OUR STORY

Our story began at a backyard summer bbq. Over a game of flip cup, Samantha and Karoline first bonded over being queer women in the male dominated world of comedy. Over the next few months, Samantha began dreaming up an event to celebrate all of the incredible San Diego young creatives she grew up with.

A few games of flip cup later and Samantha knew that Karoline was the perfect person to help bring this vision to life. After meeting for weeks, they knew they wanted the show to feel like a living room full of artists, musicians, and comics sharing their talents with each other. And thus Area Rug was born.

Area Rug Comedy’s mission is to create an inclusive space that fosters up and coming talent. We are committed to highlighting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women performers, creators, and vendors. Our shows bring together the San Diego community through art and laughter.

There’s always a seat waiting for you in our cozy living room (under the disco ball <3).

Meet the Team

  • Samantha Schwimmer

    CO - FOUNDER
    Samantha Schwimmer is a San Diego based stand up comedian, producer, and activist. Her comedy style blends sharp cultural commentary with relatable personal storytelling. She regularly performs at comedy clubs throughout Southern California. She was a co-host and producer of the podcast and live show Two Jews One Gay. In 2024, she co-founded Area Rug Comedy with Karoline Watson.

  • Karoline Watson

    CO - FOUNDER

    Karoline Watson is a stand-up producer who recently moved to San Diego. She started as a producer at Big Pine Comedy Festival and the Cactus Comedy Classic through Broken Drift Productions. Karoline was previously a marketing producer for PB Backyard Comedy. She can now be seen booking at San Diego’s Mad House Comedy & and partnering with Samantha Schwimmer for Area Rug Comedy. 

  • Brian Linthicum

    VISUAL ARTS PRODUCER

    Brian Linthicum is a videographer and photographer specializing in stand-up comedy and theatrical productions. A 2022 Visual Arts graduate from the University of San Diego, he has worked on short films, including one featured at the Glendale International Film Festival. Brian also serves as a technical advisor for USD's Visual Arts department and works with the Oceanside Museum of Art on exhibition installations. With a background in technical theater and improv, he has combined his theater and visual arts skills to produce comedy specials and document stand-up performances. He continues to collaborate with comedy and improv venues in San Diego, such as Area Rug Comedy, Don’t Tell San Diego, and The Laugh Factory.

  • Tim Cunningham

    SPONSOR OUT REACH PRODUCER

  • CHELSEY MAGAOAY

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

  • ZANE ALEXANDER

    AUDIO PRODUCER

  • Karli Marais Malner

    Description goes here Karli’s counter is your stop to get delicious refreshments and treats while enjoying other vendors and the show! Karli utilizes her 11+ years of restaurant experience plus her passion for baking and all things crafty to bring some extra fun to every Area Rug production. Stop by for some crafted drinks and rotating goodies.