If you’ve ever wanted to try standup comedy, the organizer of a new open mic comedy series encourages you to take part.
Sudbury comedian Cole Leonard is hosting the once-a-month open mic night at Lounge 390 at the Quality Inn. Upcoming events are set for Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and March 21.
Leonard said he’s been into comedy for about a decade himself. He’s always been a funny guy, but suffered from stage fright.
“I was always too scared to do it,” he said. “When somebody talked me into it, once I did it, I fell in love with it. Now, it's my biggest passion, really, and favourite thing to do.”
Leonard said there’s comedy open mic nights at other Sudbury venues, but with the comedy scene locally being pretty small, he feels there’s room for another.
“Part of my goal with this show, specifically, is to help facilitate the growth of the comedy scene,” he said.
“I'm hoping that people who are not involved already in the scene will see this as an opportunity to become involved … I think there's a lot of funny people here and people with good sense of humor.”
Leonard said the open mic is a “show up and sign up style of show,” so anyone can take part.
He suggests that first-timers take in a show first, and then come back for the next one with prepared material.
While he’s encouraging newbies, “I'm assuming that most of the experienced comedians here will show up,” Leonard said.
“Stage time is very valuable to comedians, right? You can't really practice at home. It's not like playing an instrument. You have to have the stage time and you have to have the mics.”
Admission to the event is a pay-what-you-can format. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the show beginning at 9 p.m.
For more information, contact Leonard at [email protected].
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s associate content editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.
