ArtsCenter kicks off new big-name comedy series with Kyle Dunnigan

The Chapel Hill comedy scene, a notable launching pad for young comedians, has been missing a major element — big names.

Funny Business Entertainment, a North Carolina-based comedy booking agency, is attempting to fill that void with a monthly professional comedy series — Funny Business Live — at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro.

Beginning Oct. 1, the ArtsCenter will host performances by nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians. Kyle Dunnigan, known for his role as Craig the Truckee River Killer on Comedy Central’s “Reno 911!”, will kick off the series along with Tennessee comedian Paul Strickland.

Eric Yoder, a booking agent for the business, said he noticed a lack of professional comics when he moved to the area two years ago.

“It was pretty much just open mics and local acts, so I thought it would be nice to fill that niche and start a professional series,” he said.

Funny Business — which started as a family business in Michigan and transplanted to Asheville about two years ago — is one of the leading comedy agencies in the country, Yoder said.

They book about 70 comedians each week, he said.

The series’ promoter, Steve Brady, hosts weekly open mic nights at Jack Sprat Cafe on Franklin Street.

Brady said he thinks that the series will be a perfect supplement to the local comedy scene.

“This comedy series will provide quality, professional comedy to the community and help fuel interest in local comedy as well,” he said.

Both Yoder and Brady said they hope the series will provide opportunities for local comedians, who will have the chance to host events and showcase their work.

“Local open mic comics don’t have a lot of opportunity to open for big names, which are mostly in New York or L.A.,” Brady said.

Dunnigan welcomes the idea of working with aspiring comedians, and said he advises them not to judge themselves too harshly.

“Be exposing to a point where you’re almost really uncomfortable with sharing what you’re going to say — and just do it,” he said.

Brady said the series has gotten a lot of positive feedback.

“We are building a scene that will help achieve their dreams of being a stand-up comedian,” he said. “We have a great environment to provide some really great entertainment.”

Contact the Arts Editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.