Open mic at Annoyance is a relatively new mic in Chicago, starting in March of 2025. The mic is run by a woman named Mary, and it is for standup only. Talent gets four minutes, the light at three from Mary who sits close by, so you can see the light easily. There are no language restrictions, and parking is on the street. The mic typically takes place in a small theater, but the day I was there, we had to have the mic in the bar/lobby. In the bar, there is a small platform stage in one corner with windows as the backdrop. Since the bar is on the second floor, you are not distracted by any foot traffic from looking outside. The room seats about 44, and everyone can see the stage just fine. On stage is a mic and stand. We relied on daylight to see the stage; don’t know how it would work in the winter when it gets dark early. Signup is online, which I did not know, but two comedians, including myself, approached Mary and asked if we could get some stage time as walk-ins. The list looked very full – 25 slots -- but Mary got us on stage anyway. I even agreed to go first if need be, which I ended up doing. All comedians are welcome, but the emphasis is on women, gay women and trans. The room started at 5:38pm. Mary welcomed everyone, went over the rules, did a few minutes of material then brought me up. I did fine on stage, but adjusting the mic stand to accommodate me was impossible, so tight was the handle. I ended up having to bend down a couple inches for the whole set. When I sat back down, I didn’t think about it at the time, but at 5:59pm I looked around and counted 21 people in the room, including the bartender, a pleasant-sized audience, I will say. And everyone there pays attention. At one point, something that was taking place in one of the small theaters ended and a group of people came out to leave the building and had to pass through our room to do so. It was a bit distracting, but remember, the mic normally does not take place in the bar. Otherwise, the evening went well. Mary announces who is on deck. Attendance waned a bit, with 15 people watching at 7pm, but, again, anyone present was there for the mic. The room ended at 7:19pm. For a full list, I was amazed how quickly this room seemed to pass the time. Guys, this is a good room to do. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a part of what the emphasis of this room is on. I was very welcomed at the room, and I’m a straight male. Plus, after this room, there are other mics in walking distance to do, so you can double dip, even triple on a Tuesday mic, starting with this one. Mary is such a jewel to allow talent who did not know the signup procedure to get on stage. I hope this room thrives and more comedians discover this hidden gem.
Open mic at Annoyance is a relatively new mic in Chicago, starting in March of 2025. The mic is run by a woman named Mary, and it is for standup only. Talent gets four minutes, the light at three from Mary who sits close by, so you can see the light easily. There are no language restrictions, and parking is on the street.
ReplyDeleteThe mic typically takes place in a small theater, but the day I was there, we had to have the mic in the bar/lobby. In the bar, there is a small platform stage in one corner with windows as the backdrop. Since the bar is on the second floor, you are not distracted by any foot traffic from looking outside. The room seats about 44, and everyone can see the stage just fine. On stage is a mic and stand. We relied on daylight to see the stage; don’t know how it would work in the winter when it gets dark early.
Signup is online, which I did not know, but two comedians, including myself, approached Mary and asked if we could get some stage time as walk-ins. The list looked very full – 25 slots -- but Mary got us on stage anyway. I even agreed to go first if need be, which I ended up doing. All comedians are welcome, but the emphasis is on women, gay women and trans.
The room started at 5:38pm. Mary welcomed everyone, went over the rules, did a few minutes of material then brought me up. I did fine on stage, but adjusting the mic stand to accommodate me was impossible, so tight was the handle. I ended up having to bend down a couple inches for the whole set. When I sat back down, I didn’t think about it at the time, but at 5:59pm I looked around and counted 21 people in the room, including the bartender, a pleasant-sized audience, I will say. And everyone there pays attention. At one point, something that was taking place in one of the small theaters ended and a group of people came out to leave the building and had to pass through our room to do so. It was a bit distracting, but remember, the mic normally does not take place in the bar.
Otherwise, the evening went well. Mary announces who is on deck. Attendance waned a bit, with 15 people watching at 7pm, but, again, anyone present was there for the mic. The room ended at 7:19pm. For a full list, I was amazed how quickly this room seemed to pass the time.
Guys, this is a good room to do. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not a part of what the emphasis of this room is on. I was very welcomed at the room, and I’m a straight male. Plus, after this room, there are other mics in walking distance to do, so you can double dip, even triple on a Tuesday mic, starting with this one. Mary is such a jewel to allow talent who did not know the signup procedure to get on stage. I hope this room thrives and more comedians discover this hidden gem.