Intelligent comics who don't overuse stereotypes;
Diverse acts;
Costs less.
Most comedy found in conventional stand up clubs tends to be technically
proficient but lacks meaning. Part of the reason for this is a lack of
perspective and an unwillingness on club owner's parts to take risks.
Look carefully at most comedy clubs and you'll notice they're about as
diverse as the U.S Congress. This means 80% of the acts are white and
male. The reason is pure economics. You may have noticed that many
sitcoms feature a leading male. The clubs tend to form production deals
with networks and movie studios. Most venues have thus become the last
stop on the assembly line, before an act winds up canned and ready for
tv. But tv sucks, and most comedy clubs aren't helping the situation.
The clubs will respond by saying: "Funny is funny." and that they
feature women, gay and minority acts on certain theme nights. But we
think it's boring to live in a world dominated by any perspective.
Further, when a club offers the "Fag show", "Urban night" or "Comedy
chicks" this marginalizes some acts by creating the perception that
they're not good enough for featured spots on the club's premium nights.
Don't be fooled. The Happy Hour is not affirmative action comedy. We're
just willing to work harder in pursuit of hilarious acts across the
racial, gender and cultural spectrum. We even have a few token, white acts.
Our economics work as follows: on average you'll pay about 1/2 price to
see a better show then you would at most comedy clubs. $7 cover, one
item minimum.
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