At first Ryan Ehresman was anxious about the success of Wednesday's "A Night of Comedy" show in Ball State University's Pruis Hall.
"You just think no one is going to come," Ehresman said. "I was worried the entire semester, but I had a good feeling backstage that reminded me of Y2K, when 10 minutes before the world's going to end, you stop worrying."
Two hours later, Ehresman said, his fears subsided as the night of stand-up comedy brought in more than 300 attendees and raised a net profit of more than $1,100.
Co-creator Joey Martin said he and fellow co-creators Ehresman and Dan Minnerick will use the profits to pay for a trip to Los Angeles in May for eight actors and one manager.
The actors have begun sketch rehearsals for the Los Angeles Showcase, Martin said, which brings student actors from across the country and more than 100 talent agents together.
Martin said $1,000 might seem like a large sum, but it pays for a little more than head shots and a few meals per person.
A show similar to Wednesday's is a future possibility, Martin said, but the job is too large for three people and would require more assistance.
"The question is who is willing to step up with us next time." Martin said.
Other changes for future comedy shows would include commercial advertisements with a livelier feel, free admission and a higher standard for comedians, he said.
Minnerick said Wednesday night's event has provided the trio new opportunities for credibility and expansion in the near future as well.
The group is often not taken seriously because it is not a Ball State organization, he said. After Wednesday's show, the group's credibility has risen enough to gain the attention of more people in the community and possibly a faculty sponsor, he said.
Martin said the comedians have also been offered performance spots at Late Nite because of the success of Wednesday's show.
Another advantage the trio has gained is the availability of better production equipment for the biweekly MoTini's shows, he said.
Ehresman said comedians will also compete in Rooftop Comedy's nationwide stand-up contest at the group's next comedy night on March 5 at MoTini's. Eight Ball State comedians will move on to round two at Crackers Comedy Club in Indianapolis and compete against eight comedians from Indiana University for four all-expenses-paid trips to finals in Aspen, Colo.
Martin said the group wants to branch out from its routine at MoTini's and not remain an exclusive act for the Ball State community.
"We're not in the sandbox anymore," Martin said. "We've built some castles."
ScheduleROOFTOP COMEDY COMPETITION
TIME: 9 p.m. March 5
VENUE: MoTini's
To sign up, e-mail bsustandup@yahoo.com
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