Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Colgate.
Hi Ty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Back in April 2019, I decided to start Fifth Place Comedy at one of Atlanta’s rowdiest bars. I was new to the city and very new to stand-up comedy (about eight months in) but was hungry to start something that gave stage time to comics and offered a fun, indie experience for audiences. We grew that show for ten months until Covid hit and took us and everyone else inside.
In November 2020, we came back with a new show at Rolecall Theater and hit the ground running hard. We’d frequently sell it out and started a roast battle component that became one of the audience’s favorite chunks of the show. After about half a year of that, we wanted to take Fifth Place Comedy in a new direction and try our hand with headliners. We brought in Mike Falzone, Sasheer Zamata, T. Murph, Morgan Jay, Gavin Matts, Alex Hooper, and a bunch of other established and up-and-coming acts.
We eventually landed at Joystick Gamebar and immediately fell in love with its grungy aesthetics and intimate vibes. I was confident a weekly showcase would do well there and six months later, the show has proven to be a hit. Now we’re finalizing our next show at Georgia Beer Garden which will require Fifth Place fans to tune into our socials to get hints at who our mystery feature comedians will be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Comedy promotions is a tough job. We’ve lost money on shows before, had comics canceled at the last minute, venues that refused to give us a fair cut on tickets, and hecklers that have needed to be kicked out. You need to adapt quickly and reach the right people with marketing because it’s far too easy to be financially upside down on an event.
Show me a promoter that’s carefree and nonchalant and I’ll show you someone that’s going to lose a lot at this.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a stand-up comedian and founder of Fifth Place Comedy. I’m most recently proud of a month-long stand-up tour through Europe that saw me performing English comedy in Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris. I think what sets me apart from others would be my willingness to give anything, even if there’s a small chance that it would help me become a better comedian or show promoter, an honest try.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Stay up to date with me on Instagram @ty.colgate and check out Fifth Place Comedy at www.fifthplacecomedy.com or follow us @fifthplace.comedy
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fifthplacecomedy.com
- Instagram: @fifthplace.comedy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthplacecomedy
Image Credits
Shelby Paige Lola Scott
