Bloomington audiences are in on the joke

Bloomington has a long history with stand-up comedy. It has had some of the biggest names in comedy grace the IU campus at one point or another. Whether it’s at the IU Auditorium, The Comedy Attic or Bear’s Place, Bloomington has shown that it does indeed have a sense of humor.
 
“One of the things that makes Bloomington a great place for stand-up comedians is partially the responsibility of Bear’s. For 28 years, Bear’s was the place to go see stand-up comedy,” Comedy Attic owner Jared Thompson said. “A lot of comedians who are big names now played at Bear’s when they were lesser known.”

Bear’s Place started doing the Comedy Caravan on Monday nights on Jan. 2, 1983. It was once named by USA Today to be one of the 10 best spots in the country to watch stand-up comedy. It also featured the longest running one-night comedy show in the country, which made the Guinness Book of World Records.  

But what makes Bloomington one of the greatest places in the country for stand-up comedy?

“Smart audiences,” Comedy Caravan head Tom Sobel said.

Audiences in Bloomington understand good humor and aren’t afraid to tell their true feelings, Sobel said.  

Comedian Roseanne Barr even wrote about her experience performing at Bear’s from when she was starting her career in her autobiography. Audiences booed her off stage in her first performance, but a year later she returned and killed, Sobel said.  

“Bear’s has an iconic room in the comedy industry,” Sobel said. “It has a magical feel to it all, the stage is in the corner and it’s the center of attention to the audience.”
Bloomington has not only been a place for celebrity comedians to show their stuff, but it’s been a place for comedians to get their start. Barr, Steve Harvey and Ellen DeGeneres, just to name few, performed in Bloomington long before they made their mark.  

“Our job is to know the next generation of comedy stars long before the general public,” Sobel said.   

Sadly, the run of Comedy Caravan at Bear’s has ended following the show’s move to be part of the DunnKirk, where the legacy will continue.

But it’s not just the Comedy Caravan that is showing up-and-coming comedians. The Comedy Attic is also making its claim to Bloomington’s funny bone.  

“I think the things that make a show on campus successful are what make a show at the Comedy Attic successful,” Thompson said. “Audiences in Bloomington are more open-minded than the average Midwest towns.”

What makes Bloomington a great place for comedy is its passion and acceptance of stand-up comedians. Bloomington has a passion for stand-up comedy, and it is always ready for the next joke.