5 NYC-Based Comedians You Should Know
New York City is the epicenter for stand up and improvisational comedy. Here are five up and coming comedians who are making their mark in The Big Apple. By Carly Petrone.
Jared Wilder
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If you're looking for a free underground comedy show where some of the best up and coming comics perform improv and stand up, make your way over to Bunga's Den on Thursday nights. Comedian Jared Wilder has been busy hosting and producing the Laugh and a Draft comedy show for the past three years. Wilder himself is no stranger to the spotlight – with a background in improv and five years of stand up experience, he certainly thrives on stage. He recently took his show bi-coastal and also performed his first show at The Groundlings in Los Angeles. Wilder's jovial disposition is definitely fueled by his love for improvisation and theater. As he says, "Since I started as an actor, the root of truth always hits home with stories and jokes."
Matt Bellassai
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If you're a BuzzFeed fan you may recognize Matt Bellassai from his hit web series entitled Whine About It, where he ranted about everything from the dreaded work holiday party to life as a single, gay adult living in New York City. After drawing in a weekly audience of more than 3.5 million, he's proven to be one of the funniest guys using social media as his comedic platform. He even picked up the award for Favorite Social Media Star at the 2016 People's Choice Awards. Watch Matt perform at Caroline's Comedy Club next month when he takes the stage on June 15th. Tickets are $22 and show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Katie Haller
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Katie Haller knows how to make fun of a bad date. She's made a career out of writing and talking about dating and relationships. When not performing stand-up all around the city, she's busy co-hosting her monthly show at the Peoples Improv Theater called "The Token Guy Show," which is exactly what it sounds like. All ladies, one dude. She's also known as her rapper alter ego, T-Spoon, who has appeared at the Women in Comedy Festival, NY Funny Song Fest, as well as in two viral music videos. Follow her on Twitter to find out where this funny lady will be next!
Selena Coppock
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Storyteller and comedian Selena Coppock is proving that blondes really do have more fun. She's been making audiences laugh across New York City the past few years while captivating readers with her book called THE NEW RULES FOR BLONDES. This hilarious book is a collection of personal essays that both celebrates and undermines the power of the blonde stereotype. She's currently a contributing writer for TV Land's Younger and has also participated in popular storytelling shows like the Moth Story Slam, and RISK!. Make sure to check out her website or follow her on Twitter to find out where she'll be performing next.
Chrissie Mayr
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Comedian Chrissie Mayr started out her comedy career back in college when she interned at Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Since then, she's completed the reigns at Upright Citizens Brigade as well as the Magnet Theaters while tackling the world of stand up on stages across the city. This funny lady is also busy producing shows like the popular Comedy at Stonewall monthly series as well as the upcoming club set at HA! Comedy Club in Yonkers. Mayr also hails from the same high school as fellow funny folk Amy Schumer, Dave Attel, and Colin Kane. Looks like she's following in their footsteps. Check her website for future shows.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.