Epic Comedy Hour: Underwear Comedy Party Edition

This week marks a very important anniversary in Huntsville.

And no, it doesn’t have anything to do with space or technology, but rather stand up comedy.

After 3 years of hosting local comedy show Epic Comedy Hour, founder Justin Ledlow wanted to do something a little different for this year’s anniversary performance, which is this Friday, July 25, 2014 at 8:00 pm.

Comedians Dress Down

As a special thank-you to all of their supporters, Epic Comedy Hour is making this month’s show an underwear party.

Audience members can breathe a sigh of relief, because no amount of stripping down on their part is required to get in. The only bodies that will be “dressed down” are those of the comedians performing.

The Epic Interview

I asked Justin to share with me his take on old public speaking tricks, wacky ECH moments, and the skinny on what to expect during Friday’s show.

• Why did you decide to make the 3 Year Anniversary Show an underwear party? 

Joe Pettis, the guy who created Underwear Comedy Party, did our first two anniversary shows. It seemed like he always came and did our anniversary shows, so this year I asked again. Then a few days later, I had the idea of doing his Underwear show.

• After 3 years of putting on Epic Comedy Hour, you have to have seen some wacky stuff. Is there a show (or shows) that stand out in your mind? 

January of 2012 had 368 people in the crowd, and while that might sound like a good thing, no one could move. We were at standing room only and everyone was crammed in like sardines, it was definitely a fire hazard. So after that we started capping the audiences between 250-275.

There was another show I can’t remember the date, but an audience member got offended by something one of the comics said so they went into the lobby and found some plates (don’t know where from, might have been one of the local artists booths) and started throwing them out of the window. Because breaking plates after hearing an offensive joke is totally understandable behavior.

• An old public speaking trick has been to picture the audience naked. Do you think this still works when it is the speaker that is in their skivvies? 

I’ve only done Underwear Comedy once but really, you don’t even have to bother with any kind of tricks. You come on stage in your underwear and the audience is already on your side, because you’re already doing something most people would never do, and then you’re doing it in your underwear.

Even if they don’t like your jokes, they’ll respect you for being so vulnerable on stage. The first time I did it I was a little nervous, but then I started my first joke and it went well, so all the worries about me being up there in my undies faded away really quick.

• This month’s Epic Comedy Hour is going to be a little different for fans. What can they expect when they come to see the show? 

We have guys and girls on the show this month so I don’t want people thinking they’re coming to see a bunch of dudes in their underwear, there’s something for everyone. Our fans can expect what they always get at an Epic show – a really fun time.

And this time we’ve got some returning favorites like local comics Stephen Claybrooks and Sam McLeroy, and Atlanta comics Jeremy Mesi and Joe Pettis.

Newcomers are the two girls on the show, Sarah McCoy and Kristi Snyder, both Atlanta comics.

So there’ll be some familiar faces and some new ones.

This show is going to be really loose and I’m planning on having a lot of fun with the underwear party. Also, I’ve got a little surprise in mind for the show too, but people will have to come out and see what that’s about.

• Boxers or briefs?

Boxer briefs, but I’m not gonna be wearing some plain Jane simple Hanes or something for the show. I have something a little more interesting planned.

Event Information- Epic Comedy Hour: Underwear Comedy Party Edition

What: Epic Comedy Hour 3 Year Anniversary Show: Underwear Comedy Party Edition
When: July 25, 2014 at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30)
Where: Flying Monkey Theatre, 2nd Floor in Lowe Mill Arts
How Much: $8 per person

Don’t forget today’s blog post is part of the Find It to Win contest.

 

Show photos by Type II Photography