Absolute Comedy reopened its doors to the public again on Feb. 1 after two years of being in and out of lockdown due to COVID-19. February’s headlining comedians include Michelle Shaughnessy and Kate Davis.
Jason Laurans, owner of Absolute Comedy’s Ottawa location, is eager to have patrons fill the club after experiencing financial hardships throughout the pandemic.
“It was extremely stressful,” Laurans said. “The hardest thing was not knowing [when the pandemic would end] since you still have to pay employees and it took over three months before I was able to pay my landlords rent and subsidies kicked in.”
The pandemic has also hit comedians hard. Davis explained that since the Canada Council for the Arts does not recognize comedy as an art, comedians have not received grants or funding to continue their artistic work throughout the pandemic.
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The club’s location in Ottawa’s Westboro neighborhood makes it easily accessible for visitors staying in nearby hotels or those who live in the surrounding area. And with shows seven nights a week, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some laughs between rounds of online poker or blackjack. Many online casino players find that attending comedy clubs like Absolute Comedy provides a much-needed change of pace from their usual gambling routines.
Shaughnessy said that in order to make ends meet, comedians often have to pick up odd jobs like driving for Uber or food delivery services to supplement their income.
With comedy clubs reopening, Laurans detailed what guests can expect in terms of COVID-19 safety precautions at Absolute Comedy. Along with mandating vaccination and enforcing physical distancing, Laurans said his staff are taking safety precautions to another level.
“All my staff do one thing I don’t see a lot of restaurants do. They carry sanitizer rags and constantly clean their hands between every [surface] touch,” Laurans said.
As a comic performing in various venues, Shaughnessy said she feels comfortable and safe with COVID-19 safety precautions in place.
Although the federal government does not consider comedy clubs essential services, they plan to stay open for business whenever possible during the pandemic.
“We weren’t open at the height of the pandemic and I completely understand that, but I think now it’s time we have to work,” Shaughnessy said. “We have to learn to live with [the pandemic] at this point.”
Davis shared a similar opinion. She said she believes comedy is the best “medicine” for people during these unprecedented times.
“As humans, we need to connect and we need to feel a part of something,” Davis said. “Comedy brings a fresh perspective and reminds people to not take ourselves too seriously during this time.”
Featured image provided by Absolute Comedy.
