Rather than focusing only on touring headliners, the club will host showcase-style shows featuring a rotating lineup of local comics and visiting performers.
“There’s a really strong group of comics here,” he said. “The idea is to keep building that and give people more opportunities to perform.”
That local talent has been a major part of the concept’s growth. Holden pointed to comedians like Jake Polin, John Jacobs, Forrest Beers, Rio Paris, Natasha Powell, and DC Benny as part of the core group helping shape the scene, along with dozens of others regularly performing across St. Pete Stand-Up’s shows.
The club will also introduce a production component that hasn’t been available in temporary venues.
With a fixed stage and setup, performances can be recorded and shared online, helping expand the reach of both the comedians and the club.