As Boise’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, as does the comedic heartbeat. Boise’s comedy scene is booming with a diverse and growing collection of comedians to share laughs with all who choose to watch.
Local venues such as Mad Swede, Suds Tavern and Watsons Cafe harbor a vibrant nightlife of local comedians, gathering to share sets, build community and take part in this burgeoning culture of comedy.
Jack Wheeler, a junior at Boise State studying psychology, started doing stand-up as a means to get involved in a brand new city his freshman year. Since then he has excelled in comedy and even had the opportunity to open for Bert Kreischer here in Boise after running into him at breakfast.
“I went up and introduced myself and I was kind of being a fangirl,” said Wheeler. “And then my mom told him that I do comedy and stuff and he let me do like five minutes on his show. So that was really fun”
Wheeler explains that performing serves not only the viewers who get to laugh and have fun, but provides a sense of contentment within himself.
“It’s super fun to perform and get a thrill out of it,” said Wheeler. “I think I just like making people happy.”
While not many Boise dwellers are aware of the lively comedy scene that takes place so close to us, local comedian Josh Priceexplained that Boise is a wonderful place for those wanting to try their hand behind the mic.
“I would say about Boise, it’s a great town to start doing comedy, because you have a lot of opportunities to do it,” said Price. “You could do it as much as you’re willing to. So it’s a really great town right now for new comics or people who want to try it out.”
Mad Swede Brew Hall offers open mic nights nearly every Saturday, and those who want to experiment with stand-up are urged to test it out. Prepare 3-5 minutes of a set (or wing it) and try something new.
Local comedian Ian Yearsley shares the sense of community that the Boise comedy scene offers.
“I like a lot of the people that do it (comedy),” said Yearsley. “It kind of makes me feel like I’ve done something good when I do it … I love that.”
Natasha Dash explained the personal benefits she experiences when she does her comedy. She suggests that sharing laughable moments with complete strangers offers a special kind of bond with those listening.
“A lot of people feel alone in specific times and areas of their lives. And so to know that other people have similar headspace as you,” said Dash. “There’s nothing like making a room full of strangers laugh at that.”
Dash also explains the urge for more female comics to take part in Boise’s comedy scene.
“There’s unfortunately still that stereotype that women need to be delicate and sweet and innocent,” said Dash. “And there’s nothing more uncomfortable for people than an abrasive woman.”
“@standupsixfeetunder” on Instagram consistently posts shows in which people are urged to attend.
“I feel like it’s pretty lively. I just feel like not a lot of people know about it,” said Dash. “The only thing that would make me feel like it’s underground, but we have constant shows…there’s constantly at least every single weekend, a comedy show somewhere.”
The Boise comedy scene is thriving, providing wannabe stand-ups with the chance to start or simply offering an opportunity for those seeking laughter. Join in on another side of Boise and relish the local comedians who perform nearly every day of the week
