STATE COLLEGE — Manny’s Live Performance Space, 101 Hiester St., continues its expanding comedy programming with a special appearance by Adam Cayton-Holland at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 20, welcoming one of contemporary comedy’s most thoughtful and versatile voices to downtown State College.

Best known as a co-creator and star of TruTV’s critically acclaimed series “Those Who Can’t,” Cayton-Holland has built a career that bridges sharp stand-up, narrative storytelling and literary humor.

A longtime fixture in the national comedy scene, he has appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Conan, The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail, and @midnight and is a founding member of the Denver-based comedy trio, The Grawlix.

Beyond the stage, Cayton-Holland is also an accomplished author. His memoir, “Tragedy Plus Time,” explores grief, friendship and the strange, healing mechanics of humor following the death of his sister — earning praise for its honesty, emotional depth and comedic restraint.

The story has since expanded beyond the page: a film adaptation connected to the book recently premiered at Sundance Film Festival, further cementing Cayton-Holland’s reputation as a storyteller whose work resonates across mediums.

This performance marks another step in Manny’s growing commitment to comedy as a core part of its programming.

Through an ongoing partnership with John Saxton of We Are State Comedy, Manny’s has become a home for nationally touring comedians alongside regional and local voices — creating an intimate, high-caliber comedy experience rooted in community.

Opening the night is Shannon Norman, a Pittsburgh-based stand-up comedian and barber who has been writing and performing comedy since 2005.

Norman is a staple of the Western Pennsylvania comedy scene and the force behind the Good Enough Comedy Showcase, a “mostly” monthly show staged inside the Bryant Street Barbershop in Highland Park.

His material blends dry wit, lived experience, and an unmistakably grounded perspective.

This event is restricted to those age 18 and up. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. They may be purchased by visiting www.mannysstatecollege.com.

With a performer whose work spans stand-up, television, literature, and film — and an opener deeply rooted in DIY comedy culture — this night at Manny’s highlights the breadth and depth of modern comedy in an intimate live setting.