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Seeking your opinions about opening a comedy theater

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Started 3 years ago by Prospector
Latest reply from Walker

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Prospector

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Hello all,

I am considering the idea of opening a sketch and improv comedy theater in Columbus and I want to know your opinions. So, what do you think? Is it a place you'd go/be interested in?

If you'd like to know more details...

I am an improvisor and sketch writer currently performing and working in Chicago. I went to Ohio State University, which is my connection to Columbus.

In addition to sketch, the theater would have a strong focus on improv. For those of you who are not familiar with it, long form improv is where those famous people like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mike Meyers got their starts. It's wonderfully entertaining and hilarious.

Also on the table are ideas for (low cost) improv classes which include student shows at the theater. Oh and there would be a bar of course.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Posted 3 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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I am interested in both of those as well as a dedicated stand-up comedy performance venue that is not at Easton. ;)

I know someone else who is interested in the same sort of thing and looking to collaborate with others. I will send you some contact info.

Posted 3 years ago #
colinpperkins

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Hey, I'd love to talk to you about this. I am the guy that Walker referenced. I am a 27-year old improver that trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NY and has a lot of experience in sketch and stand-up as well.

I have been looking for performers to do more projects with. In the long run it is my intention to start a comedy training center in Columbus that offers shows and classes (in the vein of the UCB or ImprovOlympic). Obviously if I was teamed up with a person with the same goal it would be easier.

Let me know if you want to discuss this more.

Posted 3 years ago #
AmyDub47
University district
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There is a student group at OSU called 8th Floor Improv that performs on a regular basis at South Campus Gateway. If you're wanting to find out the sort of classes or programs in which students would be interested, you may want to contact them. http://8thfloorimprov.com/

Posted 3 years ago #
Prospector

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Thanks Amy.

I'm an Alumni of 8th Floor, and such a project would definitely have a connection to them and the University.

Posted 3 years ago #
pez

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If the shows are good and you don't gouge on the drinks and I can see bringing my out-of-town business folks. Like Walker said, stand-up would be great, I like the improv, as long as it's not too canned.

Posted 3 years ago #
surber17

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I wonder if any of the new store fronts in the Lazarus building would be big enough? Could be a great start to bringing in businesses to that area.

Posted 3 years ago #
Brant
Gahanna
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Also maybe consult Chris Lane with Full Frontal Nudity. His troupe has been performing out of MadLab for several years now.

Posted 3 years ago #
AmyArt21
Short North
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I would definitely be interested in going to shows at a place like this! I had a bunch of friends who were part of the Talking Monkeys improv group @ OSU (1999-2003-ish). I remember my sides hurting from laughing so much after their shows.

Improv rules.

Sometimes, I want to yell "SHOULDA SAID!" at random points in my day. But it's not funny if people don't know that improv game. :)

Posted 3 years ago #
nathansmart
Columbus
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This is old, but I just wanted to put in my vote for YES, YES, YES

Posted 2 years ago #
Neil Jaye

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nathansmart wrote >>
This is old, but I just wanted to put in my vote for YES, YES, YES

+1

Posted 2 years ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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@Prospector - That would be awesome. Have you checked out some of the comedy nights around town like at Surly Girl. They can be really fun.

Posted 2 years ago #
Coreroc
Egoville USA
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I think if you found the right venue with a decent sized stage you could find a bunch of support. Folks like Kristina Isabelle, Grimaldi Circus, and Available Light Theater may have a desire for this kind of performance space. Not to mention the variety of ways that the venue could be rented out or such to cover overhead and be sucessful.

There are also comedy nights at Andyman's Treehouse on Thursdays.

So yeah i say jump on that and start networking!!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
MattEyer
Columbus, Ohio
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I would like to throw in my support of a comedy only venue in Columbus that is not the Funny Bone. As a local stand-up, a lover of all things comedy, and lover of Columbus, I can say the town is sorely missing something like this. My comedy partner and I do shows at Wild Goose Creative right now that are not typical stand-up or sketch shows, and the place is great, but the shows would be more appropriate at a place like the one described above. And hecks yeah I would totally take improv classes if they were affordable.

Posted 2 years ago #
spindle
clintonville
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I would love to see this happen here.

Posted 2 years ago #
adrock
Grandview Heights
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i call shenanigans. they didn't say THE ohio state university.

Posted 2 years ago #
JimSweeney
E. Fton
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We at the Franklinton Development Association have been looking to buy a historic church in East Franklinton to convert it to a theater. I think that it could be the centerpiece in the revitalization of that neighborhood. With the CMHA projects redeveloping, the completion of the bridges, and a couple of key projects that we are doing, we think that east franklinton is about 2-3 years from awesomeness.

The building is made of white Italian sandstone with original stained glass and a large rose window.It won't be cheap to buy and will likely require a ton of rehab work but we could probably get some grant money into ti. However we're not going to get any grants or take the risk until we lock in a fairly stabile or at least promising tenant or tenants for several years. The way i see it, the most likely scenario would be a coalition of different performance groups most of which have some longevity.

The building has a large sanctuary with a balcony perfect for sound and lighting gear. it also has a full basement which could be nice performance/rehearsal space.

http://franklincountyoh.metacama.com/do/selectDisplay?select=PHOTO&curpid=01001394300

Posted 2 years ago #
ZHC
101 East Main Street, Downtown
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I say go for it. Escapism does well in recessions if done well.

Movie theaters made a relative killing in the great depression.

Best of luck to you.

Posted 2 years ago #
sarahfulmer
Columbus, OH
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YES YES YES!! I would support and participate! I have many connections to the Improv scene in Detroit (it is huge there, even now that Second City bailed out) and I go there frequently to see shows and support the scene. I would be thrilled if there were more venues in the Columbus area, we need this.

Posted 2 years ago #
AmyDub47
University district
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Matt - I've also done sketch comedy (Sketch By Numbers) at Wild Goose, and it is a great space but it would be a lot easier to pull off in a more conventional "theatre" space.

I think should a new comedy space open, there would be a lot of interest, especially considering the number of stand-up open mic nights and sketch/improv comedy happening in Columbus.

And as a shameless plug thrown in, Sketch By Numbers 4.0 will be the weekend of July 24, 25 and 26th (Jazz and Ribs Fest weekend) in the Urban Arts Space downtown in the old Lazarus building - definitely a challenging space in which to do sketch comedy; we're still figuring things out!

Posted 2 years ago #