Deep comedy in the Deep South: Inclusive comedy spaces
When you hear “inclusive comedy” and “the Deep South”, you’d think those ideas would be like oil and water. Well, here’s some uplifting news: inclusive comedy in the Deep South can be like gravy and biscuits! Delicious, plentiful, and highly satisfying.
Many of the big cities of the South are safe havens for progressive folks, so YES: there are plenty of rooms where you can catch some great lady-forward and LGBTQ-affirming comedy shows. Many theaters do the work of prioritizing these groups. If you live in Texas or Louisiana, check out this list of places where you can support hilarious and relatable fem or queer comedians.
The Coronation Theater: One of Houston’s newer spots, this improv-forward theater has shows Thursday through Sunday and improv courses year-round. Every Saturday night, you can catch “Girls Night Out,” an improvised comedy show where the stage is transformed into girls’ bathroom at a nightclub! On Sundays, you can watch a two-woman-hosted (Blythe Payne and Quinn Doran) stand-up show called “The Sunday Scaries.”
The Secret Group: Former (and current) emo/goth kids unite! This combination music and comedy venue has shows around the clock. You can catch many of Houston’s hottest comedians on various showcases throughout the week. Be sure to check out another show hosted by two hilarious women, (Tess Vergult and Corlis Delauren’s) “CU Next Tuesday” every Tuesday at 10pm or the women-centered comedy show “Lady Bits” (hosted by Tressa Eleby) once a month.
The Velveeta Room: Right in the heart of Austin’s infamous 6th street, you’re in for a treat if you visit the Velv. The Wednesday night “Ladies Night” show is highly recommended (hosted by Izzy Burger Kraft) and features not only Austin-based femme acts, but touring comedians as well.
The Buzz Mill: Another Wednesday night classic is the free (!!) “Buzzkill Comedy Show” at Buzz Mill Coffee. It’s a fun show with a hilarious host duo (Angelina Martin and Carlton Wilcoxton) and the space is usually packed with a hot audience, featuring fantastic comedians of all shapes, sizes, and guises.
Cite de Arts: This community theater has a wide range of shows, so enjoy pretty much anything you’d want to see! Theater productions, touring shows, comedy nights, community gatherings–this wonderful, warm spot has it all.
Sports Drink: Cafe by day, comedy club by night, Sports Drink is a staple in the New Orleans comedy scene. National touring headliners, many sporting non-cis-staight-dude energy, are found here. Sports Drink is also one of the main venues that hosts the Queer Comedy Fest each year! From community nights to open mics to big-name-performer shows, it’s always a good time to carbo-load at Sports Drink.
Big Couch: This improv-forward venue is one of the greats in the South. It’s a hub for the southern progressive community and has excellent and hilarious shows every weekend. Plus, they have improv classes throughout the week! In particular, you’ll want to catch “You’re Invited,” a monthly all-woman improv show where the stage becomes a lively gathering and the audience is not just spectators but honored guests!
