Milwaukee Comedy had a chance to sit down with a unique group of comedians to discus the stand up scene - and comedy as a whole - in and around the Milwaukee area. The Caste of Killers (CoK) is a stand up comedy "collective" in a way, meaning they're looking to bring comedians together to perform shows, influence joke writing and above all, give local stand up more stage time.
From the web:
Our purpose is simple. To sift through the rubble of a broken scene, learn from it's mistakes and rebuild. To raise it back up on it's haunches. To make it something to be proud of again. It's been simmering, waiting patiently for the right set of circumstances to align.That is where COK comes in.
The first thing I had to know, Why 'Caste'? Merriam-Webster Dictionary partly defines Caste as a division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank or privilege, profession, or occupation.
The CoK's Jason Hillman says the word was chosen just for that reason. "Stand up can be one of the least respected professions. A tough crowd can make a comedian feel like the bottom of society. We work hard at this, so calling ourselves the Caste of Killers empowers us. And hopefully we have a 'killer' show in the process." Jason, and his partner in crime, Damon Millard met at open mic nights at the Miramar Theatre (on Milwaukee's East Side) early in the year, and after working together a few times, the comedians gave themselves a name. "We want to bring people together, not force comics to compete with each other. Hopefully, we can turn this into a viable and respected art form." Jason stressed the goals of his undertaking; he wants to see comedy become sustainable for the locals. Milwaukee is a unique city for stand-up: three great comedy clubs in town. But it is very difficult for local comedians - especially younger comics to get work in and around Milwaukee. 
Fortunately, CoK has already made an impact on the Milwaukee Comedy scene. They have organized more than a dozen comics in as many shows since the group formed in March of this year. Just some of the comics Jason and Damon have brough on board: Art Hinty, Robert Francis Curtis, Stacy Pawlowski, Liza Marie, Ryan Lowe, Cliff Baer, Christy Watson, Ryan Lowe, Jesse Silva and Aaron Wagner - just to name a few!
Out of these shows, two have become regular events. Last Laugh Thursdays, the final Thursday of each month, takes place at The Art Bar (722 East Burleigh Street, Riverwest, WI) and not only features some great laughs, but it's FREE with plenty of drink specials. Originally a Tuesday night gig, the Caste of Killers features stand up at Live on North (2028 E North Ave, Milwaukee) on Saturdays.
So, what inspires two guys to make people laugh for a living? Pain. It may sound familiar, but making light of life's little pitfalls can create great comic material."I like to make the dirt and grime of life funny," said Hillman. Damon's style of comedy leaves no psychological rock unturned. He recalled, "I had a disturbed childhood. I take events from my past and exaggerate them. It feels good to put a spin on life."
Upcoming Cast of Killers Comedy Event
Last Laugh Thursdays - This Thursday, 7pm @ The Art Bar (722 East Burleigh Street, Riverwest, WI)
Host: Anthony BroncAtti
Featuring Joe Murphy, Aaron Wagner and Jason Hillman
The Caste of Killers has plenty of upcoming events in and around Milwaukee. More information is available on the Cast of Killers Facebook page, or take a look at the Comedy Events Calendar.
It's funny how they can claim to be "... bring people together, not force comics to compete with each other"
ReplyDeleteEspecialy considering that their 'last laugh thursday' was planned on exactly the same day of the month that another comedy troop used to always do their shows. I'm pretty sure there is more than one Thursday in a month. & now that other show doesn't even exist anymore because there isn't the room to compete when friends do that to each other.
And when I say its funny its not funny 'ha ha'.
Hello "Anonymous",
ReplyDeleteSyntax issues aside,why would you take the time to try and sully one of the great things this scene has going for it? Only a person with a most malicious intent would state such a thing and then hide behind an anonymous moniker. I know who you are. You are a coward and trust,we have no place for your kind here. Be kind and do us all the favor of ceasing your passive aggressive campaign of negativity. As a casual observer, I would sat that it is this mentality that led to the demise of your show. Nothing less. Nothing more.
I wish you well in your endeavors...
j
This heads up comes from the US for the record, not south of the bordur. She ain't the only one aware of how things really went down. Don't blame her when she don't deserve it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm anonymous cause I know that if you knew who put this up, you would'nt acknowledge its 4 real.
As a newcommer to the Milwaukee comedy sceen I have no idea "how things went down" Apparently I arrived just a bit to late to witness whatever percieved slights and/or transgressions are being alleged.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do know is this, I first took the stage March 7th at an open mic, I've worked my ass off polishing my material and getting comfortable on stage. Without the opportunities that CoK are creating there wouldn't have been much incentive to hone my craft.
They've opened up three stages, in three areas, on three different nights, and brought in comedians from all over the region, to perform for more than just a room full of comics and their friends.
The sad reality of life is that successful endevors often drive out the non sucessfull ones. But with Caste's success more opportunities have been created, and more will be created, than a once a month show in Bay View. Thus more comics have an opportunity to perform, and more people get to be entertained. And from where I'm sitting that is what this is all about.
I see no need to post anonymously. My name is Tony B. I'll be featuring in the July 24th CoK show at Live on North. I'll be the guy raising the the Mother Effing roof(with your laughter).
Just for the record I attend every stand-up comedy event that takes place in this city. Every single one. I went to every hard core show since I started performing, except for the very last one...yes, I was there when Mario, Aaron, and Johnny Beehner pulled in $2 a piece for their hard work.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why that stage died but it was going down that tragic road long before Caste of Killers came along. Maybe people didn't want to bring their own chairs...maybe because people were given stage time for reasons other than skill...I don't know I'm not a scientist, unless I'm trying to pick up a girl at the bar and she's into scientists... well then I'm a super scientist.
Now that the future has emerged you blame that for the failure of the past...and it's sad that you don't look at the reality.
The show at art bar was offered to us coincidentally on the date of the very last hard core show...and we took it. Because someone had to step up and breathe life back into the scene. We sifted through the rubble, and guess what?...it's working!
My name is Damon Millard-I'm with the Caste of Killers. I don't even care that someone got on here to spew their negativity- that's the mentality that destroyed the other rooms and comedy movements in the pas; it won't happen again. There's something Magical taking place right now. Maybe take that time that you use brewing in your self hatred and this write a new joke...maybe a funny one this time. And when I say funny, I mean funny Ha HA !!
I like stuff!
ReplyDelete