Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Geary.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mark. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Lincoln Lodge is the nation’s longest running independently produced comedy showcase, now in its 18th season. The Lincoln Lodge is a truly unique example of stand up comedy being practiced using the Not For Profit model.
By presenting opportunities for local stand up comedians to train, reach a wider audience and connect with national talent agencies we have forged close links throughout the entire Chicago comedy community. Those relationships extend throughout the careers of performers who start with us as talented amateurs and we now can boast not just a strong local presence but a nationwide reputation for nurturing and developing Chicago talent that is propagated through this network of alumni such as TJ Miller, Kyle Kinane, Hannibal Burress, Cameron Esposito and Pete Holmes.
The show originated in the famous Lincoln Restaurant (4008 N. Lincoln) before locating to SubT in Wicker Park and is currently in production at Under The Gun Theater in Wrigleyville
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Producing stand up comedy in a not-for-profit model had never been attempted on a professional scale before so we faced many learning challenges in our early days. Convincing not only the community but also the stand-up comedians of the validity and advantages of a non-profit approach took a lot of time and patience.
Funding for the show has been very minimal because of this challenge and when our original location at the Lincoln Restaurant closed we found it very difficult to get funding for stand up as it’s not one of the ‘high arts’ that donors typically fund.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Lincoln Lodge – what should we know?
Known primarily for the nation’s longest-running independent comedy show (The Lincoln Lodge) we also produce special events, help others organizations to raise money with comedy events and offer classes (Feminine Comique and Stand-Up Seminary) to encourage more community participation in stand-up comedy. We have been very successful at nurturing local talent and can point to a long line of alumni who all got their start at The Lodge. Our reputation for professionalism, talent, and integrity means organizations such as Just for Laughs and Comedy Central have invited us to collaborate with them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We were assisted by The Arts Business Council of Chicago at an early stage and we owe thanks to the management of The Lincoln Restaurant and SubT Lounge for hosting the shows.
We have entertained over 100,000 folks in our 18-year history and thank every one of them!
Pricing:
- $10 general admission for a regular show
- $20 general admission for a special headliner event
Contact Info:
- Address: 956 W Newport Ave
- Website: thelincolnlodge.com
- Phone: 7732511539
- Email: thelincolnlodge@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelincolnlodge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnLodge/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelincolnlodge
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lincoln-lodge-chicago
Image Credit:
Sarah Larson
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