Discover How Scapegoat Underground Revitalizes the University Comedy Scene

Two university students, Kieran Warner and Jack Yasenchok, launched the comedy duo Scapegoat Underground for a stand-up event at their school. This year, they took it a step further by organizing the third annual Step Comedy Jam, held on September 9 at Crozet Pizza and the Buddhist Biker Bar. The event showcased 13 comedy acts, embracing diverse styles such as stand-up, improv, and skits, all infused with some musical flair.

What makes the Step Comedy Jam stand out? It’s a non-competitive platform, focusing on community and laughter rather than rivalry. Yasenchok put it simply: “You come and laugh with everyone. That’s the real win.” Originally started by Mary Walton Petersen, a Class of 2025 alum, Yasenchok and Warner inherited the event last spring, and Petersen returned to perform during her stand-up tour.

She reminisced about the event’s purpose: “It’s about free expression and supporting each other’s vulnerability.” The atmosphere fosters growth and improvement for performers, which is a big part of its appeal.

Warner and Yasenchok found their footing in comedy through improv groups before forming Scapegoat Underground to join last year’s Step Comedy Jam. They initially promoted their set on Instagram, but their passion for comedy led them to expand into marketing and create a business.

Despite their busy academic schedules, they see Scapegoat Underground as a creative outlet. Yasenchok, for instance, rediscovered his love for drawing and gained video editing skills while promoting the duo.

Beyond laughs, the Step Comedy Jam has created a tightly-knit community. Warner noted how important it feels to connect with fellow students through comedy: “Finding this pocket of community at U.Va. has made everything feel special.”

The duo’s creative process is exciting. Yasenchok explained how the two-person format pushes them to think outside the box, saying, “The constraints actually inspired more creativity in our act and posts.”

Their visibility on campus is growing. They started with hosting events like Rotunda Sing and are now keen on creating more digital content for their Instagram. However, they acknowledge the challenge of capturing attention online in a sea of distractions. Yasenchok remarked, “It’s tough to make someone watch more than 10 seconds.”

This shift in how people consume comedy echoes trends in platforms like Saturday Night Live, where many recent cast members gained fame from digital content.

As for the future, Scapegoat Underground plans to sell merchandise and host more stand-up shows, hoping to bring a late-night comedy event to Grit Coffee. After the recent Step Comedy Jam, both expressed gratitude for the audience’s support. Yasenchok felt a strong bond with attendees, highlighting the intimate connection created through shared laughter.

In a world where comedy is rapidly evolving, Scapegoat Underground stands out by prioritizing community, creativity, and genuine connection. For anyone interested in the latest on their journey, more updates can be found on their Instagram.

Source link