Photograph: Noah Kalina

The first of three pieces on comics appearing in TONY’s second annual New York Comedy Festival show

Reggie Watts

Who he is
Seattle rocker turned Brooklyn comedic musician whose predominantly improvised performances combine stunning vocal acrobatics with a wicked intellect.

What he does
Uses a loop pedal to create a one-man band of repeating beats, melodies and lyrics that are mentally and emotionally engaging; consistently garners accolades at festivals across the globe; regularly wows Joe’s Pub crowds late on Sunday nights; claims to have a 10-octave vocal range.

Why we love him
He fuses process and product, making up songs on the spot that sound polished and rehearsed. When he sings in gibberish or lip-synchs in silence, it still makes perfect sense. He delivers something wholly unique every time he takes the stage. If you stop paying attention for a second, you’ll miss out.

Reggie Watts also performs Thu 23 in College Humor Live and Sun 26 in After School Special. TONY Approved happens Nov 7.

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Photograph: Seth Olenick

Kristen Schaal

Who she is
Adorably odd performer and actor whose rise from local alternative-scene bit player to international star has been both swift and deserved.

What she does
Stalks Jemaine and Bret on Flight of the Conchords; strips down to a Wonder Woman suit on The Daily Show in support of Hillary Clinton; creates some of her best work with a partner, Kurt Braunohler; traffics in a gullible wide-eyed deadpan that’s candy-coated but carries a bite.

Why we love her
Rather than eschewing stand-up as a format, she recreates it to fit her agenda, peppering performances with jokes, stories and absurdist miniplays. She’s never used her femininity as a crutch, but neither has she ever denied it. She’s a total natural.

Kristen Schaal also performs Sun 26 in After School Special. Six new episodes of her Web series, Penelope: Princess of Pets, are on superdeluxe.com. TONY Approved happens Nov 7.

See more TONY Approved comedians >>