The Laugh Shop Search for Alberta’s funniest new comedian

So you think you’re funny?

Maybe your friends have always said that you’re the funny one of the group, or perhaps you’ve spent countless hours watching stand-up comedians, saying to yourself, “I could do that.” Then why not come on down to the Laugh Shop at Hotel Blackfoot to share the stage with Calgary’s hottest up-and-coming amateur and professional comedians trying out their new material. It’s one thing to make your friends laugh, but wait until you get your first rush from a large audience at a professional comedy club.
One Thursday each month, the Laugh Shop presents Pro-Am Night – a night for comedians of all skill levels to let loose on stage. You never know what to expect. A place where (even if you bomb) everyone (except maybe you) will have a great time.

Still think you’re funny?

If you want to appear as an amateur on the Laugh Shop Pro-Am night, here’s what you need:
1) Prepare 5 minutes of original comedy material. That doesn’t mean stealing Dave Chappelle’s bit or finding street jokes off the internet, but 5 minutes or less of your own hopefully-funny jokes.
2) At least one week and one day prior to the show send an email to Chris Griffin griffin.chris@gmail.com with the word “Amateur” in the subject field, give a short explanation about yourself, indicate what night you wish to perform, and leave your phone number. If you’d prefer not to receive a response and be ignored for eternity, then include a Family Guy joke.
3) Sit back and wonder what you’ve just gotten yourself into while you wait for a response as to whether you will be on the next show or not. Further to a reply email, the month’s forthcoming line-up will be posted on the Laugh Shop website one week prior to Pro-Am night.
4) If you are selected to perform, it’s probably a good idea for your self-esteem to stack the audience with friends and family who will laugh at your jokes no matter what because they love you (or because you’ll pay them to). A special offer exists for anyone performing on stage that allows friends and families of comedians to get in at a 2-for-1 discount as long as reservations are made in advance. You can set this up by directly calling the Laugh Shop Box Office. While tickets are usually available the day of the show, guests arriving without reservations will have to pay full price.

Having second thoughts?

If you have any hesitations about whether you should be on stage, feel free to come check out a show on us. In fact, we recommend all new performers watch a Pro-Am night before actually getting on stage. Email Chris Griffin with the subject line “Thinking About It” and he’ll be happy to have you out at a Pro-Am night of your choosing to walk you through what you can expect. It’s a lot easier when you know what you’re getting into. Chris will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have about anything relating to comedy.

Oh, you’re already funny?

If you are an experienced comedian at any level, send Chris Griffin a short email about yourself with “Pro-Am” in the subject field. Longer spots and potential Showcase spots are available to those wanting to try out new and old material.

Congratulations you’re on the show!

Please be sure to arrive prior to 7:30pm and check in with Chris. He will notify you of the order of appearance and how much time you will be performing that evening. Typically, your performance should consist of five minutes (or less) of original material. Please stay within your allotted time; performers who go over their time may not be scheduled again. Please do not call the office to request Thursday night spots. You are responsible to check the website for the lineup after sending your request, if you are added to the lineup and fail to attend, you may not be scheduled again.

NEXT AMATEUR NIGHT IS THURSDAY, May 17, 8:00pm

Neil Melrose
Shane Landstrom
Victor McWhan
Neal Irvine
Serena Shane
Jason Crawford
Doug Mutai