For the love of laughter

Georgia College comedians pursue, perform stand-up comedy in local, statewide shows

Georgia College is home to a few comedians who travel to do stand-up shows simply because it is what they love to do.

Andrew Markle, a senior outdoor education major and one of the comedians currently attending Georgia College, takes an active role in comedy.

“I’ve been hosting a comedy night once every other month at Buffington’s,” said Markle. These shows are frequented by other comedians at Georgia College.

“We just started them last year towards the end,” said Andrew George, a junior telecommunications major. “Now, [Markle and I] go back and forth putting them on,”

These aren’t the only comedy shows that are in Milledgeville. CAB puts on a comedy show in the Magnolia Ballroom once a semester.

“Buffington’s is my favorite place to do stand up in Milledgeville” said George, who participates in these events.

The comedians on Georgia College’s campus don’t always stay so close to home though. They travel to Atlanta to do shows at clubs like the Laughing Skull, at the Vortex.

“You do open mic stuff, which isn’t paid at all. Then you can do guest spots, which some are paid, most are not,” said Markle.

It’s common for a comedian to not expect payment for most of the shows that they do. These types of shows are often secured through connections and relationships comedians have with other comedians.

“Basically, comedians help other comedians,” said George. “If they have a show and they need openers, they’ll call their friends that they think are funny or that they’ve worked with before. That’s how I got all my Atlanta shows, just by other comedians I’ve worked with before calling me and asking me to open up for them.”

Collaborations like these are common among those that have worked together and even those that haven’t.

“It’s honestly all about who you know,” said Markle.

This applies for nearly all comics, whether they’re trying to get their first stand up gig, or if they’re on the road or headlining. A familiar face is much more welcome than a new one. That’s not to say that success is granted.

“I’d say that the Atlanta comedy people are a pretty close knit group. You have to prove yourself though. That’s the thing. It’s a total trial by fire,” said Markle.

A beginning in comedy doesn’t always have to start so starkly.

“I started in eighth grade for a talent show,” said George. “A bunch of people told me to do it, so I did it.”

There are also smaller, quieter clubs that are predominately visited by comedians. These clubs are places to try out new bits and serve as proving grounds for comics. A frequent stop for the comics at Georgia College to test the waters before they take the leap to stand up is the improv club, The Armed Farces. The club meets on Thursdays at Blackbird Coffee downtown.