Aug 26, 2024 - Business

This secret location comedy show is creating stars

Maxwell Millington

Illustration of an upside down microphone shaped like a question mark. — Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

The next generation of comedy stars is getting exposure in an unconventional way by doing stand-up shows in backyards and other pop-up locations across the country.

The big picture: Viral videos of "Don't Tell Comedy" sets have accelerated the careers of comedians like Ralph Barbosa, Susan Rice, Katherine Blanford, Alec Flynn and Lea'h Sampson.

How it works: Founded in 2017, the company creates pop-up comedy shows in places like candy stores, rock climbing gyms, or even a luxury suite at a baseball stadium.

When you buy a ticket to a show, the only information provided is the date, time and city. The specific location is revealed a few hours before showtime.

Zoom out: In 2022, "Don't Tell" began posting clips on Instagram and TikTok (where most people watch stand-up today) and producing short-form comedy specials on its YouTube channel, with over 1.6 million subscribers.

For some comics, going viral online has led to millions of followers and HBO and Netflix specials.

Founder and comedian Kyle Kazanjian-Amory says venues are scouted by local comics, who are hired to produce each show.

What they're saying: "You're able to go to a place that's very familiar, but for an experience that is unfamiliar to that space," Kazanjian-Amory tells Axios.

What's next: "Don't Tell Comedy" reports it is on pace to host over 4,500 shows across 200 cities in 2024.

The bottom line: Move over Comedy Central, there's a new pipeline for comedians to be discovered, and it's growing.

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This secret location comedy show is creating stars

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