Stand Up & Deliver
by Rachel Stinson
What do Memphis pilots, police officers, models, and mechanics have in common? They'll all be to blame for a major increase in laugh lines.
Starting Wednesday, August 22nd, people from various professions will compete against one another in the Memphis Comedy Search, hosted by the Comedy, TN Comedy Club.
The competition will be divided into 14 occupational categories. Wednesday's division is waiter/waitress; categories to follow range from IT person to college/high-school student.
These open-mic nights will be an opportunity for comics to showcase their talents. Each weekly winner will receive a trophy and a small cash prize before competing at the finals to be held next spring.
"To me, it's endlessly fascinating," says Comedy, TN co-owner John Marks. "There's such a diverse range of people on open-mic night."
Marks believes that Memphis is home to a number of fine comics. He hopes the Comedy Search will "pull more funny people out of the Memphis area who have thought about stand-up but never pulled the trigger."
As for getting laughs: "Comics speak from the heart; they tell it like it is," Marks says. "It's about being able to hear your own thoughts and bring them to the stage — to do your own thing. The key is to be comfortable in your own skin."
"Memphis Comedy Search," Comedy, TN Comedy Club, 6102 Macon, starting Wednesday, August 22nd, 8:15 p.m. $5.
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