Comedians and comedy fans alike worked hard to make SXSW 2017 memorable. It paid off because nearly all the comedy events were PACKED. In fact, you could hear the hearts breaking among those who didn’t make it in, after waiting an hour or more to see a show. My main objective this year, while covering SXSW […]
The Evolution of SXSW Comedy
In my opinion, comedians are the new rockstars of SXSW. It’s about time, since SXSW Comedy is celebrating its tenth edition during the multi-track festival. Over the past 10 years, SXSW has showcased the comedy industry’s influential and up-and-coming comics. There were amazing comedians around in 1987 when SXSW started, but it wasn’t considered a necessity at a festival […]
How to Get the Most Out of SXSW Comedy 2017
Welcome to your unofficial “how to” guide for getting the most out of SXSW Comedy 2017. The first thing you need to do is drop all expectations because, with comedy, ANYTHING can happen. Yes, there are scheduled events all week long. Yes, there are big names in comedy who will be performing. Yes, you may need a […]
Missed Connections Ads on Craigslist Inspire Local Improv Troupe
Austin improv is thriving, as is the city’s dating scene. If you put the two together, you get one hell of a improv comedy show called Missed Connections ATX, at ColdTowne Theater. If you aren’t familiar with the term, I urge you to take a look at your local Missed Connections section on Craigslist. It’s used […]
Parallelogramophonograph Gives a Mouthful of Improv to Austin
Not all improv groups are created equal. I’m a fan of improv theater in general, but I have to admit, I’ve been to some painful shows in the past. When done badly, improv theater can be downright uncomfortable to witness. But when a troupe has chemistry, energy and talent, and everything falls into place just right, […]
Diverse, Local Talent at Sure Thing Free Comedy Show Every Saturday
When the lights go off and the audience settles in, all you can see inside a spacious back room at Austin Java is a brightly-lit stage and two neon arrows hanging from the ceiling. In the spotlight created by the arrows is a tall guy with a cup of coffee in one hand and a phone […]
Austin Playdate with Comic Ralph Hardesty
Guest article by Colin Gray Ralph Hardesty is an up-and-coming standup comic you may have seen at Cap City Comedy Club, ColdTowne Theater and other venues, or co-hosting Greetings From Queer Mountain with comedian Michael Foulk. You may also have seen him in a caftan or witch’s cloak if you’ve attended Gurl’s Night, a gay- and women-focused […]
Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Join the Stand Up Empire
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 […]
Cap City Comedy Club Is My Favorite Place in Austin and Here’s Why
Cap City Comedy Club is my favorite place in town. That’s saying a lot, considering the number of businesses and establishments I’ve written about during my time with The Austinot. But I said it and I stand by it.
Esther’s Follies Summer Camps Teach Fine Art of Vaudeville
For 38 years, Esther’s Follies has been doing an important job for the city of Austin by blending old school Vaudeville shenanigans with political satire. Now they’re excited about training a new generation in the beloved art form that gave us Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and The Three Stooges with School of Comedy summer camps. 38 Years […]