You forgot to say that comics have to pay to get in and by the one drink minimum and that waitress will hound your ass until you buy something from her shes like a stripper but not hot and more of a bitch.
Thank you, anonymous for that wonderful and creative insight on the Comedy Shrine's Monday open mic. But yes, we do mention the shows once during the open mic (pardon us for being a business). I don't know where the claim of us always featuring the same people come from. And yes, I am in a few shows... I am the house MC.
Yes, everyone, the rules are the same as before: comics must pay the $5 cover to enter and must adhere to the one-drink minimum, just like everyone else. And yes, a server will ask you if you want something to drink. Once you have your one drink, just feel free to politely say no. It's not a big deal.
Much like the Naperville location, this open mic (along with LOL) has some of the biggest non-comic audiences I've seen. If that's worth it to you, then come on out.
Due to the amount of time we offer and how many people want to attend, we ask that comics fill out this form to get up onstage:
The open mic is great! You may have to pay 5 dollars and buy a drink, but its worth it to get 8 minutes of time. Its actually nice to work on some jokes in front of an actual audience as well.
The other day, there were 70 people who were not comics there to watch the show. I cant think of another place that will provide that kind of venue. You get to see if your jokes work out on actual people instead of a bunch of comics who are simply awaiting their turn to go up for a few minutes.
The weekend shows have been outstanding. Great comics going up from Chicago as well as the rest of the country!
The Comedy Shrine open mic is simply the BEST in Chicagoland. I'm a working comic, I'm on stage 4 or 5 day weeks in paid and non paid shows. I don't really like open mics that much because I work out much of my new material in my unpaid showcases (yeah I'm a douche bag, blow me). That being said I LOVE the Shrine's open mic for three huge reasons: 1) there's a real crowd of comedy fans! The people there are there for one reason to see comics perform. There are no other distractions & the crowd is into the show. 2) The list is at most 15/ 16 people (and that's on a really heavy night) you aren't waiting forever to go up. The whole show is usually about 2hours. Not much longer than a weekend feature. 3) You get time. I hate going to open mics and getting 3 mins. I get why it happens, I understand there's a few hundred comics all trying to get stage time and if 50 of them show up to your open mic you can't give them all 10 minutes. The Shrine does it right in my opinion. The list is made prior to the show, the amount of time is set, and the comics actually get a chance to show what they got. 3B) No one comes in a bumps you down the list. (I know I said 3 reasons but I just remembered this and didn't want ot rewrite the section damn it!) The list is set, if some hot shot "name comic" comes to do a set, they MAY get on (doubt it) but they won't bump you time off the show or cause you to get cut short.
Simply put The Shrine is the best, it's been my favorite set up since it was at it's old location and the new location is even better!
The Comedy Shrine Open mic is the best that I've ever been too. It has an audience that is there to actually see comedy. You get 8 whole minutes to work out jokes. I have never seen another mic that gives you that much time on an actual stage in front of an actual audience.
Matt is the house MC. The Comedy Shrine has had a different feature/headliner act every weekend - anonymous has no idea what he is talking about. It's true that a couple of our weekend features or headliners have done a twenty minute set at our PAID Thursday showcase - that's how this business works. A couple have also stopped by to do eight minutes at our open mic, and no one gets bumped. Joe Nobody's comment is not worthy of a response.
The five dollars and a one-drink minimum for performers is a bargain because: - Cokes are two dollars - have one - this is not a "bringer show" - this is your audition - a real stand up theater - a real audience - eight minutes - manager on site - box office staff - bar tender - waitstaff - staffed lights booth - emcee
The Comedy Shrine is serious about Comedy. http://comedyshrine.com/contact-us/standup-signup/
This is the best show in the suburbs. Adam Grant and Mark Campbell co-produce the show and they do a great job filling the list with a variety of performers, and everyone gets at least 7 minutes. From what I've heard the room has over 40 people every week- an actual attentive audience! This place is awesome for first time performers or seasoned comics trying out new jokes or polishing classics.
Yes, comics have to pay $5 and have a drink. But that $5 goes towards this theater which gives professional sound/lighting and an incredible stage to perform on for a large crowd of people who are there to laugh! And having 1 drink loosens up comics, you would have one anyway.
