founder of Ri-Nu Imagination Anu Aaltonen-Bond.

Led by comedian and instructor Jacki Kane, the workshop challenged participants to draw from their own experiences, including recovery, relationships, family dynamics, aging, loss and everyday struggles.

“Turning adversity into clean comedy is about finding the lessons, absurdities and moments of growth within life’s challenges and transforming them into stories that are uplifting, relatable and accessible to diverse audiences,” Aaltonen-Bond said.

No previous comedy or performance experience was required.

From left are Lindsey Samples, Council Member Joe Little, Anu Aaltonen-Bond and Maria Chacon Kniestedt.

Participants were recruited through community outreach, social media and local partnerships. Over several weeks, they developed original material while receiving coaching and support from both Kane and fellow classmates.

For many, performing in front of an audience for the first time was both exciting and intimidating.

“Several shared that they had never imagined themselves standing on a stage telling jokes,” Aaltonen-Bond said. “What was remarkable to witness was the transformation that occurred throughout the workshop process.”

She said participants built trust with one another and gradually gained confidence as the program progressed.

“By the time performance night arrived, nervousness had given way to excitement and pride,” Aaltonen-Bond said. “Many participants described the experience as empowering and deeply rewarding.”

Sandy Valdez performs during Ri-Nu Imagination’s Healing Through Comedy showcase in Rancho Cordova.

The audience responded with laughter, applause and encouragement throughout the evening, according to organizers.

“What stood out most was the sense of community in the room,” Aaltonen-Bond said. “Audience members connected with the performers’ stories because they reflected experiences that many people share.”

Ri-Nu Imagination, a nonprofit arts organization, gallery and artist studio collective, developed the program as part of its mission to use creative expression to foster connection and well-being.

Artwork displayed in the gallery during the performance featured pieces by local Rancho Cordova artists Linda Nunes and Christine Kerr

Sara Jenner performs during Ri-Nu Imagination’s Healing Through Comedy showcase in Rancho Cordova.

While many arts-based healing programs focus on visual art, music or writing, Aaltonen-Bond said humor can be equally powerful.

“As a registered nurse and founder of Ri-Nu Imagination, I’ve spent much of my career supporting people through illness, grief, trauma, addiction recovery and major life transitions,” she said. “What I’ve learned is that healing often happens in unexpected places.”

She said watching first-time performers take the stage and share their stories through comedy was one of the most memorable aspects of the program.

“The laughter that filled the room wasn’t simply entertainment, it was connection, confidence, belonging and community,” Aaltonen-Bond said.

Sadie El Ilbrahimi performs during Ri-Nu Imagination’s Healing Through Comedy showcase in Rancho Cordova.

Organizers hope to continue and expand the program in the future alongside other Healing Through the Arts offerings, which include visual arts workshops, exhibitions and music-based programs.

“We all speak art; we simply express it in different ways,” Aaltonen-Bond said. “Whether someone picks up a paintbrush, writes a song, performs a comedy routine or walks through our gallery doors for the first time, our goal is to create a welcoming place where people can discover their voice, connect with others and experience the transformative power of creativity.”

Dawn Carlson performs during Ri-Nu Imagination’s Healing Through Comedy showcase in Rancho Cordova.