Long may they run

South Osborne

Winnipeg

Practice makes perfect, it’s said.

Just ask Jared Story, host and producer of the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase, which launched in January 2014, nearly 12 years ago. On the verge of another instalment of the series — which offers stage-time to local standups in a concert setting — Story said he was kind of thrust into hosting the event, but over the years he has made slight adjustments to the show to keep making it tighter and more interesting for the audience.

“(The show is) probably better because I’m better. I’ve gotten a lot better over the years,” Story said, with a laugh.

Today, Story said the showcase “kind of runs itself,” and its longevity is a sign that Winnipeg’s comedy scene sits at an interesting place. The show on Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Park Theatre will be the 41st in the series and will feature Story as host, along with Mike Green, Chad Anderson, Spencer Adamus, Kristen Einarson, J.D. Renaud, and Dewey Parker.

“I think Winnipeg comedians … punch above our weight in terms of the quality of comedy here,” Story said. “There is a lot more writing on every show that you get. There is only so many places that are going to produce comedy… (and) I think people here take it a bit more seriously.”

Story said Winnipeg is a good place for comedians to get their start. Open mic shows in Winnipeg bring in actual crowds — not just other comedians.

“You get really good feedback early on, which I think helps with developing your act,” Story said.

At this point in the turn of the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase, Story believes in the quality of the show and the comedians.

“It could be televised and put on the air, and it wouldn’t be out of place,” Story said. “People are always surprised, then all of a sudden we make a new fan of local comedy.”

Over the years Winnipeg has seen an increase in comedy venues beyond Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club, the longstanding club on Corydon Avenue — places such as Yuk Yuk’s, The Basement, and Luci’s Comedy Club, located in the back of Ashdown Market, at 171 Bannatyne Ave.

Green, a comedian, actor, and producer who performs each Wednesday at Luci’s, will be performing at the Comedy Showcase for the 10th time when he takes the stage on Dec. 21.

“Jared’s a great host, he’s been producing these for a long time, so he knows what he’s doing,” Green said.

Green has toured to many cities and said open mics are often referred to as “soul crushers,” where comedians often perform to other comedians with few audience members. In Winnipeg, he said, his experience has been just the opposite. He recalled first performing in showcases that brought in 50 to 60 audience members.

The Park Theatre sits in a perfect spot with its capacity, Green said. The venue can hold up to 496 for concerts, but comfortably handles around 250 for comedy.

“It’s a perfect number for standup, not that anyone is asking me to do 1,000-seat venues, but I think a little bit gets lost in a venue that size.”

Green said the Park Theatre doesn’t have a bad seat in the house.

“Being close enough to the crowd that you’re really getting all the energy, and everyone is seeing your face,” is part of what makes smaller venues great, Green said.

Tickets for the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase are available for $20 in advance at ticketweb.ca and will cost $25 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m.