Underground laughter: here's how to get tickets to these secret comedy shows

The experience is never the same when it comes to a Don’t Tell Comedy show — and that is on purpose.

When you buy a ticket to most comedy shows, you know all the information upfront: both the venue and the comedians who will be taking the stage. But with Don’t Tell Comedy, the venue and featured comedians stay a secret until the day of the show. 

“Don’t Tell Comedy Tucson takes the fun of a comedy show and the excitement of a secret party and combines them without the expensive price tag or any of the scary unknowns,” said Nicole Riesgo, a Tucson comedian and one of the local producers of Don’t Tell Comedy Tucson. “You get quality comedians and a unique venue experience, as no two shows are ever the same.” 

Don’t Tell Comedy (DTC) was created by comedian Kyle Kazanjian-Amory and holds shows in over 100 cities across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom with a secret lineup of performers at a secret location to “keep the focus on providing our audiences with the best of the next generation of comedians while preserving the magic of a truly unique and affordable experience,” according to their website.

Don’t Tell Comedy partners with communities to find local producers to put on the shows, highlighting both local and traveling comedians. 

The secret venues are also curated with help from the community. Some of the shows have been at yoga studios, bars or breweries, mortuaries and even backyards, to name a few. 

“This isn’t Don’t Tell Comedy randomly choosing a city and sending an unfamiliar producer out to do shows without locals,” said Tamale Sepp, an Arizona comedian and another one of the local producers. “We reached out to DTC to bring their productions to Tucson in order to give Tucson access to fun and unique comedy shows that would elevate and spotlight the local comedy scene, support local venues and remind traveling and touring comics that Tucson is a city that is worth a visit.”

How it works:

First, you buy a ticket from the website. You are told the area the show will be in, but you won’t know the specific venue. 

Shortly before the show, normally the morning of, you are emailed the location and show specifics like drinks and food availability, whether or not the venue is BYOB (bring your own beverage) and parking details.

Then, you show up, get checked in and enjoy a curated lineup of professional comics in a non-traditional comedy venue. After the 90-minute-long show, you'll get an email with info on the comics you saw — and hopefully you’ll want to follow them on social media.

The inaugural show in Tucson was held on Oct. 12 and sold out. The next show is planned for Oct. 26 and tickets are already on sale. There is a waiting list available if tickets sell out, but future shows are also planned. 

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“When Nicole and I were pursuing this, we had a specific conversation about the type of comedy we wanted to produce,” Sepp said. “Don’t Tell Comedy helped us pursue diverse talent and provide professional care to the production of the show.” 

Don’t Tell Comedy helps local producers with lighting, sound and any other professional help so shows run smoothly and maintain the high quality expected with any comedy show, Sepp said. This helps when the venue is a bit unconventional like someone’s backyard. 

“The production side is so smooth,” Sepp said. “To have a large company that is built by comics who understand the needs and wants of a comedian and then also help produce a show is exciting.”

Don’t Tell Comedy is rooted in local communities and is looking to expand its relationship with Tucson. If you are a local comic and looking to participate in a future show, comic submissions can be submitted through their website. 

Venue submissions are also always appreciated and can be submitted on the website. And the same goes for helpers who want to work with DTC in Tucson. 

To purchase a ticket to an upcoming show in Tucson, bookmark their website here.

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