Comedy Lab, a new student organization founded by Miles Hendrix, aims to get laughs and improve the overall mood of the Palouse.
Hendrix started doing comedy in September 2011, and ever since he has loved to perform and get laughs. He is soon traveling to Wenatchee, Wash., for a competition he tried out for, and said he is excited to showcase his comedic skills. This opportunity arose partly because Hendrix and Comedy Lab have been able to perform around the Palouse.
At the beginning of this school year he and a group of student comedians would hang out and tell jokes. Hendrix realized this was not going to get any of them to where they want to be in the comedy world, so he took initiative and created the organization that would allow them to perform in front of audiences.
“It really was just a niche that had not been filled yet in the Palouse but now it has, and it is so easy to set up a comedy show. You just need a microphone a speaker and an audience,” Hendrix said.
Hendrix said the group has eight consistent members who love to do stand up, but the group is open for anyone who wants to get involved.
“I always am welcome to seeing new students getting up and performing,” Hendrix said.
For students who would be interested in getting involved Hendrix said they should contact the group through their Facebook page.
Hendrix said Comedy Lab organizes open mics all around Moscow and Pullman. Some of the spots they perform at are Johns Alley and One World Café. The group also does shows in the Wallace basement on campus and shows at Washington State University.
Hendrix said some people’s biggest fear is public speaking, and making people laugh while public speaking is hard, but Hendrix said the laughs are the most rewarding part of performing.
Holden Nelson, a student comedian from UI, said being involved in the group overall has been an extremely positive experience.
“Miles organizes a lot of open mics for us and gives us the opportunity to get up on stage, so that has been really useful,” Nelson said.
The student organization consists of both UI students and a few WSU students.
Matt Benoit, a WSU student comedian, said his love of laughter is what got him interested in comedy.
Benoit said hearing people laugh, seeing their smiles and knowing you made them feel good, is the most rewarding part of performing comedy.
Tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Comedy Lab will perform for the Relay For Life benefit in the Kibbie Dome.
“Laughter is the best form of medicine,” Holden said. “So it is fitting for Comedy Lab to be performing at the event.”
Holden and the rest of Comedy Lab is excited for the opportunity to perform in the Kibbie Dome for such a great cause.
John Fish can be reached at [email protected]