Our Story
From Houston to the National Stage
The Beginning — Houston, 2005
The Workout Room began in 2005 at Smokies Sports Bar and Lounge in Houston, Texas.
Originally created as a live stand-up comedy showcase, The Workout Room provided an intimate stage where emerging comedians could develop their material, sharpen their performances, and connect with audiences.
Among the comedians who graced the stage during those early years were Ali Siddiq, Kier Spates, and Eddie B.
The room became a creative environment where comedians could experiment, strengthen their routines, and grow their craft. It was within this authentic comedy-showcase environment that the original idea for The Workout Room movie was born.
What started as a place for comedians to practice their material would eventually inspire a motion picture and a growing entertainment franchise.
Building a National Entertainment Presence
From 2005 forward, Kena Monique expanded her involvement in live comedy entertainment through the production and promotion of comedy events across the United States.
Her event production and promotional experience includes working with nationally recognized entertainers such as Cedric the Entertainer, Mo'Nique, Joe Torry, and D.L. Hughley.
Through a series of nationwide comedy productions and entertainment events, Kena Monique developed relationships and experience in live-event production, talent coordination, entertainment marketing, and audience development.
These experiences contributed to the broader development and expansion of The Workout Room entertainment franchise.
From the Stage to the Screen
The original concept for The Workout Room film grew directly from the world of live stand-up comedy.
The feature film was developed to capture the personalities, ambition, relationships, and comedy culture surrounding the entertainment business.
Released October 8, 2019, The Workout Room brought established comedians and performers together in an independent comedy-drama written by Kena Monique.
The film was directed by Brandon Champ Robinson, with Sir-Mike Tiggs serving as co-director. The film helped establish a foundation for expanding The Workout Room into additional entertainment properties.
A National Comedy Tour
On January 18, 2020, The Workout Room launched its large-venue Comedy Tour in Atlanta, Georgia.
The tour represented an expansion from the brand's original intimate Houston showcase into larger live-entertainment productions.
Building on its history in stand-up comedy, the touring concept brings together established entertainers, nationally recognized comedians, and emerging performers.
The Workout Room's rotating-lineup approach creates opportunities for different performers to connect with audiences in markets across the country.
The Next Chapter
Today, The Workout Room continues its expansion through film development, live comedy touring, theatrical productions, and future television programming.
The franchise remains rooted in the same creative principles established in Houston in 2005: giving comedians a stage, developing talent, and creating memorable audience experiences.
From one microphone in Houston to stages across America.
Our History
Two Decades of Comedy
2005
The Workout Room Is Born
Smokies Sports Bar & Lounge | Houston, TX
The Workout Room launches as a stand-up comedy showcase where emerging comedians develop material and perform before live audiences. Early performers include Ali Siddiq, Kier Spates, and Eddie B. The original concept for The Workout Room movie emerges from this comedy environment.
2005–Present
National Comedy Productions
Entertainment Expansion
Kena Monique produces and promotes comedy events nationwide, working with entertainers including Cedric the Entertainer, Mo'Nique, Joe Torry, and D.L. Hughley. This ongoing body of entertainment work supports the development and expansion of The Workout Room brand.
2017
Original Film Screening
The Workout Room — Private Screening
An early private screening of the original feature film takes place in Los Angeles, California.
October 8, 2019
Feature Film Release
The Workout Room (2019)
The original independent comedy-drama is released, bringing the entertainment world that inspired The Workout Room to the screen.
January 18, 2020
Comedy Tour Launch
Atlanta, Georgia
The Workout Room launches its large-venue Comedy Tour in Atlanta, expanding the brand's live-entertainment presence.
March 29, 2026
The Workout Room 2 Screenplay
Script Completed
The screenplay for The Workout Room 2 is completed.
May 12–22, 2026
Marché du Film
Cannes, France
The Workout Room 2 screenplay is shopped at the 2026 Marché du Film international film market.
2027
Comedy Tour Expansion
New Tour Dates
The Workout Room Comedy Tour continues with scheduled performances in Louisiana and California, featuring a rotating mix of established and emerging comedians.
