Calling All Class Clowns And Closet Comedians Open Mic Has Arrived
By Nick Murray
"When I was younger, I would have loved to have the opportunity to try stand-up comedy but I never thought about it because it there wasn’t anything like that happening here" Garret DeLaurier, the brain behind MooseJam Comedy said. That's what drove him to starting MooseJam Comedy and bringing comedians into the city. But his newest project is about giving the people of Moose Jaw, particularly the youth, opportunities to not only see stand-up comedy but to participate in it as well.
"I imagine there are some people in High School that watch comics on tv and the internet that would be interested in trying."
MooseJam will be hosting what Garret claims is "Moose Jaw's First Stand-up Comedy Open Mic" at Mitsu Sweet Cafe on Wednesday March 18th, from 6:30-9:00; this is a great chance for those closet comedians and class clowns to test their mettle in front of a live audience.
"I will still be booking more professional comics from out of town" Garret said "but this will be to create a community for local comics to cut-their-teeth and get some experience."
Garret grew up a musician, playing in local bands and is no stranger to the concept of Open-Mic nights but he admits doing comedy is quite a bit different.
"Unlike music, you have to practice stand-up in front of an audience" he said. "When you’re a musician you can write and practice by yourself and get better and perform already having mastered your craft. With comedy you can write by yourself but the practice, or experience comes from trying your material out on different crowds. What works with one crowd might not work with another. What you find funny isn’t necessarily funny to everyone and you have to find how to gauge an audiences taste."
Garret added, "in real estate the saying is 'location, location, location'; in stand up comedy the saying is 'stage time, stage time, stage time' it’s the only way to get good at it."
From the people Garret has spoken to, he has the impression that Stand Up Comedy nights are something people in Moose Jaw would really appreciate.
If someone is interested in performing, they can just show up at Mitsu on the 18th and sign up. But Garret says it wouldn't hurt to contact him in advance. He can be found on Instagram at @moosejamcomedy.
"Proceeds from the event will go toward making better looking posters, buying sound equipment and stuff" Garret says.
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic
Wednesday, March 18 6:30-9 Mitsu Cafe 115 Main Street North