SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sansar®, the premier destination for social VR, today announced a slate of collaborations designed to enable new kinds of virtual events and entertainment in 2019. These include events with SF Sketchfest, San Francisco’s annual, nationally recognized comedy festival (now in its 18th year) and direct affiliations with performers and entertainers that bring the energy and excitement of a live show directly to fans, wherever they are in the world.

Tickets are now on sale for the second of two Sketchfest events in Sansar: a show headlined by Michael Ian Black (The State, Wet Hot American Summer, and more) and Andy Kindler (The Late Show with David Letterman, Everybody Loves Raymond, Bob’s Burgers) on Saturday, January 26, at 1 PM PST, with additional support from comedian and filmmaker Emily Catalano. All fans need is a PC to join.

For SF Sketchfest, the foray into VR only continues a commitment to innovative comedy and forward-thinking live shows. The festival has grown over the years into a formidable showcase of local talent, up-and-coming groups, and nationally-known comedians, and remains a favorite with audiences, critics, and performers alike. Earlier this month, fans were treated to a show in Sansar headlined by David Cross (Arrested Development, Mr. Show) and Arden Myrin (Inside Amy Schumer, Insatiable), which drew attendees from around the globe.

“We’ve always said that nothing brings people together like comedy, except for sitting alone in your room with a headset on,” joked Sketchfest founder Janet Varney. “Thanks to Sansar, we’ve been able to accomplish both.”

On Sansar’s end, the collaborations follow other live events that have successfully introduced performers to new audiences and new revenue streams. In December, Sansar worked with comedian and YouTube personality Steve Hofstetter to launch Comedy Gladiators - a virtual event series featuring stand-up and storytelling from an ever-changing roster of talents, where comedians have the opportunity to sell tickets and custom merch and play to a truly global audience. The inaugural event featured performances from Ben Gleib, Maz Jobrani, Alonzo Bodden, and Mary-Lynn Rajskub, and drew fans from more than 70 cities, 40 different states and regions, and seven countries.

“I got so much amazing feedback on the first show,” remarked Steve. “It was this crazy combination of show and hang and party all wrapped up in one. The only people more excited about it than the fans were the comedians!”

Comedy Gladiators will make its return next month with a brand new run of shows, kicking off February 11th with a show headlined by Steve, and featuring stand-up from a number of Steve’s friends and fellow comedians, including Josh Wolf, Jamie Kennedy, Zainab Johnson, and Greg Fitzsimmons. Tickets are already on sale for $4.99, with Early Bird pricing ending February 6 and the line-up subject to change.

“Through collaborations like these, we’re helping change how fans see and experience the entertainers they care about - giving them front row seats to shows they couldn’t otherwise make, and letting them interact directly with performers in a whole new way,” said Ebbe Altberg, CEO of Linden Lab. “We’re enabling fans to stay engaged and connected at a deeper level, and this is only the beginning.”

Buy tickets now to SF Sketchfest Presents: Michael Ian Black + Andy Kindler in Sansar, and to Sansar’s next Comedy Gladiators event.

About Linden Lab

Linden Lab develops platforms that empower people to create, share, and benefit from virtual experiences. Founded in 1999, the company first launched Second Life, the groundbreaking virtual world enjoyed by millions around the globe, in 2003, which has since gone on to boast nearly two billion user creations and a vibrant $500 million (USD) economy. The company further expanded in 2017 with the public beta of Sansar, a free platform making social VR more accessible and immersive, available on Windows PCs and compatible with HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. For more about Linden Lab, its products, and career opportunities, visit its website.