Stand up for Comedy
TAYLOR CLARK
There is an inferno of talent and excitement around our comedy scene and I am here to fan the flames.
Almost a decade of my life was spent in New York City, which is considered to be the mecca of stand up comedy. I would never compare the great Northwest’s comedy scene to that of NYC, but I will happily explain why it is still one of the greatest places in the country for stand up, and only getting better.
Although the crowds out here are famously stellar – which is certainly an integral ingredient in having fertile comedy ground – they are still worthless without a hot talent pool from which to draw. And the pool here is boiling over.
The population of the PNW is ripe with funny people; there are no lack of strange and delightful characters in our neck of the woods. But, something needs to drive them to get on stage. Mitch Herberg, a comedy legend, got his comedy start in Seattle and famously won The Seattle International Comedy Contest (SICC) In 1997. This contest is and has been the benchmark for “readiness” in the local industry. Now in its 40th year, it’s still going strong and has been the launchpad for countless careers. For decades the Northwest’s best comics have competed against some of the country’s best stand-ups for cash prizes and an industry spotlight.
More recently, in 2015, Preacher Lawson won first place, went on to place second in America’s Got Talent, and is now one of the top touring comics in the US. Needless to say, the opportunities of this contest are mouthwatering to the local comedians.
So, we have good crowds, a quality talent pool, and a huge annual contest. A fair recipe for a pretty sweet scene indeed, but there’s still something else fueling the engine of this increasingly fast comedy locomotive. That is the fact that now, comics are staying put.
Cory Michaelis is the producer and host of a monthly stand up show at Emory’s that is now in its eighth year. He was also a finalist of SICC and is now a nationally touring headliner and legitimately internet famous (his YouTube videos have millions of views). In the past comics at Cory’s level would jet off to NYC or LA, so why stay in Snohomish county? “There are great clubs and comedy rooms here plus I can go on the road from anywhere…might as well do it from home.”
When comics stay in their home- town, they tend to selfishly make the scene better. Cory is one of many great NW comics that has maintained an awesome career without leaving.He also produces his own monthly stand-up show and through osmosis inspires and motivates the younger generation of comedians.
“I grew up in Everett and wanted to bring national touring headliners to residents, friends, and family. I’m super proud that we’ve had nearly 8 years of sold out shows at Emory’s on Silver Lake.”
This is crucial to a long lasting and evolving comedy scene. Better comics to watch, more rooms to perform in, and good examples to follow. Show me all of the above in combination with the hot crowds, the contest, killer talent pool, and the two hundred other unlisted reasons why this comedy scene rocks, and I will show you one of the best places in the country for stand up comedy.
Check out Columbia Winery for regular comedy in Snohomish county as well as Emory’s on Silver Lake, the Everett historical theatre, and if you’re so inclined, Tony Vs in Everett on Mondays for some real sweet open mic action. Support the amazing Washington Comedy Clubs and search for local comedy in any area you travel in.
Support local stand up comedy and exponentially improve your mood, attitude, and the quality of life for you and the scene itself.