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Local laughs: Huntsville’s comedy scene takes center stage

As the city of Huntsville continues to grow in population and infrastructure, so do its citizens’ desires for more nightlife and live entertainment.

Large venues such as the Von Braun Center, The Orion Amphitheater, and Levity Live offer shows from world class musicians, comedians, and other entertainers touring the country.

Recently, social media platforms have rejuvenated widespread interest in stand-up comedy with comedians like Matt Rife, Theo Von, and others skyrocketing to fame through viral clips. 

The demand for live comedy has reached Huntsville, as both of the previously mentioned comedians have had packed shows at the Orion and the VBC, respectively. 

However, unbeknownst to many, Huntsville has an active local comedy scene all its own.

Jonathan Silver is one of the most prominent comedians and producers in the Huntsville performing arts scene. 

He produces Homegrown Comedy at the Speakeasy inside of Campus 805, which is a monthly stand-up comedy showcase that has been running for thirteen years here in Huntsville. 

Additionally, Silver produces the Silver Dollar Comedy open mic at Straight to Ale, runs private comedy shows for apartment complexes around Huntsville, and is the former producer of Huntsville’s chapter of Don’t Tell Comedy – a national comedy brand centered on shows with hidden performers in secret locations.

According to Silver, the landscape of Huntsville’s comedy scene has continued to improve in recent years. 

He attributes this success to the professionalism and work ethic of showrunners in working with venue owners to ensure mutual satisfaction. 

“I strive to make sure every one of my shows are mutually beneficial for us comics and the venues that host us. This can be ensured by selecting the appropriate comedians for the venue depending on what the owners are looking for, and by securing a fitting budget for the show,” Silver told the Huntsville Business Journal. 

Silver also emphasized the importance of selecting a venue that is conducive for comedy.

Venues like coffee shops, restaurants, and bars are environments in which live comedy can thrive. 

Ideally, the presence of comedy should enhance the experience of the customer and compliment the product the venue is selling.

Even though the comedy scene has improved over time, Huntsville presents a unique challenge for live local comedy, said Silver. 

Being a Huntsville-area native, he believes that long-time citizens of Huntsville aren’t used to paying for local performing arts events and boldly stated that “Huntsville grew accustomed to outsourcing their entertainment.”

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Silver believes that in order for Huntsville’s comedy scene to reach the level of other cities’, such as Atlanta and Chattanooga, more awareness must be raised through digital and social media marketing.

Another notable figure in the Huntsville comedy and performance industry is Kimberly Wilson, a comedian, improv actor, and founder of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre

Wilson began performing stand-up comedy in Huntsville in 2017 and noticed a gap in opportunity for local creatives. 

Stand Up Live, now known as Levity Live, featured national and regionally touring comedians and local showcases, such as Homegrown, focused solely on traditional stand-up comedy. 

So, in 2019, inspired by this missing link, Wilson co-founded Shenanigans – a theatre which is accessible to local producers, comedians, improvists, and other performing artists to host shows using their own concepts.

Shenanigans is a non-profit organization here in Huntsville that asserts “Our mission is to make the arts accessible for everyone, especially comedy, and to do as much good in the community as possible.” 

In addition to hosting multiple comedy and improv shows every week, Shenanigans also focuses heavily on community outreach through its “Weird Kids” and “LGBTQ+ Closet” programs.

Since its inception, Shenanigans has been rooted in the Huntsville community and has gained strong local support, with many visitors becoming regulars. 

Wilson credits this success to Shenanigans’ high level of professionalism. 

“Shenanigans was designed to raise the bar for local comedy,” Wilson told the Huntsville Business Journal. 

Performers are held to a high level of expectations when performing at Shenanigans, including adhering to a strict call time, maintaining professionalism on stage at all times, and not exceeding their allotted performance time. 

Organization and communication between performers and producers are also key components of Shenanigans’ method of high-quality show production.

In addition to professionalism, Kim also emphasizes the importance of Shenanigans’ inviting atmosphere in its ability to garner a following. 

“We want to make people feel welcome, included, and safe. Humanity is missing in business way too often nowadays and I think that’s why we’ve garnered the support that we have,” said Wilson.

As Huntsville and its desire for live entertainment continues to grow, so does its comedy and performing arts scene. 

Folks like Silver and Wilson will continue to work hard to improve the quality of Huntsville comedy shows and provide entertainment for Huntsville locals by providing a platform for local talent.

The next time you and your buddies are deciding on weekend plans, skip the Netflix special and support Huntsville’s homegrown comedy scene instead!

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