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Our Favorite Stories In Comedy: So You Want To Be A Comedian?

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 02/17/2022


New Jersey Stage published its 25,000th story in December 2021. As the site approached the milestone, we posed the question on social media as how we should celebrate.  One response was to highlight our favorite stories from over the years.  We liked this idea, but could not narrow things down to just 25 favorites so we will present a favorite each day from different genres. Since the So You Want To Be A Comedian? series was just restarted up in Red Bank, we thought it would be good to spotlight our original feature on the series.

The feature was published on March 22, 2018 and is available here. In the feature, we talk with Jess Alaimo who created the series. She tells us how comedy open mics gave her a chance to see if she had what it takes, the comic that inspired her, and how she feels about sharing personal information on stage as part of jokes.  We talk a little about her emerging political career and the double standard female comics have to deal with.

So You Want To Be A Comedian? is entering a new life at Scarlet Reserve Room and Alaimo will be there along with co-host Allie Mae. The first show takes place on March 11 at 7:30pm.  If you ever wanted to be a comedian, here's your chance to see if you have what it takes. Go to the event page for tickets and more information.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(PITMAN, NJ) -- The Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents a night of comedy on Thursday, July 9, 2026 with a lineup headlined by Moody McCarthy.  Special guests Kyle Mara and Paul Carson will open the night. Showtime is 7:30pm.
State Theatre New Jersey and Live Nation present Aries Spears on July 10th

State Theatre New Jersey and Live Nation present Aries Spears on July 10th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and Live Nation present Aries Spears on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New York native's quick wit, charisma, and ferociously aggressive comedy style have earned him critical acclaim, accolades, and, above all, a busy schedule
Drunk Black History comes to Newark Culture Club on July 10th

Drunk Black History comes to Newark Culture Club on July 10th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian Brandon Collins (New York Comedy Festival) brings his critically acclaimed Drunk Black History to the Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 9:00pm for a special event to celebrate the stories of untold Black historical figures and events! It's a one-of-a-kind, booze-fueled deep dive into the untold stories of Black history.
MPAC presents comedian Janelle James

MPAC presents comedian Janelle James

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Janelle James, who stars in the scene-stealing role of "Ava Coleman" in the Emmy-nominated ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary, performs an evening of stand-up comedy at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
The Flip Side brings Improv Comedy to Madison on July 11th

The Flip Side brings Improv Comedy to Madison on July 11th

(MADISON, NJ) -- Looking for a night out to escape the Netflix doom scroll? Something beyond movies at the megaplex or a typical bar crawl? The Flip Side, a completely improvised theatrical comedy experience, is appearing Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm — and it's anything but predictable. The Flip Side is the house team of Vivid Stage, a professional theatre company based in Summit, NJ.
Comedian Nate Bargatze to Perform at the Prudential Center on August 8th

Comedian Nate Bargatze to Perform at the Prudential Center on August 8th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Coming off record setting tours in 2024 and 2025, comedian Nate Bargatze is bringing his 2026 Big Dumb Eyes World Tour across North America. The tour comes to the Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Aries Spears

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


The Flip Side: Improv at Vivid Stage

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Madison Community Center
10 Kings Road, Madison, NJ


Janelle James

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ



 

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