What is The Open Mic From Hell?

The wildest comedy show in town happens at Toulouse Theatre, one of the most legendary performance venues in the city (615 Toulouse — in the heart of the French Quarter)

Open Mic From Hell is on *most* Mondays at Toulouse Theatre. Check the show’s Instagram for most up to date info.

The Open Mic From Hell is a stand-up comedy event with the electricity of a game show. The unpredictability of a daredevil stunt. The energy of pro wrestling.

The premise is simple — anyone can be on the show (that’s the “Open Mic” part), but nobody knows what they are going to do on stage (that’s where “From Hell” comes in). Also the order is randomized so nobody knows when they are going on stage (more “Hell”).

When your name gets pulled, we pull from a list of challenges. You might have to do your set outside or backwards or as a famous movie character or while goofy sound effects punctuate your words.

The challenges are constantly updated and our special guest “Hellraisers” (special local celebrities who are part of the show each week) always add new ones.

The result is a weird, fast paced, unpredictable show that also happens to be very funny and extremely impressive when it works.

And despite the challenges of the show, it usually works. The audience wants to see every comic succeed, as they are in on the process from the beginning. Comics who are committed to their authentic voice not only excel, but learn how to sharpen their perspective in the process.

I’ve started using “the wildest comedy show in New Orleans” as a tagline and I mean it. There’s nothing like it. Every show is completely different (the format demands it), but additionally, the show itself is an always evolving production. We are 100% willing to make adjustments on the fly if it will make for a better experience. We are committed but unattached. Professional but unhinged.

This is not my first time producing a weird ass show like this, but it might be my best one yet. I joke in one of my performer bios that I’ve “created hundreds of original comedy show formats, some of which were complete disasters.”

But The Open Mic From Hell works because while it pushes most people out of their comfort zone, it also sets them up for success. Hilarious, death-defying success.

Want to see the show? Get tickets here or pay more at the door.

Interested in being on the show? Show up around 7:15p and give us your name.