Joke Gym

The Joke Gym happens in the room right off the bar at Zapata Vive. We have a small stage, sound system, and lots of tables and chairs. It's a swell space! 

The early bird gets more stage time

• Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m. on show nights, and end when all spots are filled or at 7 p.m. (whichever comes first). 

• When you sign in, you can pick any open spot on the list. 
If you sign in first, you get the best selection.

• The first 3 performers to sign-up get 7 minutes each. 
• The next 3 performers to sign up get 6 minutes each.
• The next 12 performers else get 5 minutes each. 
If we have additional comedians, and we have the time, we will offer 3-minute "overtime" slots. We don't like to turn anyone away, but we do need to vacate the room so the staff can close the restaurant on time.

• Please print your intro on a (provided) 3x5 card when you sign in. If your name is tough to pronounce, please spell it phonetically. We want to give you a solid welcome, so help us. Help us help you.

• You must sign up in person. That does not mean emailing for a spot the day before, or calling from your cell when you're stuck in traffic on the way to the show.You need to actually be in the room to sign up for the open mic. We hate to harsh your mellow, but we want to be fair to the performers who show up at 6:30 p.m. with bright, shiny faces.

• Feel free to bring your notes, tape recorder and water on stage.

• The big red light goes on when you have 1 minute left. It startsflashing when you've hit your time limit.

• We no longer book a featured comic for each show. We use all our time for open mic comics. Our final featured comic will appear on Jan. 15.

• Bring your friends! It's a fun, supportive environment with great food and a full bar. Free parking and no cover. That's why we say it's "no sweat stand-up comedy."

Guest MCs

Do you have a deep-down hankering to MC a comedy show? Scott and Paula do like a night off now and then, so guest MCs come in handy.

If you're participated in our open mic at least once, and want to try MCing, email The Joke Gym. Our room is the best place to try new things.