• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Join the Stand Up Empire

July 20, 2015 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Stand up Comedy at Empire Control Room

All this talk about the changing landscape of the Red River District is enough to make you cry. But there’s something new to the area that can help: stand up comedy.

Austin’s comedy scene has been left largely unexplored by many Austinites. Until now. One of newest open mic nights in town, Stand Up Empire at Empire Control Room & Garage, is proof that Austin’s comedy scene is on the rise.

Stand Up Empire is a cross between a typical open mic night and a featured comedy showcase. There is an emcee who guides the audience through the evening and a feature guest comic to keep things…well…funny. Or at least that’s the hope. And did I mention it’s free?

So let me set the stage for what you can expect on a typical Tuesday night at Stand Up Empire.

Empire Control Room & Garage

Empire Control Room & Garage

Empire Control Room & Garage (Credit: Jessica Pino)

My first memory of this venue was when it was Creekside. It was the first bar I visited when I moved to Austin years ago and there was something magical about the space. Empire Control Room & Garage, as we know the venue today, is still just as magical. It’s one of my favorite bars in Austin. They have managed to meld together everything Austinites love about Austin: live music, community and art. It’s just the right mix of divey meets hipster which–to me–gives it a “true Austin” feel.

Another thing I love about Empire is they support local artists. Their murals feature many well known street artists such as Truth and Eatherly, and even their chalkboards are being overhauled by local doodler Rebecca Borrelli. They support heaps of local musicians, including the emo puppet band, Fragile Rock. You can’t get weirder than that.

All to say that when I found out Empire was hosting this new open mic night, I was immediately interested. Not only is the event free, but parking downtown on Tuesday nights is also free. There’s really no excuse not to go. After all, who doesn’t like to be entertained for free?

Lee Perrin performs at Stand Up Empire

Stand Up Empire feels like you’re in someone’s backyard (Credit: Jessica Pino)

What makes this open mic different from the rest around town, you ask? For me, the biggest thing is that Stand Up Empire takes place on the outside stage, astroturf and all. It feels like you’re in someone’s backyard, which creates a very intimate feeling. It’s not intimidating, the organizers are all friendly and welcoming and, generally, people are at their best.

Stand Up Empire for Comics

If you want to perform, arrive early. Signups open at 8 PM and spots typically fill within the first 10 minutes. And be sure to bring your A-game. I’m setting the bar high with this article and you wouldn’t want to make me a liar, right?

Empire Control Room Outdoor Stage

The view of Empire from the stage (Credit: Elizabeth Wilcocks)

Okay, fine. Your B-game will also work. But whatever you’re working on, come prepared.

Of course, you can test out new stuff. But many people aren’t reading from their notes and the 5 minute time slot gives you extra time on stage you might not get at other open mics. I like to think that people test out their material at other open mics around town, and then come to Stand Up Empire to “perform.”

Stand Up Empire for Lovers of Laughter

As I mentioned before, this is not your typical open mic night. The evening actually reminds me of Backyard Story Night, except everyone’s funny. Backyard Story Night is a welcoming community where people gather to share their unrehearsed stories. Alternatively, Stand Up Empire is a welcoming community for comics to tell their rehearsed stories.

Empire Control Room Street Art in Austin

The stage at Stand Up Empire features murals by local street artists (Credit: Jessica Pino)

The show starts at 9 PM and lasts about two hours. Come and go as you please. Ain’t nobody stoppin’ ya. Except for maybe the comedian heckling you from the stage. Just kidding. That might not happen.

So can I guarantee that everyone will tickle your fancy? No. But I can promise that someone will. What else are you going to do on a Tuesday night?

The Inspiration Behind Stand Up Empire

On any given Tuesday, you’re likely to hear the name Brently paired with several expletives. Basically because it’s all his fault. And thank goodness! Brently Heilbron, of Brently Artists & Media, wanted to create a friendly environment for comics. So, with the support of The Institution Theater, he partnered with Empire Control Room & Garage and Mike Wilson of Devolver Digital to bring Stand Up Empire to life.

Brently Heilbron at Stand Up Empire

Mastermind Brently Heilbron performs at Stand Up Empire (Credit: Jessica Pino)

Brently genuinely wants to build a community and see people have a good time. If you dream of being a full-time comedian, he’ll support and encourage you. If you just need to escape mentally from your 9-5, he’ll support that, too. If you’ve taken his stand up comedy class* at The Institution, then you understand what I mean. And if you haven’t, you should.

His ultimate goal is to continue to curate comedy and help artists get paid for their art. And it is an art like writing, painting, singing or playing music. Not everyone can do it, and we should support those who do.

So take a stand and join me Tuesday nights at Empire Control Room & Garage. If you hate it, I’ll refund your money.

*Shameless self-promotion time. If you want to see the comedic results of yours truly after “graduating” from Brently’s class, you can watch that video here. Viewer discretion advised.  

 

@jpino9 wants to know:

Who’s your favorite Austin comedian?

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries, Entertainment, Events Tagged With: comedy

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Austin Christmas Lights 2023

Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!

Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn the Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around. Everyone loves the Zilker Park lights, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond these famous Austin holiday lights, read […]

11 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of November 24, 2023 include Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and More!

11 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of November 24, 2023 include Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of November 24 which include the Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Annual Lighting of the Square, Black Friday Sip + Shop, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may […]

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events – Enjoy These 10 Things to Do, Activities, & More!

Thanksgiving 2023 is just around the corner, and Austin, Texas, is gearing up for a season brimming with festivities, warmth, and community spirit. As we anticipate the joyous celebrations, let’s embrace the essence of Thanksgiving in Austin – a blend of traditional feasts, holiday cheer, and memorable moments with loved ones. Whether you’re a local […]

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023 – Parades, Concerts, and Other Celebrations Near You!

This Veterans Day, honor the valiant hearts who served in the US Armed Forces with a grand salute! The city is set to showcase a spectacular lineup of Veterans Day events in 2023, making it the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations. Whether you’re searching for ‘Veterans Day events near me’ or ‘veteran events near […]

Winter Camp Austin 2023 - Your Guide to Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Editor’s Note: We are getting started with our process of compiling our comprehensive guide on Winter Camps in Austin for 2023! We will be making updates to this article on a regular basis. So please bookmark and check back in!  Winter Camps Austin – Explore, Learn, and Grow! Austin becomes a playground of wonder and […]

Recent Posts

  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Christmas tree lighting Austin 2023 Events & Ceremonies to Watch!
  • Planning Your Black Friday in Austin – When to Shop Where And Maximize Shopping Deals
  • Everything you need for Thanksgiving 2023 in Austin – Things to do, Where to Eat, Where to Shop & more!
  • Best Deals on Thanksgiving Meals in Austin 2023 – Where to Dine & Save This Holiday!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • The Complete Guide to Austin’s Moonlight Towers
  • Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Shop Local at 10 Trend-setting Menswear Clothing Stores in Austin

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

x
x