Friday, April 25 at 7:00 PM at 54 below in NEw York city
Awarded annually, The Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of humor writing and cartooning in the United States. Past writing winners and finalists include S.E. Boyd, Steven Rowley, James McBride, Patricia Lockwood, Trevor Noah, David Sedaris, Patricia Marx, Mike Birbiglia, Alan Zweibel, and Dave Barry. The 2024 inaugural cartoon art winner was Roz Chast.
The Thurber Prize for American Humor is making its triumphant return to New York City, and this year, we’re pulling out all the stops! Join us at the iconic 54 Below for an unforgettable evening of laughter, literature, art, and libations. Hosted by comedian, writer, and actor Amadeo Fusca, this exclusive event kicks off at 7 pm with an open bar, delectable bites, and the sharpest wit in town.
As we celebrate the best in American humor writing and cartoon art, you’ll rub elbows with literary luminaries, comedy connoisseurs, and maybe even this year’s Thurber Prize winners. Whether you’re a die-hard Thurber fan or just someone who loves a good laugh (and a good drink), this is the night to be seen, heard, and thoroughly entertained!
So, dust off your wittiest banter and join us for a night that’s sure to be the talk of the town. After all, humor belongs in New York—and so do you.
MEET THE 2025 THURBER PRIZE IN WRITING FINALISTS
Alexandra Petri’s US History by Alexandra Petri
Alexandra Petri’s US History contains a lost (invented!) history of America. (A history for people disappointed that the only president whose weird sex letters we have is Warren G. Harding.) Petri’s "historical fan fiction" draws on real events and completely absurd fabrications to create a laugh-out-loud, irreverent takedown of our nation’s complicated past.
Griefstrike! by Jason Roeder
When it comes to grief, there’s no room for second best. Sure, there are other guidebooks aimed at helping you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of losing a loved one. None, however, have been written by a comedy writer whose “therapeutic training” went no further than an undergraduate degree in psychology, and who lived through this terrible experience and emerged intact enough to write a bunch of jokes about it.
The Society of Shame by Jane Roper
A viral photo of a politician's wife's “feminine hygiene malfunction” catapults her to unwanted fame in a story that's both a satire of social media stardom and internet activism, and a tender mother-daughter tale. Hilarious and heartfelt, The Society of Shame is a pitch-perfect romp through politics and the perils of being “extremely online”—without losing your sanity or your true self.
MEET THE 2025 THURBER PRIZE IN CARTOON ART WINNER
Photo credit Alan MacWeeney
Paul Noth
Paul Noth is the winner of The 2025 Thurber Prize for American Humor in Cartoon Art. Paul's cartoons have appeared regularly in The New Yorker since 2004. He has co-created animated shorts for Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Conan O’Brien and developed shows for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Nickelodeon. He is author and illustrator of the middle grade books How to Sell Your Family to the Aliens, How to Properly Dispose of Planet Earth, and How to Win the Science Fair When You’re Dead, all published by Bloomsbury. His work has been described as “unfinished.” Paul's website is paulnoth.com.
MEET THE SHOW HOST
Amadeo Fusca is a dynamic comedian, writer, and performer known for his sharp wit and infectious charm. A regular on the comedy scene, he’s graced stages around the world with his signature solo shows. With a knack for blending humor and heart, Amadeo is the perfect host to bring The 2025 Thurber Prize to life.
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‣ Doors Open at 54 Below – 6:30 pm
Socialize, grab some delicious bites and a drink from the open bar, and get settled in your favorite seat.
‣ The 2025 Thurber Prize for American Humor – 7:00-8:30 pm
Sit back and get ready to laugh! Host Amadeo Fusca will keep you entertained with a host of hilarious surprises, including appearances from all of the writing finalists and the cartoon art winner. At the end of the night, the writing winner will be crowned live.
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‣ General Admission | $125
This ticket includes:
An open bar (because humor is better with a drink in hand).
Delectable bites (to keep your laughter fueled).
A front-row seat to the funniest humor awards of the year.
‣ “Patron Saint of Humor” Donor Ticket Package | $1,000
This package includes:
4 tickets in "Patron Saint of Humor" premium seating.
Open bar and food.
Signed copies of the winning book for you and your guests (up to x4 total).
Your name will be celebrated everywhere. In the event program, on our website, and even on our Wall of Saints—a permanent tribute to the heroes who keep humor alive. Move over, Shakespeare; there’s a new legend in town! (We'll even give you your own social media shoutout!)
Wait, there’s more! You’ll also receive a beautifully framed certificate declaring you an official Patron Saint of Humor. Hang it in your office, your living room, or even your bathroom—wherever you need a daily reminder of your greatness.
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For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Laurie Lathan at llathan@thurberhouse.org.
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This event will be held at the 54 Below in New York City (254 West 54th St., New York, NY, 10019).
For more information about location, parking, and public transit options, click here.
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This event will take place at 54 Below in NYC. Wheelchair patrons can access 54 Below by using the elevator in the building adjacent to the club. Please ring the doorbell and someone will assist you with access to the elevator. An ADA restroom is available.
For more information about accessibility at 54 Below, click here.
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NYC and date night rules apply here. Think chic, stylish, and ready to laugh (and maybe enjoy a drink or two).
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For any questions that are not answered here, please email us at thurberprize@thurberhouse.org.
‣ Who is presenting this event? This is a Thurber House event that is being held at 54 Below in New York City.
‣ How will I receive my tickets? You will receive an email order confirmation containing your ticket(s). You can print or show your ticket(s) on your phone. If you are unable to do so, we will manually check you in.
‣ Will the finalists’ books be available for purchase at the event? Yes!
‣ How do I get the books that come with my “Patron Saint of Humor” donor ticket package? Ticket-bundled books will be available for pick up when you arrive at the event. Additional books will be for sale at the event.
‣ Where do I park/what are the public transit options? Click the “Location, Parking, & Transit Options” tab above for more information.
‣ What’s your refund policy? All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
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Disclaimer: Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by event and program speakers in all mediums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thurber House, its affiliates, or its staff/board.