Vermont Comedy Club Announces Launch of Nonprofit, Vermont Comedy Arts
BURLINGTON, VT – After a decade of bringing laughter to Burlington, Vermont Comedy Club owners Natalie Miller and Nathan Hartswick announced today the launch of Vermont comedy Arts, a new 501c3 nonprofit institution. The move aims to bolster the club’s educational programs, special events, and support the growing local improv scene while strengthening the financial stability of the comedy ecosystem in Vermont.
Vermont Comedy Club first operated as a booking entity before opening it’s doors at 101 Main Street in 2015. Since then,the club has become a vital launching pad for local comedic talent,including carmen Lagala,Ash Diggs,and Tina Friml,all of whom have gone on to perform in New York City.
vermont Comedy Arts will focus on the club’s existing comedy education programs, as well as events like the Big Pond Improv Festival, Vermont’s Funniest Comedian competition, and the Vermont comedy Awards. Miller will serve as the nonprofit’s executive director.
The creation of the nonprofit is a strategic response to recent economic challenges faced by the club,including an 18-month closure during the pandemic,downtown construction,and concerns regarding city safety. “Creating a dedicated nonprofit for our mission-driven offerings, one that is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations, grants, and sponsorships – we feel could be a game-changer,” Hartswick stated in a press release.
Currently, Vermont Comedy Arts is seeking a downtown location to house performance space, classrooms, and offices.
“we love what we do, but we can’t do it forever,” Miller said.”we believe that the combination of Vermont Comedy Club and Vermont Comedy Arts will set the comedy scene here up for continued growth and success for generations to come.”