Baton Rouge has an exploding comedy scene few people know about. But those who do are dying for laughs.
One downtown venue hosts a plethora of comedic events such as improv, open mic, stand-up and professional comedians.
Richoux’s hosts two regular weekly comedy events, Open Mic on Wednesday and the Family Dinner on Thursday. Richoux’s also host several special comedy events.
Wednesday night at 8p.m. is Baton Rouge’s only night for local
stand-up. Comedians old and new get a chance to try out new material, allotted five minutes each.
Red Stick Comedy, a local company hoping to create the comedy scene Baton Rouge deserves, started Open Mic.
Red Stick Comedy is the brain child of Jerry White, who started the company when he was looking for his own chance at stand-up.
White said he would write material with no idea of what to do with it.
Finally after trying to get booked at local comedy clubs to no avail, he went down to New Orleans.
After months of driving to New Orleans for open mics he decided it was time for one in Baton Rouge.
“This town has two universities and a community college. I knew there had to be some funny people around here, ” White said.
White went to Richoux’s with his idea.
“We are just trying to establish local comedy in Baton Rouge. It fits downtown because of the new arts and entertainment district,” White said.
White had little trouble finding willing comedians. Since the first open mic in July, 42 comedians have performed at open mic – many of them have returned as regulars.
White said open mic is a good way for would-be comedians to get some credentials.
“Musicians can practice in their garage and get better. But comedians need to work with an audience. It’s a different mindset,” White said.
The performers are usually a mix of Richoux’s regulars and newcomers.
Ben Hubbell, communication disorders junior, tried stand up for the first time last Tuesday. “My friend does it and I thought I could do it,” Hubbell said.
Hubbell said comedy is a great option for those seeking something different to do in Baton Rouge.
Besides open mic nights, Red Stick puts on headliner shows at Richoux’s at well.
A headliner show gives comedians with a little more experience a chance to shine with longer sets and more polished material.
Richoux’s will host “For Whom the Polls Close,” a headliner show in honor of the election, on Oct. 4.
White and three other comedians will grace the stage at Richoux’s.
Richoux’s also hosts the improv troupe The Family Dinner.
The Family Dinner gives audiences a taste of their combination of rehearsed sketches and songs with a main course of improvisational comedy every Thursday at 8 p.m.
Some of the members of the now defunct “Making It Up … As We Go Along” got together to continue their brand of improv comedy. After a few different venues, the group ended up at Richoux’s.
Players ask audience members questions and use the offbeat answers to string together sketches. Anything can happen and anything goes.
Christin Wasiloski, a theater senior, said the group does have practices but nothing is planned.
“We practice doing drills, but it’s more to get a basic feel,”
Wasiloski said.
The performances show the spontaneous nature. Players do their best to make sure the audience stays happy. If a sketch does not flow, the players laugh it off, and go to any length to try to salvage the humor.
Adam Wilson, a theater senior, is one of the original Family Dinner members.
“The comedy scene in Baton Rouge is going up. It’s exploding – going in every different direction. A lot of people want to jump on the bandwagon,” Wilson said.
Wilson and several other members of The Family Dinner also participate in open-mic comedy.
“The scene is really fraternal and that is vital. The comedians really come out and support each other,” Wilson said.
Comedy at Richoux’s expands on Baton Rouge’s usual nightlife options.
“Baton Rouge is starving for other forms of entertainment,” White said.
And local comedians are loving keeping them fed.