OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Comedy open mics, like those of the musical variety, can sometimes get to feel a little… same-y.
The same small handful of faces. The same, shall we say, “loose” sense of organization. And the same lack of vibe, of style, of feeling that you’re at an actual event, rather than just another night at the bar.
Central Florida comedy troupe the Broken Toy Brigade, which hosts multiple regular open mics around the region as well as other special events, upends that sameness by gamifying the process and creating something more fun, creative, unifying and supportive of the area’s comedy scene.
“Broken Toy Brigade is a comedy open mic series built around community, consistency, and audience engagement,” says organizer Clarise Kentwood. “What makes us different is that the audience is part of the experience. They actually score comedians, and those scores help comics earn their ranks within the Brigade. It gives people a reason to come back, root for their favorites, and feel like they’re part of something.
“At the same time, it gives local comics structure, motivation, and a sense of belonging. We’re not just putting people on a stage, we’re building a comedy community with its own culture, its own identity, and a fun system that rewards growth and participation.”
In addition to earning points through audience scores, comics can climb through the “ranks” by, for instance, bringing in new audience members, killing at crowd work, or taking on hosting duties. The troupe posts updated leaderboards to its Facebook page and recognizes comics when they’re “promoted.”
Broken Toy Brigade already has weekly gigs on Thursday nights at Jugs Pub in Homosassa and Sunday nights at Fruitland Park’s Hilltop Tavern, and this week kicks off its first weekly series in Ocala at Paddock Market’s Four Smokes BBQ on Tuesday, April 28. Sign-ups start at 7 p.m., and the funny commences at 8.
Those in the area looking for something a little more exciting, engaging and structured than the usual comedy open mic would do well to give it a go.
“It’s comedy, but it’s also a story people can follow week after week,” said Kentwood.