Comedy clubs have been popular since the days of vaudeville, with stand-up comedy teams becoming famous. In the 1960s and 1970s, amateur nights emerged, helping comedians hone their craft. Today, comedy clubs vary in atmosphere and offer drinks and meals. Many still host amateur nights and showcase famous comedians, making them a great place to unwind and discover new talent.
If you need to wind down after a tiring week or just want to settle in for a few laughs, then a comedy club is a great place to spend an evening. Here are a few things about the comedy club’s history and atmosphere that you might not know.
Comedy and the stage have accompanied us since the days of vaudeville. Often used as an opening or warm-up act for the main musical troupe or dance act, the comedy acts would take their stand-up routines across the country. Sometimes the act was a single comedian who relied on sight gags and quick witticisms to get audiences ready and ready for the headliners.
Other times, two or more comedians worked together, usually with one person playing the serious role and the other being the wacky part of the team. The format caught on, and soon the stand-up comedy teams were as famous as any other vaudeville act. After the death of vaudeville, the blend of comedy and clubbing continued to be a popular attraction. In fact, many of the most popular comedy duos of the 20th century built their fan base by visiting the comedy club circuit.
During the 1960s and 1970s a new facet of the comedy club began to emerge, as more and more clubs organized amateur nights. The chance to rehearse routines in front of a live audience was a boon to those hoping to make it in the stand-up comedy field. The public, in turn, had the chance to discover new talent before anyone else. The chance to hone their craft at a comedy club allowed some of the most accomplished comedians of the late 20th century to eventually rise to national prominence.
When it comes to layout, the comedy club will vary in the atmosphere it projects. Some clubs today are like auditoriums, with stadium seating and a full-size stage. You will see bright lights and visual effects throughout the shows. Others are smaller and more intimate, with tables and chairs for customers and a small stage for the performer. Most offer drinks of some sort, and in some clubs, you can have a full meal during the show.
The comedy club is alive and well today. Some comedy clubs still host amateur nights, as well as providing entertainment from the current ruling class of comic geniuses most of us know by name. Cable TV and the Internet have made it possible for a number of high-profile comedy outlets to be seen by a much wider audience as well, making some of them destinations for superstars. However, the great thing is that you don’t necessarily have to rely on your computer and television to join a comedy club. Chances are you live within driving distance of a local comedy club. Why not visit one soon? You may be just in time to see the next big comedian before he or she hits the big time.
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