“If a TED Talk and a tequila shot had a baby, it would be this show. ”
HONEST STORIES.
REAL HEART.
2-MINUTE TRAILER
Two minutes of storytelling, humor and proof that audiences are having a good time.
WHAT IS OPTIMISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?
Optimistic Personality Disorder is a one-woman comedy and storytelling show about finding the funny in life’s ups, downs and unexpected plot twists.
Playwright, comedian and performer Merit Kahn blends stand-up, storytelling and theatrical moments to explore relationships, family, reinvention, aging and the absurdity of being human.
Funny, honest and deeply relatable, OPD is for anyone who has ever looked at their life and thought, “Well, that wasn’t exactly the plan.”
YOUR AUDIENCES WILL LOVE IT!
“The best comedy show we’ve had here all year. Everybody wants her back, and we can’t wait to have her again.”
Anne Sanders Manager, Liberty Theatre, Pagosa Springs, CO
“This is my third time seeing it over five years, and it’s the best it’s ever been. She’s so funny, and you will not regret it for a moment.”
Arlene Rapal Audience Member, Denver, CO
“My face hurts because I was laughing so much. Come to the show and get a new perspective.”
Amelia Audience Member
“Riveting from start to finish. Merit is a very unique talent. She sparkles, and we all leave feeling uplifted, even a pessimist like me.”
Audience Member
“I’m 87, and I could relate to everything in the show. It was inspiring and just honest.”
Audience Member, Age 87
“The best comedy show we’ve had here all year. Everybody wants her back, and we can’t wait to have her again.”
Anne Sanders Manager, Liberty Theatre, Pagosa Springs, CO
“This is my third time seeing it over five years, and it’s the best it’s ever been. She’s so funny, and you will not regret it for a moment.”
Arlene Rapal Audience Member, Denver, CO
“My face hurts because I was laughing so much. Come to the show and get a new perspective.”
Amelia Audience Member
“Riveting from start to finish. Merit is a very unique talent. She sparkles, and we all leave feeling uplifted, even a pessimist like me.”
Audience Member
“I’m 87, and I could relate to everything in the show. It was inspiring and just honest.”
Audience Member, Age 87
SHOW AT A GLANCE
The essential booking details, all in one place.
SHOW DETAILS
PRESENTER DETAILS
WHAT PRESENTERS NEED TO KNOW
A polished theatrical experience with a small footprint, flexible programming options and marketing support designed to make the engagement easy from booking through show day.
ONE PERFORMER
A complete theatrical experience with a single touring artist and a small, efficient footprint.
MINIMAL TECH
Simple technical requirements make OPD easy to load in, rehearse and present.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMMING
Book one performance, multiple performances, or pair the show with workshops, residencies and community engagement.
FRONT-OF-CURTAIN FRIENDLY
OPD can be presented in front of an existing set, making it a smart option while your venue is rehearsing or building another production.
WORKSHOPS & ENGAGEMENT
Extend the experience with Think Like a Comedian™, Rewrite Your Story, Q&A, artist conversations or customized community programming.
PRESENTER-READY MARKETING
Approved copy, photos, video, social assets and promotional support help your team market the show without starting from scratch.
TOUR HISTORY
Optimistic Personality Disorder has delighted audiences across the country, from intimate theaters and comedy rooms to community venues and performing arts spaces.
WHERE OPD HAS PLAYED
WEST
MIDWEST
SOUTH
NORTHEAST
Regional routing opportunities are welcome, and additional tour dates are added regularly.
FROM A PRESENTER
“The best comedy show we’ve had here all year. Everybody wants her back, and we can’t wait to have her again.”
Anne Sanders
Manager, Liberty Theatre
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
AUDIENCE & SEASON FIT
OPD is especially strong for audiences who enjoy smart comedy, honest storytelling and a show that feels both entertaining and personal.
It works particularly well in seasons looking for a solo performance with broad relatability, a light technical footprint and opportunities for community engagement.
PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE
WANT A CLOSER LOOK?
Extended performance footage is available to presenters upon request.
REQUEST FOOTAGE / TALK TO MERITPRESENTER MARKETING TOOLKIT
Everything your team needs to promote the show without starting from scratch.
FULL PRESENTER KIT
Need everything in one place? Open the complete OPD Presenter Kit for approved copy, photos, logos, video, marketing tools, tech and hospitality materials.
OPEN THE FULL PRESENTER KITBOX OFFICE CHEAT SHEET
Quick answers for front-line staff about the show, audience fit, runtime and what patrons can expect.
OPEN RESOURCE →GROUP SALES + LOCAL MARKETING GUIDE
Practical outreach ideas for local groups, community partners and targeted ticket sales.
OPEN RESOURCE →SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE
Editable press-release copy your marketing or PR team can quickly customize for your market.
EDIT GOOGLE DOC →SAMPLE EMAIL + NEWSLETTER COPY
Ready-to-use promotional language for subscriber emails, newsletters and ticket campaigns.
OPEN RESOURCE →PRESS & MEDIA
Merit is available for local television, radio, podcasts, print and community interviews in support of engagements.
OPEN PRESENTER KIT →
ABOUT MERIT KAHN
Merit Kahn is the playwright and performer of Optimistic Personality Disorder, a professional comedian and a Certified Speaking Professional who has spent decades connecting with audiences from stages across the country.
Her work blends comedy, storytelling, emotional intelligence and a lifelong tendency to find the funny in situations that probably weren’t funny at the time.
In addition to touring OPD, Merit performs stand-up comedy, including appearances with Moms Unhinged. She is certified in Positive Psychology and Emotional Intelligence.
Whether she is performing stand-up, telling a deeply personal story or turning one of life’s less glamorous moments into a punchline, Merit’s goal is the same: make people laugh and leave them a little lighter than she found them.
TECH + HOSPITALITY AT A GLANCE
OPD is designed to travel light, load in efficiently and work comfortably in a wide range of venues.
TECHNICAL AT A GLANCE
TOURING + HOSPITALITY
BRING OPD TO YOUR STAGE
Optimistic Personality Disorder is now booking 2027–2030 theater, performing arts center, special event and residency engagements.
Regional routing opportunities are welcome. If OPD is already traveling through your area, there may be added flexibility for nearby dates.
