Madison’s comedy scene punches above its weight when it comes to attracting nationally-known comedians to town. But the city also has a vibrant local comedy scene, from stand-up performers to improv groups to sketch comedy troupes.
If you’re in the mood for a laugh now, listen to Madison comedian Nate Chappell on the City Cast Madison podcast talk to host Bianca Martin about his upcoming live show featuring all-autistic comedians raising money for autism research. And then check out some of these other hilarious local comedy shows in town.
The State Street comedy club pulls in lots of top-flight comedians (such as Patton Oswalt’s performance there next month), but the Wednesday open mic night is considered one of the best in the country, with as many as 20 comedians telling jokes for a supportive crowd. It’s also not unheard of for that weekend’s headliner to stop by for a quick set.
Not only does Monkey Business offer improv classes at all levels, but they perform on the weekends at Glass Nickel Pizza on Atwood Ave. (one all-ages show, one grown-up show). So you can get great pizza and great comedy together.
This comedy group puts on some of the most innovative shows around town at venues not normally known for comedy, such as Crucible and Hotel Indigo. Shows include the movie riff-a-long Schlock and Awe, and the TED Talks-esque Words With Nerds, which is celebrating its 200th show this week.
Atlas on E. Washington Ave. has been teaching improv and putting on live shows in Madison for over 20 years, keeping things interesting with both short-form and long-form improv.
North Street Cabaret might be better known for cool jazz than hot comics, but local comedian Allie Lindsay regularly hosts showcases at the club, with musical accompaniment by Jake Snell.
Every Thursday night, the Rigby Pub gives the microphone to local stand-ups who want to get some stage time.
Chappell’s twist on the live talk show format is that he asks his guests (including past guests Bianca Martin and myself) questions that were supposedly generated by a computer, such as “What’s the difference between a peach and a bicycle?” You can also listen to it as a podcast.
