Looking for a little comic relief in your life? The newly formed Grand Valley State University Stand Up Comedy Club hosts its first event next week — a stand-up comedy night, designed to feel like attending a real comedy club.

The event is next Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Area 51 in the basement of the Kirkhof Center

“It is our first event ever and we hope it goes well,” said senior Joe Stahura, vice president of the club. “We want a big crowd and it should be fun. We have Grand Valley comedians along with a few other kids we know that are performing. I am very excited for it.”

Aric Pike, president of the club, said he loves hearing people tell jokes and explain how they came up with them.

“An experienced comedian can come or a person who has never done it can come,” Pike said. “Everyone is helping each other, experienced comedians offering advice and new people giving their view of jokes and learning and creating an environment where people can grow as comedians.”

The club was created last semester in collaboration between Pike and Stahura. They also recruited freshman Alex Kleiner, who is an officer, and sophomore Jarrett Weber, who is the financial officer.

“The purpose of the club is to get stand-up comedians together and have fun, share ideas and let people know how to get into the scene,” Stahura said. “We also want to have a regular open mic at Grand Valley. That is our main goal. Comics are always looking for an open mic and if we can get one started at Grand Valley, I know people will enjoy it.”

Pike said the function of the club is for students to be able to get together and discuss stand-up comedy. He said students can share their jokes with each other, attend events with together, support each other and help one another grow.

“I also wanted the club to be a place where people can get together and just laugh,” Pike said. “So, we will basically be discussing upcoming opportunities to do stand up, do some improv and comedy writing to help people grow as comedians.”

After having a few fundraising events, Pike said the club would like to plan its own stand up comedy events as well as attend various comedy events in the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo area. Anyone can join, Pike said.

For more information about the group, visit their Facebook page by typing “GVSU Stand Up Comedy Club” into the search bar.

arts@lanthorn.com