What is The Open Mic From Hell?
The most unique comedy show in town happens every Monday night at 8:00p, at the only New Orleans comedy club — Comedy House (609 Fulton).
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.
It happens every Monday night at Comedy House New Orleans, 8:00p.
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, you have to make a choice: do a brand new set on the spot (based off words from the audience) or do a challenge set. Challenge sets might have the comic do their regular routine but they have to do it outside or backwards or as a famous movie character or while goofy sound effects punctuate their 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 most unique 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 to the best new orleans comedy show at that link.
Interested in being on the show? Use this link to submit (no experience necessary) or just show up if you’re feeling lucky: there will be an additional 3 lottery spots available night of the event.