NYC Club Hosts A Monthly Comedy Show, The Catch? Everyone Is Naked

Performing comedy is an art of vulnerability, demanding courage on stage under bright lights, sharing embarrassing moments, family tales, and dating mishaps—all in pursuit of eliciting laughter. However, a unique monthly comedy show in Brooklyn takes this challenge to a whole new level, as the comedians choose to perform completely nude.

Nudity, Laughter, and a Captive Audience

While performing stand-up in the buff introduces its own set of complications, the comedians at The Naked Comedy Show view it as a way to push personal boundaries, promising an enjoyable experience. They argue that the naked truth enhances their connection with the audience, creating an atmosphere of heightened attention.

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Organised by Billy Procida in collaboration with Hacienda, a sex-positive venue in Brooklyn, The Naked Comedy Show has been pushing comedic boundaries for over a decade. Monthly shows boast impressive lineups featuring comedians from renowned platforms like America's Got Talent, Wild 'n Out, Nickelodeon, HBO, NBC, CBS, Comedy Central, Netflix, and more.

Billy Procida, the show's organizer, took the plunge into naked comedy back in 2009, enticed by the allure of free stage time. A decade later, he conceptualised the idea of hosting a nude comedy show at Hacienda, providing a unique platform for comedians willing to bare it all.

Before hitting the stage in the buff, comedians engage in pre-show rituals, including push-ups for toned arms and resistance band exercises for "buns of steel." Procida acknowledges the concerns of male comedians about their presentation but emphasises how they channel nervous energy into their acts.

Audience Participation: Clothing-Optional Rows and a Naked Tradition

The audience is invited to join the fun by stripping down, with the first two rows of seats being clothing-optional. Following a tradition set by Naked Comedy's founder, Andy Ofiesh, brave audience members who get naked and tell a joke on stage stand a chance to win exciting prizes like tickets, weed, or a vibrator.

While the audience enjoys the unique experience, they must adhere to a few rules: be respectful, no heckling, and phones must be put away during the show. Stand-up comedian Sarah Barnitt praises the audience as a "good crowd" where judgment is absent.

Stripping Away Distractions: A Young Comic's Journey

Sarah Barnitt, a young comic in her 20s, values the opportunity to perform in naked comedy shows as it strips away distractions, making her more aware of her physicality as a comic. For her, the experience is a journey of self-discovery and skill refinement, with each show contributing to her evolving persona in comedy.

The Naked Comedy Show in Brooklyn not only provides laughter but also serves as a platform for comedians to explore vulnerability, embrace absurdity, and connect with audiences unconventionally.