Grassroots organization Flying Squid Comedy appeared on the cover of Flagpole’s July 10 issue, with founder and self-proclaimed “herder of cats” Kelly Petronis sharing that it had outgrown its beloved host space at work.shop and was in the process of finding a new permanent home. Just a few months later, Flying Squid Comedy has officially opened its doors at 150 Fritz Mar Lane as Athens’ only dedicated comedy theater.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign that funded new stage curtains, chairs and a sign, a grand opening event on Friday, Nov. 8 welcomed the community into the space with comedy, improv and music performances. Petronis started the night thanking an at-capacity crowd, which he stated was “a dream come true.” Opening comedian Phillip Broughton reflected on how far Flying Squid has come since its backyard comedy days as Krakin Jokes. “It’s one thing if a joke don’t land in a room. If a joke don’t land outside, and you hear crickets…” he trailed off with a laugh.
The theater can seat 40 guests, with a larger standing capacity. In continuation of its fundraising efforts, Flying Squid has been hosting a music series, with remaining dates scheduled Nov. 30 featuring Cicada Rhythm and Dec. 14 featuring Air Brazil and Liz Farrell. Tickets are $12, with doors at 7:30 p.m. Flying Squid will continue to host its improv jams, classes and comedy shows in this space. For a full schedule and more info, visit flyingsquidcomedy.com.
Sharing the building is Julia Roessing’s art studio, and she has brought an element of more traditional theater into the improv-focused group with scripted works. Petronis and Roessing worked together on Flying Squid’s first theatrical production, Life Sucks, in July, and Roessing will present the play Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley in the new space Dec. 6–8. Using the art studio space, the group will have more room to build props and work on set designs. Props from productions will be auctioned off via Instagram to raise money for the comedy theater.
“The mission of Flying Squid, since it became Flying Squid, is to cultivate a comedy community. I feel like so far we’ve been accomplishing that,” says Petronis.
Below is a photo gallery of the theater’s grand opening event taken by Flagpole photographer Jake Zerkel.
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