COLD TOFU was founded in 1981 by Marilyn Tokuda and Denice Kumagai who joined forces with Judy Momii and Irma Escamilla to start the nation's first and longest running Asian American improv and comedy troupe.  

Based in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, California, COLD TOFU quickly drew a fanbase with staunch support from the community and fellow Asian American entertainers. During a time when comedy was not a viable path for Asian Americans, these four founding members wanted to provide opportunities for Asian American actors to perform and explore comedy. 

Stocked with six-packs and chips, the core group met regularly at each other’s homes exploring new territory – Asian American comedy. Though touted as being the first Asian American improv group, COLD TOFU's roots are multi-cultural. Early members include Amy Hill, Joey Miyashima, Phil LaMarr, Jerry Tondo, Scott Nagatani, Jim MacNerland, Geoff Rivas, and Robert Covarrubias.

The group built its foundation by working with noted directors and coaches such as Stephen Book (founder of Improvisational Acting Technique, and co-worker of Viola Spolin), Gary Austin (creator of THE GROUNDLINGS), and Andy Goldberg (director of OFF THE WALL at The Improv). COLD TOFU has continued performing improv and sketch comedy throughout their 40 year history.

A newly released book is now available chronicling the foundation of Cold Tofu and its pioneers. Spearheaded by co-founders Denice Kumagai and Marilyn Tokuda, COLD TOFU: THE EARLY YEARS 1981 - 1998 is now available for purchase. Click on ORDER HERE to place your order.

leadership

Artistic Director, Marilyn Tokuda (1981-1987)
Artistic Director, Denice Kumagai (1987-1997)
Co-Associate Artistic Directors, Robert Covarrubias and Helen Ota (1997-1998)
Artistic Director, Helen Ota (1998-2014)
Managing Director, Stefanie Lau (2013-2015)
Artistic Director, Jully Lee (2014-2024)
Associate Artistic Director, Will Choi (2016-2017)
Associate Artistic Director, Michael Palma (2017-2024)
Artistic Director, Michael Palma (2024 - present)
Managing Director, Jully Lee (2024-presemt)

COLD TOFU CORE ALUMNI

Steve Brady
Tim Bennett
Doreen Calderon*
Michael Paul Chan
Cindy Cheung
Glen Chin
Will Choi
Corinne Chooey
Robert Covarrubias*
Irma Escamilla (Founder)
Jason Fong
Scott Fujimoto
Amy Hill
Denise Iketani
Jim Ishida
Lisa Jeffers
Denice Kumagai (Founder/AD Emeritus)
Liz Kubota
Lynn Kuratomi
Jully Lee (AD Emeritus)*
Phil LaMarr
Jim MacNerland
Dom Magwili
Nelson Mashita
Mokie McNeily

ASSOCIATE AND
guest performers

Aaron Aoki
Keiko Agena
Robert Beltran
Janice Bremic
Kerry Carnahan
Carin Chea*
Glen Chin
Davis Choh
MJ Deocariza
Takayo Fischer
Mike Hagiwara
Terry Hara
Howard Ho
Alvin Ing
Yumi Iwama