DELRAY BEACH – Stand-up comedy is only a hobby for Max Haubenstock.
At least for now.
In the past month he’s demonstrated the potential to become a South Florida comedy regular – or even more.
A software engineer by day, Haubenstock started performing stand-up while living in New York. He moved back to South Florida right about the time the COVID pandemic struck and only recently returned to the stage.
The 26-year-old Haubenstock delivered a strong set at the August Wine House Social show in Delray Beach. The above video clip comes from that show. Joey Medina headlined that night, with Zack McGovern and Nadeem Awad and David Sadman among the other performers.
“It was a great show,” Haubenstock said. “Everyone was very funny.”
Afterward Haubenstock praised downtown Delray.
“Atlantic is bustling now, which is great,” Haubenstock said.
On Friday Haubenstock experienced another reason to love Delray Beach. He was one of 10 comics who paid the $25 entry fee for the first ever Doghouse Theater comedy contest. He won, claiming the winner-take-all prize and earning a to-be-determined headlining gig at the theater.
“His comedy was intelligent and it was quick,” said Casey Casperson, contest producer and one of two judges. “He had really good pacing and timing. There weren’t any jokes that he made that didn’t hit. Everything landed.”
Despite having a good set, Haubenstock wasn’t expecting to win.
“I was pretty shocked,” Haubenstick said. “There were a lot of pretty good comedians there.”
Tonight’s the date for September’s Wine House Social show. South Florida favorite Carl Rimi headlines, with Nadeem Awad, Perry Sak and Anthony Terzo are also scheduled to perform. David Sadman hosts the show.
Haubenstock next takes the South Florida comedy stage on Sept. 19 at Gypsy Moon Vapin Brews in Pembroke Pines. While the full lineup for that show has yet to be confirmed, John Loveless an Giovani Neal are also expected to perform.
He’s looking to be added to more bookings soon.
“It’s a hobby for now,” Haubenstock said. “I’d like to do it more as a profession at some point.”
