With several comedy groups already established in Athens, stand-up was one type of performance that seemed to be missing.
Before the beginning of two open stage nights this year and Kamikaze Comedy, a stand-up club, performers lacked the opportunity to showcase their talents, said Eudora Peterson, president of the club.
I feel like before there weren't many venues but there were lots of people interested who wanted to try stand-up
she said.
In order to offer people interested in stand-up a platform to perform, Athens Open Mic was created. The event, which is run by Kamikaze Comedy every other Saturday in The Front Room provides Ohio University students, Athens residents and out-of-town visitors the chance to experience live stand-up.
It gives them a chance to be heard creator and host Daniel Ahrens said. Performing on stage is unlike any experience - once you're on there you have the chance to have everyone look at you and you get the chance to make people laugh
which is really what's most important.
Stand-up comedians open themselves up to the audience and share personal experiences to draw laughs.
Stand-up brings together self critique
social critique and politics
Peterson said. A lot of it is personal
though - taking your insecurities and packaging it as a comedic form. You get to laugh about your own insecurity.
In addition to creating a self-aware comedic forum, stand-up shows allow performers the chance to broadcast their opinions.
People want to do this because they have something to say
Peterson said. You can get on stage and just rant for a bit.
Each performance draws new performers and audience members eager to check out a live stand-up show.
As word spreads
we are beginning to see new people in the audience and more comedians come out to the show
Peterson said. I think it really speaks to the fact that there is an audience for standup comedy in Athens
there just wasn't a venue for it.
In order to keep the show short, not every comedian who auditions for Athens Open Mic is able to perform. Those who are not chosen for the show often end up at Kamikaze Comedy meetings with the hope of improving their sets, Peterson said.
If you want to do stand-up
