Asheville’s Comedy Scene Evolves From Empty Stages To Nightly Shows
Asheville, N.C. — A mere decade ago, the comedy scene in Asheville was nothing more than a collection of empty stages and idle talent. Today, however, local comedians stand in front of sold-out shows each night, ushering in a new era of laughter and entertainment in the city.
The Rise of Asheville’s Comedy Scene
Asheville comedians narrate a challenging journey of building a comedy scene from scratch. Ten years ago, local comedy talent Charlie Gerencer found no open mics, clubs, or regular series to showcase their comedic prowess. Together with other local comedians, they decided to establish an open mic platform. They termed it a necessity for nurturing budding comedians and enabling them to workshop their jokes.
The Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge became a life-altering platform for many. Comedian Hilliary Begley recalls how showing up at the Lounge for her first stand-up on March 1, 2013, ended up transforming her life. Despite facing challenges, including being initially fired for not “minding their cuss words,” the lounge survived and evolved.
The Evolution of Comedy in Asheville
Asheville’s Comedy scene has been on an upward trajectory since its humble beginnings. From a handful of comedians, the open mic culture has grown to accommodate up to thirty comedians, all eager to showcase their talent. The Asheville Music Hall, which once served as home for these aspiring comedians, is now a vibrant hub for nightly comedy shows. The creative community of Asheville have found a unique outlet in comedy that allows them to voice their unique perspectives and weave enchanting stories.
Trust from Audiences and Word of Mouth
Ashville’s comedy talents have garnered a dedicated audience who trust the performers to entertain and handle sensitive issues with care. Comedian very much appreciate the audience for their immediate feedback and believe that the live performance atmosphere helps to improve their craft. The comedy scene has also gained traction among novices. Zandra Johnson, a newcomer to this field, found the scene to be intimidating yet highly inviting.
Moulding Careers and Confidence
Ashville’s evolving comedy scene has helped comedians not only build their careers but also gain remarkable confidence. Celebrating their achievements, Hilliary Begley recalls how her journey with stand-up comedy allowed her to travel to Paris and Amsterdam, making her realize how this art form has impacted her life. Comedian Justin Blackburn lauds the community, appreciating that every joke told and rewritten following the audience’s reaction is a collaborative accomplishment.
A Comedy Festival Born in Asheville
Asheville’s burgeoning comedy scene paved the way for the city’s first Comedy Festival. Charlie Gerencer, reminiscing about creating the first Asheville Comedy Festival, likens the experience to the ‘Field of Dreams.’ The festival, now in its 16th year, serves not just as a platform for comics to showcase their talents but also as a learning opportunity with workshops and interaction with Emmy-winning writers and studio executives.
A Comedy Scene Growing Faster than Ever
The comedy scene in Asheville continues to grow at an astonishing pace. Today, the city boasts of a comedy show every night with an impressive turnout. The evolution of the seemingly dormant comedy scene into a bustling hub of laughter and creativity testifies to the tenacity and persistence of Asheville’s committed jokesters.