The criticism above seems to be commenting on the weekend showcases, which have nothing to do with the open mic. I haven't done the showcases, but I've had a blast at the open mic. As far as calling the waitstaff "bitches" that's obviously a tactless comment that has nothing to do with the quality of the show for us performers. The staff (especially the owner Dave Sinker, and stand up producer Matt Drufke) has always been nothing but friendly and supportive to all performers.
Check this place out now! Sign up online ahead of time, they fill up fast!
Thanks for the compliment anonymous. Yeah, we try and have about 15 comics go up on every monday, and to have 8 minutes to work on material is really something that is hard to come by. If people dont want to work on 8 minutes, do 5. It doesnt matter. It's fun to have an actual audience as said in previous comments, and it's great to work on crowd work and other aspects as opposed to just jokes.
Seriously? You're complaining about the waitstaff? Where else do you get to go on an actual stage and not in some bar while theres music playing in the background and no ones listening to you? This really is a great place. I understand that it can be a drive for alot of city comics, but the train station is relatively close by and If someone needs a ride, the train station is on my way to the Comedy Shrine.
It really is alot of fun and a great environment full of great people who are more than willing to help in anyway they can. Worth the 5 dollars. Plus, who doesnt want to have at least one drink?
More or less sad than someone who doesn't have the courage to use their name to say what they want? I mean, I get it... the internet is where the weak go to appear tough.
If you've got legitimate issues with the Shrine open mic, I'd love to hear them and try and improve it... my e-mail is matthew@comedyshrine.com. But this clearly appears to be a personal issue with me directly.
So, I'm guessing that you're someone who tried to be booked at The Shrine or another one of my shows, but I've never put you up... probably because you're awful (even though you think you're awesome). And that's fine. Keep being a terrible comic. Keep coming to The Shrine's open mic. Keep using this as a platform to complain.
Believe it or not, The Shrine (and it's open mic) have continued to do fine even with your cowardly attacks.
Went to the Shrine on September 10th. It has to be one of the, if not, nicest places I've ever been to for stand up. The place is not a bar...it's soley dedicated to comedy. Some people gripe about the "pay to play" thing. To each his own..I didnt mind and I had a good time. Good supportive crowd, if you 've done standup elsewhere you will run into familiar faces and it's nice to see so many people trying standup for the first time...and the crowd supporting them. Places to do and watch comedy can get pretty sparse outside of Chicago...we need places like the Shrine....Oh and now Bert Borth and Comedy Comedy is there too...that's a definite plus.
Seriously who is really complaining about the Shrine? This place is awesome!
I've been going there a few months now and always felt the time given was ample. The crowd is always decent and the wait staff is lovely. I have never had a problem ordering a drink because during the length of the show I usually DO get thirsty.
All of the staff at the Comedy Shrine are very nice people and gracious of giving time to the comedians.
This place is great. I performed here before but couldn't this last week and I saw online that they had like 120 people there for the open mic. Dude I'll pay $5 to tell jokes in front of that crowd! Showcases I've been too haven't even had neerly that much. Definitely goin to hit it up if I can get off work again soon
Yeah, anybody insulting this mic is pretty much dumb. It's completely worth the $7 total you'll wind up paying to tell jokes to the consistently engaged crowd. Best open mic in the Chicagoland area for comedians. But, keep neglecting it, people, it makes it better for those of us willing to attend.
I did this mic once and my God... what a comfortable place to perform. I can't WAIT to get back on again at this place. I'm relatively new to stand up, but let me tell you, I've been performing my entire life and this was by far one of the most welcoming places and comfortable stages I've ever been on. I will be back. Thanks, Shrine!
A real stage, a room focused on a comedy, and a crowd. That should sell any comic at any level in Chicago. I just wish it was closer to home. The Comedy Shrine is a terrific place!
they pimp the crap out of their other shows throughout.
ReplyDeletebtw, their "features" and weekend shows always have the same people...you're gonna be right the fuck out of business if you don't have some variety.
Seriously, why is Matt Fucking Drufke in every show?
You forgot to say that comics have to pay to get in and by the one drink minimum and that waitress will hound your ass until you buy something from her shes like a stripper but not hot and more of a bitch.
ReplyDeleteThank you, anonymous for that wonderful and creative insight on the Comedy Shrine's Monday open mic. But yes, we do mention the shows once during the open mic (pardon us for being a business). I don't know where the claim of us always featuring the same people come from. And yes, I am in a few shows... I am the house MC.
