Laugh Out Loud
Share a laugh with your friends or your best stand-up at these local comedy offerings throughout New Orleans.
Picture standing alone on stage in the spotlight with only a microphone and a bad case of the nerves at a comedy club in New Orleans. That was local comedian Carin Chapman, who recalled her first performance delivering a monologue of jokes and satirical comments to a large audience at the Comedy House New Orleans.
"My very first show was at the Comedy House New Orleans," Chapman recalled. "This was my first stand-up show in June 2021. I've never done stand-up before. I was terrified at the prospect, so I said I'll do it because I love doing things that scare me."
For Chapman, that daring move was three years ago at the age of 40. She said, "After the first show, I was instantly hooked on stand-up, did an open mic the next night and another show the next week, and I've never looked back since."
Of course, Chapman expressed her initial reluctance going from improvisational comedy to live stand-up. "I doubt I would've ever done stand-up if I hadn't been spurred into action," Chapman admitted. "I absolutely love making people happy and seeing them experience laughter and joy. There's nothing else like it."
Dedicated Comedy Venues
Themed showcases of stand-up, improv, and open mic comedy are just a few of the unique comedy offerings around town. Like Chapman, many local and touring comedians share their best stand-up at the Comedy House New Orleans, the only full-time comedy club in the city, located at 610 Fulton St. in the Warehouse District. "We are the only venue that exclusively produces comedy events six nights per week, year round," said Chris Trew, the booker at the Comedy House New Orleans and a comedian for about 20 years. "We do up to 15 shows a week. Our tickets are around $20. We seat 75 and have a full bar. We have a regular open mic on Wednesday nights and 'The Open Mic From Hell,' which happens every Monday at 8 p.m."
A more recent addition to the comedy scene is Big Couch NOLA, which is located at 1045 Desire St. in the Bywater. Big Couch offers not only stand-up comedy, but also improv, sketch comedy, comedy film screenings, storytelling, and theater. "Big Couch is more than a comedy club," Carrie Moulder, co-owner and founder of Big Couch NOLA, said. "It's a center for comedy, theater, creativity, community, and exploration." She explained that Big Couch NOLA hosts about three to six shows a week, Wednesday through Sunday, with tickets ranging from free to $25 depending upon the show and talent. "We have a 75-seat theater, a separate classroom, and a snack bar area," Moulder said. "And every Saturday at 1 p.m., we hold a free improv comedy jam."
Comedy Shows in Local Establishments
A local spot in the Marigny that has been hosting comedy events for almost 10 years is called "Comedy F#@k Yeah (CFY)", previously known as "It's Good Comedy." Located upstairs at the Dragon's Den on Esplanade Avenue, "CFY" is not considered a full-time comedy club. However, according to Vincent Zambon, the producer and host of "It's Good Comedy," they do supply weekly comedy shows. "We do operate similarly with an open mic on Thursdays, and then the showcases every Friday and Saturday night," Zambon mentioned. "Our average ticket price is $15. We can seat 65 with 20 standing."
Whether you're holding the mic or cracking up in your chair, the "Bear with Me Comedy Open Mic" is a local favorite every Monday night at the Twelve Mile Limit bar located in Mid-City. "Since this is open mic, anyone who wants to sign up has the opportunity to perform," said Lauren Malara, a New Orleans-based comedian and co-founder of "Bear With Me Comedy Open Mic," which is the longest woman-run show in Louisiana. "Our show is free. We love giving people a space to try comedy and bring more laughter to the world."
For a night of laughs, comedy seekers can check out the "Comedy Gumbeaux Show," located at The Howlin' Wolf on 907 South Peters. "We do host a major open mic every Thursday night when the schedule permits," said Bad Boy Redbean, a local comedian, founder, and host of "Comedy Gumbeaux." "With more than 100 seats available, our shows primarily feature stand-up comedy, with an open mic format that welcomes both seasoned performers and newcomers. The general cost of admission remains a modest $10."
If that line-up doesn't tickle your fancy, you can always check out the collection of New Orleans comedians listed on "Craft Comedy's" social media pages and website. "We partner with local breweries, bars, and lounges that range from dive bar to high class to bring comedy to the community, maintaining a consistent weekly and monthly show schedule," said Jorge Velazquez, producer of "Craft Comedy." "All 'Craft Comedy' shows are always free to attend, although we do accept tips." Weekly show schedules are posted on different social media platforms. Velazquez added, "While we are not based out of a single specific location, we operate across various venues in New Orleans, effectively making the entire city our stage."
No doubt, the comedy scene in the Crescent City is thriving, delivering a dose of laughter and entertainment on the menu for any day of the week. Be sure to check out 504comedy.com for an up-to-date schedule of local comedy shows happening around New Orleans. For anyone looking to improve their own comedy skills, Anubis Improv in Metairie offers different levels of improv classes to try out.
