Austin's Stand-Up Comedy Renaissance
Date Posted:March 29, 2023
Author:Tommy Laugherton
Austin, Texas is currently experiencing a comedy renaissance, with the live comedy scene taking center stage. Joe Rogan's newly opened comedy club, The Comedy Mothership, has been drawing attention from fans and comics alike, thanks to its top-notch talent and game-changing business model. However, it appears the comedy scene in Austin is set to grow even more with the opening of another comedy club, Sunset Strip Comedy Club, owned by Brian Redban.
Redban, a close friend of Rogan, moved to Austin with him back in 2020 and has now decided to open his own club. While there may be some friendly competition between The Comedy Mothership and Sunset Strip, it's evident that the comics are supportive of each other's endeavors. Comedian Andrew Schulz highlights the unique situation Austin is experiencing, with multiple comedy clubs within walking distance from each other. This has only been seen in New York, making Austin a new heavy hitter in the live comedy scene.
The Comedy Mothership has been changing the game in terms of compensation for comedians and workers, with Rogan reportedly paying unheard-of sums of money. Schulz shares that Rogan isn't concerned about making a profit, focusing on creating a supportive environment for comics and spreading the love within the community. While this model may make it difficult for other clubs that are hoping to make a profit succeed, Rogan has stated that he plans on supporting other clubs by performing there himself.
The Broadway Version of Live Stand-Up Comedy
The growth of Austin's comedy scene could lead to more big-name comedians opening their own clubs, similar to how country singers own bars in Nashville. The motivation, money, and resources available to these comedians might just turn 6th Street in Austin into a comedy version of Broadway. Austin's comedy renaissance is just getting started, and as more clubs open and events like the comedy tournament take place, the city is quickly becoming a go-to destination for live comedy enthusiasts. The unique combination of talented comedians, supportive venues, and engaging events is making Austin a true comedy hotspot in the United States.
March Madness of Comedy Podcasts
In addition to the flourishing stand-up comedy scene, there's an exciting event for comedy fans: a March Madness-style comedy tournament. Partnering with WatchComedy.Live, the interactive bracket will feature 16 clips from 16 popular comedians. Starting on Thursday, March 30th, fans can click a link, watch the clips, and vote for their favorites. The tournament is free and aims to bring comedy fans together while enjoying some of the best moments from comedy podcasts from 2023 so far.
Rolling Credits: Who appeared on comedy podcasts this week?
Some of the clips used in this video are from these comedy podcasts:
Your Mom's House hosted by Tom Segura and Christina P. with guest Brian Simpson
2 Bears 1 Cave hosted by Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura with guest Chris Distefano
Kill Tony hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe with guests Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings and Jim Norton
Flagrant hosted by Andrew Schulz with guest Sagaar Enjeti
Whiskey Ginger hosted by Andrew Santino with guest John Cena
Chrissy Chaos hosted by Chris Distefano with guest Bert Kreischer
Are You Garbage? hosted by H. Foley and Kevin Ryan with guest Adam Friedland
This Past Weekend hosted by Theo Von with guest Caleb Pressley
The Joe Rogan Experience hosted by Joe Rogan with guest Andrew Schulz
HoneyDew hosted by Ryan Sickler with guest Logic
Bad Friends hosted by Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino with guests Frankie Quiñones, Johnny Sanchez and Cristela Alonzo
Blocks hosted by Neal Brennan with guest Roy Wood Jr.
We Might Be Drunk hosted by Mark Norman and Sam Morril with guest Matt Ruby
The Harland Highway hosted by Harland Williams with guest Kyle Dunnigan
You Know What Dude hosted by Robert Kelly with guest Ari Shaffir
New(-ish) stand-up comedy specials out recently include:
The Attractives by Mike Vecchione on YouTube
Dog Belly by Big Jay Oakerson on YouTube is scheduled for release on April 5, 2023
Lefty's Son by Ryan Sickler on YouTube is scheduled for release on April 5, 2023
Baby J by John Mulaney on Netflix is scheduled for release on April 25, 2023
Featured Podcasts
Comic Info
Andrew Schulz
One of the most viewed standup comedians on YouTube in 2018 and 2019, Andrew Schulz averaged over 4 million views per week. Known as a produ... Show more