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone, the rules are the same as before: comics must pay the $5 cover to enter and must adhere to the one-drink minimum, just like everyone else. And yes, a server will ask you if you want something to drink. Once you have your one drink, just feel free to politely say no. It's not a big deal.
Much like the Naperville location, this open mic (along with LOL) has some of the biggest non-comic audiences I've seen. If that's worth it to you, then come on out.
Due to the amount of time we offer and how many people want to attend, we ask that comics fill out this form to get up onstage:
http://comedyshrine.com/contact-us/standup-signup/
The open mic is great! You may have to pay 5 dollars and buy a drink, but its worth it to get 8 minutes of time. Its actually nice to work on some jokes in front of an actual audience as well.
ReplyDeleteThe other day, there were 70 people who were not comics there to watch the show. I cant think of another place that will provide that kind of venue. You get to see if your jokes work out on actual people instead of a bunch of comics who are simply awaiting their turn to go up for a few minutes.
The weekend shows have been outstanding. Great comics going up from Chicago as well as the rest of the country!
The Comedy Shrine open mic is simply the BEST in Chicagoland. I'm a working comic, I'm on stage 4 or 5 day weeks in paid and non paid shows. I don't really like open mics that much because I work out much of my new material in my unpaid showcases (yeah I'm a douche bag, blow me). That being said I LOVE the Shrine's open mic for three huge reasons: 1) there's a real crowd of comedy fans! The people there are there for one reason to see comics perform. There are no other distractions & the crowd is into the show. 2) The list is at most 15/ 16 people (and that's on a really heavy night) you aren't waiting forever to go up. The whole show is usually about 2hours. Not much longer than a weekend feature. 3) You get time. I hate going to open mics and getting 3 mins. I get why it happens, I understand there's a few hundred comics all trying to get stage time and if 50 of them show up to your open mic you can't give them all 10 minutes. The Shrine does it right in my opinion. The list is made prior to the show, the amount of time is set, and the comics actually get a chance to show what they got.
ReplyDelete3B) No one comes in a bumps you down the list. (I know I said 3 reasons but I just remembered this and didn't want ot rewrite the section damn it!) The list is set, if some hot shot "name comic" comes to do a set, they MAY get on (doubt it) but they won't bump you time off the show or cause you to get cut short.
Simply put The Shrine is the best, it's been my favorite set up since it was at it's old location and the new location is even better!
The Comedy Shrine Open mic is the best that I've ever been too. It has an audience that is there to actually see comedy. You get 8 whole minutes to work out jokes. I have never seen another mic that gives you that much time on an actual stage in front of an actual audience.
ReplyDeleteMatt is the house MC. The Comedy Shrine has had a different feature/headliner act every weekend - anonymous has no idea what he is talking about. It's true that a couple of our weekend features or headliners have done a twenty minute set at our PAID Thursday showcase - that's how this business works. A couple have also stopped by to do eight minutes at our open mic, and no one gets bumped. Joe Nobody's comment is not worthy of a response.
ReplyDeleteThe five dollars and a one-drink minimum for performers is a bargain because:
- Cokes are two dollars - have one
- this is not a "bringer show"
- this is your audition
- a real stand up theater
- a real audience
- eight minutes
- manager on site
- box office staff
- bar tender
- waitstaff
- staffed lights booth
- emcee
The Comedy Shrine is serious about Comedy.
http://comedyshrine.com/contact-us/standup-signup/
Probably the best open mic i've ever been to... worth the $5 dollars.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best show in the suburbs. Adam Grant and Mark Campbell co-produce the show and they do a great job filling the list with a variety of performers, and everyone gets at least 7 minutes. From what I've heard the room has over 40 people every week- an actual attentive audience! This place is awesome for first time performers or seasoned comics trying out new jokes or polishing classics.
ReplyDeleteYes, comics have to pay $5 and have a drink. But that $5 goes towards this theater which gives professional sound/lighting and an incredible stage to perform on for a large crowd of people who are there to laugh! And having 1 drink loosens up comics, you would have one anyway.
The criticism above seems to be commenting on the weekend showcases, which have nothing to do with the open mic. I haven't done the showcases, but I've had a blast at the open mic. As far as calling the waitstaff "bitches" that's obviously a tactless comment that has nothing to do with the quality of the show for us performers. The staff (especially the owner Dave Sinker, and stand up producer Matt Drufke) has always been nothing but friendly and supportive to all performers.
