Forget Ted Talks, Chet Chats are bringing a comedic spin to the speaking art form

At the Peoples Improv Theatre, Chet is the new Ted. The new comedy series, Chet Chats, a play on Ted Talks, is coming to The PIT on Oct. 4. 

This will be the second show in the series, which occurs on the fourth of every month. 

Produced and hosted by Marcie Maier, Chet Chats features Maier and other comedians from the theatre giving their own chat on a topic of their choice. Maier gives a chat at the start of each show as well. 

“It’s hysterical and a play on something everyone is pretty familiar with,” Maier said.

These performances are more than just entertainment or a way to blow off steam. Maier said this popular form of communication made Chet Chats a great outlet for comedy. 

“It’s interesting to see people do higher brow comedy, its’ comedy you can’t really see anywhere else,” said Jordan Hale, one of the comedians who performed in the first Chet Chat.

Each of these chats are unique, created individually by each comedian performing.

 “Some were personal, some conceptual, some abstract. So, it’s a wide range of comedic styles,” said Will Purpura, general manager and artistic director at the PIT. 

For instance, Jordan Hale performed a chat as a character discussing his experience trying to replicate the "The Parent Trap" with his own parents. For each performance, the roster of comedians will change, allowing for a variety in the chats every month. 

Ted Talks have become increasingly popular, and Maier has been able to capitalize on this popularity because those who come to the show are familiar with the format.

“When I was writing my (first) Chet Chat, I was watching a real Ted Talk and sort of pulling ideas from how they structured theirs,” Maier said. 

The show was originally created to be a single sketch, but after discussing it, Maier and Purpura decided to extend the idea into a series. 

The first Chet Chat was a success, and everyone involved is eager for the second show.

Purpura said he is excited that the PIT is featuring the show.

"For someone to have an idea and see that come about on stage is a real thrill,” Purpura said.

arts@dailytarheel.com