Laugh Out Loud with ColdTowne Theater: Alternative Comedy in Austin

ColdTowne is a hub for standup comedy in our weird city
(Photo credit: Eyton Z via Flickr CC)

Did you know that Austin, Texas is one of the funniest places in America? Everybody know about our live music, but what about other forms of entertainment? Enter ColdTowne Theater.

ColdTowne has an interesting history. Since 2005, it has been one of our staples for alternative comedy and film. The owners and creators of the comedy club hail from New Orleans. Michael Jastroch, Arthur Simone and Justin York created the venue after evacuating due to Hurricane Katrina. The trio decided to bring improv training to the Capitol City.

After hearing a lot about ColdTowne Theater while writing my article about The Show!, I decided to swing by and check out some open mic comedy. The theater is located on Airport Blvd., hugging the beloved I Luv Video. You’ve probably seen the large signs for both while driving down the road.

ColdTowne Theater on Airport Blvd. (Photo credit: Dustin Vegas)

Night at ColdTowne Theater

I walked in on a Monday night. It seemed like everybody knew each other, as they mingled around talking before the show started. If I had to describe Cold Town in one word, it would be “comfortable.”

The front door opened to a bartender and stools. They welcomed me inside. While I didn’t get a chance to check out the prices of beers, I was informed that ColdTowne is BYOB. People began walking inside with craft beer in hand. It was around then that I started loving the place.

Local comedy troupe Your Terrific Neighbors are regular performers at ColdTowne (Photo credit: Rudy Ximenex Photography)

The actual theater space is small and cozy, situated behind the bar past a small, dark hallway. Seats surround a raised stage and a single microphone. Going in, I expected it to be kind of awkward. The seats were closer to the stage than I had imagined. We were within reaching distance of the stage.

Boy, was I wrong. The entire experience was comfortable and hilarious. Comedians from all walks of life took a shot at making us laugh. Comedic experience ranged from complete first timers to seasoned standups. Dozens of comedians performed that night.

The comedians at ColdTowne are funny and the crowd is supportive. (Photo credit: Hilde Skolberg via Flickr CC)

It was obvious that the crowd was also a mix, made up of fans of the art and other supportive comedians. I half expected stand up on a Monday night to be filled with lame jokes and a cold fish audience. Nope! The jokes were on point, and the audience made every comedian feel comfortable (which always helps bring out the funny).

More ColdTowne Comedy

There is a lot more to ColdTone than Monday night open mics. If you are an aspiring comedian, or just love to laugh, you’ll be able to find tons of resources here.

• Improv Classes: ColdTowne helps local comedians by providing free improv classes. This is a great opportunity if you have always wanted to get on stage. Even more, it’s a chance to break out of your shell. Personally, improv classes have helped me (a super introvert) to mingle better with people.
• Sketch Classes: Sketch comedy is one of the oldest forms of the art. With this class, professional comedy writers will teach you the fundamentals of writing for laughs, and then you will craft your own sketch! It’s an eight-week course.
• Youth Programs: Comedy is a great way to cultivate the performer in your child. Seasoned instructors will teach your children comedic best practices. ColdTowne offers multiple kid performance nights, so young comedians can display their talents.

As a lover of comedy, I am happy to live in the same town as ColdTowne Theater. It’s a fun, relaxed place filled with hilarious people. Maybe I’ll see you at an open mic!

@DustyVegas asks:

Have you ever experienced ColdTowne for yourself? What was it like?