Check this place out now! Sign up online ahead of time, they fill up fast!
Wait Anonymous are you really going to start attacking Facebook?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment anonymous. Yeah, we try and have about 15 comics go up on every monday, and to have 8 minutes to work on material is really something that is hard to come by. If people dont want to work on 8 minutes, do 5. It doesnt matter. It's fun to have an actual audience as said in previous comments, and it's great to work on crowd work and other aspects as opposed to just jokes.
ReplyDeleteSeriously? You're complaining about the waitstaff? Where else do you get to go on an actual stage and not in some bar while theres music playing in the background and no ones listening to you? This really is a great place. I understand that it can be a drive for alot of city comics, but the train station is relatively close by and If someone needs a ride, the train station is on my way to the Comedy Shrine.
It really is alot of fun and a great environment full of great people who are more than willing to help in anyway they can. Worth the 5 dollars. Plus, who doesnt want to have at least one drink?
Notice all the newer comments are in the same couple day range? Drufke was on facebook begging for positive feedback for here. How sad.
ReplyDeleteMore or less sad than someone who doesn't have the courage to use their name to say what they want? I mean, I get it... the internet is where the weak go to appear tough.
ReplyDeleteIf you've got legitimate issues with the Shrine open mic, I'd love to hear them and try and improve it... my e-mail is matthew@comedyshrine.com. But this clearly appears to be a personal issue with me directly.
So, I'm guessing that you're someone who tried to be booked at The Shrine or another one of my shows, but I've never put you up... probably because you're awful (even though you think you're awesome). And that's fine. Keep being a terrible comic. Keep coming to The Shrine's open mic. Keep using this as a platform to complain.
Believe it or not, The Shrine (and it's open mic) have continued to do fine even with your cowardly attacks.
Went to the Shrine on September 10th. It has to be one of the, if not, nicest places I've ever been to for stand up. The place is not a bar...it's soley dedicated to comedy. Some people gripe about the "pay to play" thing. To each his own..I didnt mind and I had a good time. Good supportive crowd, if you 've done standup elsewhere you will run into familiar faces and it's nice to see so many people trying standup for the first time...and the crowd supporting them. Places to do and watch comedy can get pretty sparse outside of Chicago...we need places like the Shrine....Oh and now Bert Borth and Comedy Comedy is there too...that's a definite plus.
ReplyDeleteChris Browder
Seriously who is really complaining about the Shrine? This place is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI've been going there a few months now and always felt the time given was ample. The crowd is always decent and the wait staff is lovely. I have never had a problem ordering a drink because during the length of the show I usually DO get thirsty.
All of the staff at the Comedy Shrine are very nice people and gracious of giving time to the comedians.
I dig it!
Daniel Ronczkowski
This place is great. I performed here before but couldn't this last week and I saw online that they had like 120 people there for the open mic. Dude I'll pay $5 to tell jokes in front of that crowd! Showcases I've been too haven't even had neerly that much. Definitely goin to hit it up if I can get off work again soon
ReplyDeleteYeah, anybody insulting this mic is pretty much dumb. It's completely worth the $7 total you'll wind up paying to tell jokes to the consistently engaged crowd. Best open mic in the Chicagoland area for comedians. But, keep neglecting it, people, it makes it better for those of us willing to attend.
ReplyDeleteI did this mic once and my God... what a comfortable place to perform. I can't WAIT to get back on again at this place. I'm relatively new to stand up, but let me tell you, I've been performing my entire life and this was by far one of the most welcoming places and comfortable stages I've ever been on. I will be back. Thanks, Shrine!
ReplyDelete"Pimpin aint easy. Dont be a hater."
ReplyDeleteI did my first mic here a few weeks ago, and had a real good time doing it. Very supportive crowd and friendly folks. Great first-time experience.
ReplyDeleteA real stage, a room focused on a comedy, and a crowd. That should sell any comic at any level in Chicago. I just wish it was closer to home. The Comedy Shrine is a terrific place!
ReplyDeleteHey friends.
ReplyDeleteTom Filline is doing a really great job hosting this. Every week, a whole lot of comics head out, so it's a really fun, cool, and supportive room.
Definitely worth checking out. But sign up in advance for a guaranteed spot.