Laughter is the remedy for most things; especially in times like these where uncertainty is at large. It is easy to be glum when life has seemed quite dismal, however, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Comedy Club is making sure this isn’t the case.
The UWM Comedy Club is a fairly new organization. It was founded by the current president and UWM senior, Donald Castine Jr. (DJ), at the end of last fall semester. The organization’s mission is to “teach students about comedy but also to give opportunities for students to perform comedy,” details DJ. Further, the organization gives individuals an opportunity to see live comedy as well. In comparison to other surrounding cities, the Milwaukee comedy scene isn’t very large. It was important to DJ to “create a culture for that on campus” for students like him who wanted an outlet to express themselves through humor within their community. Thus far, the organization has achieved this.
It has given students with a passion for comedy a safe space to work with others, gain experience and to express themselves on campus. As president, DJ has been able to organize shows, give input on what comedians to bring to UWM with the Campus Activities Board, get members together and run rehearsals every Wednesday pre-Covid. They now meet virtually for the time being.
In the past, they have organized comedy shows, including a spring sketch show last semester, but was unable to perform it due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, they combatted the pandemic by successfully performing another scheduled show on Facebook Live.
In the future, they are working on some large projects. They are currently in the process of rehearsing for a comedy show that they are putting on during Panther Paws week. The shows will be on December 10th and 11th within the student union. It will be an in-person, untitled, sketch comedy show featuring UWM students for UWM students. The event will be socially distanced and will be enforcing masks. Regardless, it is an impeccable opportunity to get out and do something fun whilst remaining safe.
Thus far, Comedy Club has given students a safe space to practice comedy and to express themselves on campus. There are more laughs to be had and a community to grow as the organization progresses. For now, take these opportunities to get involved safely
For further information or to participate in the future, reach out to the “Comedy Club @ UWM” page on Presence.
Check out the previous UWM student organization feature here!