February 3, 2027
Sequel Casting
West Hollywood, California
Scheduled casting activity for The Workout Room 2.
March 3, 2027
Script Reading
Inglewood, California
Scheduled script reading for The Workout Room 2.
Our Vision
From One Mic to an Entertainment Franchise
For more than two decades, The Workout Room has been connected to the growth and evolution of live stand-up comedy.
What began as a local showcase for emerging talent has developed into a multifaceted entertainment brand.
Our vision is to continue connecting great comedians with audiences while creating entertainment experiences across film, television, theater, and live events.
Film & Television
Developing original films, sequels, and television programming inspired by the world of stand-up comedy.
National Comedy Touring
Bringing established celebrity comedians and emerging talent together for unforgettable performances in cities across America.
Theatrical Entertainment
Expanding The Workout Room through live stage productions and character-driven theatrical experiences.
Comedian Development
Connecting with comedians nationwide and creating opportunities for new talent to perform, grow, and reach different audiences.
Creative Leadership
The People Behind the Vision
Kena Monique
Co-Creator | Writer | Producer | Entertainment Promoter
Kena Monique is a writer, producer, and entertainment promoter whose experience in live comedy spans more than two decades.
Since 2005, she has produced and promoted comedy events nationwide, working with nationally recognized entertainers including Cedric the Entertainer, Mo'Nique, Joe Torry, and D.L. Hughley.
She wrote and produced the original 2019 feature film The Workout Room and continues to contribute to the franchise's creative development, production strategy, and expansion across entertainment platforms.
Sir-Mike Tiggs
Co-Creator | Writer | Director | Producer
Sir-Mike Tiggs is a filmmaker, writer, director, and producer helping guide The Workout Room entertainment franchise.
He served as co-director and producer of the original 2019 film and wrote The Workout Room 2.
His work focuses on developing film, theatrical, and live entertainment properties while expanding The Workout Room's creative vision and long-term franchise opportunities.
The Franchise
One Brand. Multiple Experiences.
From a Houston comedy showcase in 2005 to film and nationwide entertainment, The Workout Room continues to evolve through multiple creative platforms.
Released 2019
The Workout Room
Original Film
The original feature film inspired by the world of live stand-up comedy.
Explore the FilmIn Development
The Workout Room 2
Sequel
The next chapter explores legacy, comedy, community, and the battle to preserve a beloved entertainment space.
Explore the SequelEstablished 2020 | 2027 Dates Scheduled
Comedy Tour
Live Entertainment
A touring live-entertainment experience featuring an evolving mix of established comedians and rising talent.
View Tour DatesSeeking Funding & Production Partners
Stage Play
Theatrical Production
A theatrical adaptation in development.
Explore the Stage PlayIn Development
TV Series
Television
Future television storytelling expanding The Workout Room entertainment world.
Explore the SeriesComedy Talent
The Next Big Name Could Be You.
Since 2005, The Workout Room has been a place where comedians develop their craft and connect with live audiences.
That commitment continues today.
As the Comedy Tour expands into additional cities, The Workout Room welcomes inquiries from talented comedians interested in future performance opportunities.
Whether you're an established performer or a rising comedian building your career, we want to hear from you.
Work With The Workout Room
Let's Create the Next Experience.
The Workout Room welcomes collaboration with entertainment venues, promoters, producers, sponsors, distributors, and industry partners. With roots in live comedy dating back to 2005 and an expanding entertainment franchise, the brand continues developing opportunities across live events and original productions.
Book the Comedy Tour
For venue owners, event promoters, and entertainment buyers.
Production & Financing Partnerships
For qualified entertainment industry contacts.
Sponsorship & Brand Partnerships
For companies interested in live-event and entertainment collaboration.
Be Part of the Next Chapter.
More than twenty years of comedy history. One entertainment franchise. Countless stories still to tell.
Explore the productions, experience live comedy, or connect with The Workout Room team.