Let me start by saying Queen Bee is “the room to do,” especially if you’re a comedian. Know that they welcome all artistic expression, but they are not used to standup here. But first, the facts. Parking is either a paid lot or street. There is a $5 admission fee for talent to perform. Their full name is Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center, a building that hosts studios, our room being a small theater with a magnificent stage and a great sound system. They have a live DJ playing talent on and off stage. No food or drinks are served, but I saw people bringing in both from outside. The theater seats over 75 with high tables and chairs in the back. Otherwise, seating was theater rows. There are no language restrictions. Talent gets 5 minutes. The person who runs and hosts the open mic is Preston, one of the most dynamic emcees I have ever encountered. This venue has been going on for almost 6 years. This room is a hot-spot in San Diego. When I arrived 14 people were already in line to sign up. I ended up with the 15th spot. By 8pm there were 50 people in the theater with 27 signups. By 8:10pm, over 80 people crowded the room. By the time I went up about 9:28pm not one person had left the room. Not until 9:45 did the numbers start to dwindle. Guys, this is the room to do! I don’t know why more comedians based in San Diego aren’t coming here. Of the 27 signups my friend and I were two of only four comedians signed up. Now, it’s possible more comedians went up after I left. I was 15th, my friend 16th, and we stayed and supported another seven or eight performers before leaving. But even if there was one more comedian, that’s only 5 of 27. This room rocks! Everyone was unbelievably supportive. The aura of the room was golden. Preston lights talent by standing to the side of the stage and waving a cell phone. Guys, I gotta say, I didn’t want to get off the stage. I respected the light and finished with a couple more jokes, but my spirit never left the stage. After taking my seat again I looked at the stage and reflected on the set I just did, so thankful to have done this room. True, the amount of stage time is nothing enthusiastic. But bring your camera. What you lack in stage time you’ll make up for with a terrifically receptive audience. That the room is a theater gives it all the more an impact if you’re looking for something to put on YouTube or FB or your website. Set the camera up on one of the high tables in the back to include the audience and stage, and you’ll have an ideal opportunity for an uploadable set. Queen Bee may very well deserve the title of King of Open Mikes.
Let me start by saying Queen Bee is “the room to do,” especially if you’re a comedian. Know that they welcome all artistic expression, but they are not used to standup here. But first, the facts.
ReplyDeleteParking is either a paid lot or street. There is a $5 admission fee for talent to perform. Their full name is Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center, a building that hosts studios, our room being a small theater with a magnificent stage and a great sound system. They have a live DJ playing talent on and off stage. No food or drinks are served, but I saw people bringing in both from outside. The theater seats over 75 with high tables and chairs in the back. Otherwise, seating was theater rows. There are no language restrictions. Talent gets 5 minutes.
The person who runs and hosts the open mic is Preston, one of the most dynamic emcees I have ever encountered. This venue has been going on for almost 6 years. This room is a hot-spot in San Diego. When I arrived 14 people were already in line to sign up. I ended up with the 15th spot. By 8pm there were 50 people in the theater with 27 signups. By 8:10pm, over 80 people crowded the room. By the time I went up about 9:28pm not one person had left the room. Not until 9:45 did the numbers start to dwindle.
Guys, this is the room to do! I don’t know why more comedians based in San Diego aren’t coming here. Of the 27 signups my friend and I were two of only four comedians signed up. Now, it’s possible more comedians went up after I left. I was 15th, my friend 16th, and we stayed and supported another seven or eight performers before leaving. But even if there was one more comedian, that’s only 5 of 27.
This room rocks! Everyone was unbelievably supportive. The aura of the room was golden. Preston lights talent by standing to the side of the stage and waving a cell phone. Guys, I gotta say, I didn’t want to get off the stage. I respected the light and finished with a couple more jokes, but my spirit never left the stage. After taking my seat again I looked at the stage and reflected on the set I just did, so thankful to have done this room.
True, the amount of stage time is nothing enthusiastic. But bring your camera. What you lack in stage time you’ll make up for with a terrifically receptive audience. That the room is a theater gives it all the more an impact if you’re looking for something to put on YouTube or FB or your website. Set the camera up on one of the high tables in the back to include the audience and stage, and you’ll have an ideal opportunity for an uploadable set.
Queen Bee may very well deserve the title of King of Open Mikes.