Orlando’s comedy scene is getting a makeover as local comics replace old-school gatekeeping with diverse, community-focused shows in welcoming spaces. Performers and audiences alike are connecting, experimenting and getting vulnerable.

Aimee LeCours and Chandy Burke, founders of the nonprofit Florida Comedy Collective, aim to support and promote comedic arts in Florida by fostering community and inclusion. They create the spaces they want to see — spaces they said they needed when they began performing and that they believe are still lacking in Orlando’s comedy scene.

“In the past, it felt like you could only do stand-up this one way, and if you don’t do it like that, then you’re not respected,” LeCours said. “For me, that was really stifling.”

In reaction to that homogeny, LeCours and Burke created “Write Night,” an alternative to late-night comedy events held in bars. The beginner-friendly, clean comedy workshop followed by an open mic is held in Goodway Cafe at Magnolia Yoga and Wellness Center in Longwood. The hosts want participants to feel excited to write and perform rather than be intimidated. 

“The sun is out, we’re all smiling, we’re having a great time, and they can try something new without the pressure of a crowd,” Burke said. 

LeCours, a licensed mental health counselor, touts comedy’s mental health benefits during “Laughology: A Comedy Wellness Workshop,” also held at Goodway Cafe. The series is therapeutic, helping participants regulate their nervous systems and tune out everyday stressors with improv games and stand-up-style humor. 

“We’ve had people come in and not even mention comedy. They’re there to emote,” LeCours said. “They just want to be around other people and express themselves.”

Both “Write Night” and “Laughology” are inclusive, affordable (tickets are just $5) and low-pressure, attracting a diverse range of participants, especially first-timers. Play rather than perfection is what LeCours and Burke are after. These events promote participants’ creativity and well-being, but the hosts themselves also feel the benefits. 

“Comedy in general has taught me that failing is OK,” Burke said. “It really helped me with my anxiety in that way.”

Aimee LeCours, a comedian and licensed mental health therapist, leads “Laughology: A Comedy Wellness Workshop” at Magnolia Yoga and Wellness Center. (COURTESY OF AIMEE LECOURS)

 

The producers of comedy variety show “Monday Scaries” open the night with classic improvisation. (COURTESY OF MONDAY SCARIES)

That sentiment is shared by the producers of the comedy variety show “Monday Scaries“: Sarah Drew, Melissa Harvard, Steven Mangold and Chris Trovador. 

“I need this show,” Trovador said. “I need these people to help me get out of my own head.”

“Monday Scaries” encourages performers to defy the comedic status quo in an unconventional performance space, Downtown’s CityArts gallery. Seasoned comedians and newbies alike present fresh, innovative work in virtually every genre.

“This is not polished. This is not the best of the best. This is come out and try what you’ve got,” Drew said.

The audience members, even regulars, never know what to expect, and that’s exactly the point. “It gives you a chance to do something silly without being scrutinized,” Trovador said. 

Though there’s traditional stand-up and improv, the acts skew experimental — a barber appearing from the audience to shave a balding performer’s head for the first time or an awkward middle school book report read aloud in character. The audience is nothing but supportive, no matter how unhinged acts might be, and cynicism is left at the door. 

“It’s this beautiful thing that happens when everybody’s just committed to encouraging each other,” Harvard said. 

The Kidney Stone Kids improv troupe performs an improvised song inspired by an audience suggestion. (COURTESY OF MONDAY SCARIES)

LeCours, Burke and the producers of “Monday Scaries” hope to see more inclusive, offbeat shows where comedians can authentically express themselves, as well as more venues willing to host those events. 

“Monoculture can ruin an ecosystem,” Harvard said. “When everything looks the same, it ends up not being great for the comedy sphere.”

As these dedicated performers continue showing up for their community, so do audiences, and maybe most importantly, rookies hoping to take the stage. 

“Finding your voice in any art takes years and years and years,” LeCours said. “If you’re stopped at the gate, then we’re missing out on so many different voices.”