PORT ST. LUCIE – Like most any industry, there’s plenty of proximity bias within the world of stand-up comedy evaluation.
Earlier this week Applause Break highlighted a story out of Texas proclaiming Austin the new stand-up comedy Mecca. Well, Washington D.C. wants fans to know it deserves consideration for that title, too.
When the D.C. Improv first opened in 2015, the show’s lineup included Dave Chappelle, Ellen DeGeneres and Brian Reagan. There’s plenty of talent in the nation’s capitol.
Not long ago Inside Hook chatted with Sean Joyce about what makes the D.C. scene so special. After producing shows in the area for years, Joyce opened his own venue, Hotbed, in 2022.
The story offers some insight into comedy bookings and D.C. audiences. It’s a good, quick read.
In addition, today’s Stand-Up Spotlight includes advice about competing in comedy contests from comedians who frequently do so; news of a new location for a prominent New York comedy club; and features on comedians Reena Calm and Niles Abston.
The weekend is nearly here. Let’s keep it funny.
STAND-UP SPOTLIGHT – Feb. 17, 2023
What Makes DC’s Comedy Scene Special? Ask Sean Joyce.
D.C. is a great city for stand-up. The DC Improv is one of the country’s best clubs, frequently getting shouted out by the world’s best comics. Their first show featured Ellen DeGeneres, Dave Chappelle and Brian Regan, and it still attracts that caliber of comics. The Kennedy Center gives people like John Oliver, Sarah Silverman and Samantha Bee a larger room, and the Warner Theatre, National Theatre and DAR Constitution Hall do a fine job bringing in pretty much all the other big names. But one club is doing its best to lay the groundwork for the next big thing.
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Competing for laughs
There are many famous comedians who’ve been doing stand-up comedy for years who admit they still occasionally get nervous before a show.
So – imagine you’re a nervous, new performer, still unsure if you are any good. You’re about to do a show and deal with all the nerves that can come with that. There’s a room full of strangers, bright lights and big expectations.
Click here to view original web page at Competing for laughs
Comedy/Bar, the punchline in this Broadway comedy club story, set to open in former Highline space
Comedy/Bar, part of a long-running stand-up comedy presence at Broadway’s Jai Thai gone nomad after the Thai joint’s closure, is set to take over the former Highline space above Broadway just north of John.
CHS reported here in December on plans for the Comedy on Broadway organizer to take over the shuttered Jai Thai space, a deal that fell through over cost issues.
Catching up with comedian Reena Calm
Since dedicating her life to stand-up comedy in 2019, Reena Calm has performed in 48 of the 50 U.S. states — a feat that’s quite impressive when considering a global pandemic has also happened between now and then.
No stranger to Indianapolis, however, Calm will return to Indy’s Helium Comedy Club for shows from Feb. 10-11. Fresh off the release of her debut comedy album in 2022, Calm caught up with NUVO’s Seth Johnson for a quick phone interview, discussing the ups and downs of life on the road and much more. Read their conversation below.
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Niles Abston Is Ready to Be a household name
More comedy specials should start out with an animated short, kind of like the adult equivalent of a Pixar movie. LA-based comedian Niles Abston’s latest hour, household name, kicks off with the animated film The Opener (dir. Noah Cutwright), which serves as a fun, surreal introduction to Abston and what he’s all about. Animated Abston begins by doing stand-up over Seinfeld-esque funky bass (courtesy of Moon Bounce) before the story turns into a dreamy, vaporwave portrait of Los Angeles, and then transforms yet again into a trippy action movie. The crew at Imaginex Animation really make the most of the 11-ish minutes they’re given, showing off their visual talent. And that’s not to mention the lampshading of tropes by Abston himself and his hilarious, exasperated voice performance.
Click here to view original web page at Niles Abston Is Ready to Be a household name
