Stand Up For The Arts is sure to tickle your funny bone

By Haley Rose

BELLEVILLE – Whether you’re laughing at them, or with them, at least you’re laughing, right?

Fourteen local actors and comedians will be showcasing their talents this Saturday at the second Stand Up For The Arts show.

It’s a fundraiser put on by the Quinte Arts Council to help support different arts programs it puts on in the community.

Rick Zimmerman will be the emcee for the evening. Zimmerman has been doing comedy for more than 40 years. Acting and comedy have been a part of his life ever since he can remember. He said his dad was in community theatre growing up and his family would go and watch his performances.

“The main reason that I got into comedy was because I’m not afraid to make a fool out of myself,” Zimmerman said.

He also said that people think because you go on stage and act that they are always comfortable because they do it so often. Zimmerman says that’s not always the case.

“Each show I do is brand new to me. It’s a new audience and a new place. You only get one shot and then it’s done.”

He said his favourite part about performing in front of a crowd is the immediate response. “If it was really good then you have that enjoyable high. If it was really bad then you take away and learn what you can do better next time.”

This year’s show is focused on various types of comedy and is more well-rounded than last years, according to Carol Feeney, executive director of the Quinte Arts Council. Along with stand-up comedy, there will also be musical and sketch comedy, as well as improv.

This is the second year the show is being held and Feeney said they hope to do it every year if the community latches on to the idea.

“It takes two to three years for an event to have traction so right now we’re still in the development stage.”

Feeney said she is excited for this year’s show because it will have content that everyone can relate too.

She also said when the idea was brought up she thought it was great for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, it raises money for the arts council so they can work to put events like this one on. It also gives local talent an opportunity to showcase. And it brings in a younger audience. Many of the performers for this show are under 30 so it gives a showcase for various types of performers.”

Tickets for the show are $25 each and can be purchased at the Quinte Arts Council office.

The show will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Greek Hall and a cash bar will be available and open at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the show call 613-962-1232.