BRATTLEBORO — SoBo Studio, a dance space and performance art collective, has partnered with Next Stage Arts and its Fables storytelling night to host a free stand-up comedy and humorous storytelling performance that will take place Saturday, June 5, at 5 p.m. on the Town Common.
This show will be performed by locals who are experiencing their first time performing stand-up comedy and storytelling in front of a live audience. All participants spent the winter working on their material in a comedy class hosted by New Hampshire–based comedian Toni Nagy, a filmmaker and co-director of SoBo Studio, based at the Cotton Mill.
“These brave souls massaged, prodded, and poked at their comedic funny bones in order to tickle yours,” the studio said in a news release.
“Millions of people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of spiders, nuclear war, or spiders enacting nuclear war. Our magnificent participants are facing their fears, trying something new.”
“After the year we've had, it's time to allow ourselves to follow our passions and burst into our creative and artistic selves,” Nagy said. “If there is one thing the pandemic has taught me, it's how precious life is, how important community is, and how crucial it is that we come together in artistic spaces to bond over our pains, joys, and emotional complexities.”
She said that she “couldn't be prouder of these blooming comedians and the risks they are taking.”
“I feel most myself when performing comedy (i.e., uncomfortable in my skin and constantly questioning my self-worth), and with your support, these glorious people will, too!” she said.
The host of the Fables storytelling program, Peter “Fish” Case, will headline the show with a story of his own. Nagy will serve as master of ceremonies.
Nagy said SoBo Studio is delighted to be partnering with these local organizations.
“Next Stage's commitment to supporting the arts in our community is such a valuable act of social service. It's through the arts that we find connection to ourselves and others. The arts are what remind us most of our humanity and challenge us to grow philosophically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Nagy said all are welcome, “but parents might want to think twice about bringing young children, unless you want to spend your evening explaining new concepts to them.”