Geek Out During The Sixth Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival

The vibrant comedy hub of Chicago, Stage 773, is proud to host the 6th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, taking place beginning Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 at 1225 W. Belmont. Featuring an eclectic line up of shows and events, the Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival celebrates all that is the Chicago nerd comedy scene. Nerds will unite for one glorious weekend in Chicago to laugh, pay homage, and perhaps worship their favorite genres of nerd-ness. Now in its sixth year, the festival is better than ever, featuring an expansive schedule of shows, a day of panels and workshops, and exciting events to unite performers, audiences, and artists alike in nerd Comedy Central.

Standup comedian and interdisciplinary performer Tamale Sepp will headline this year's festival on Friday, May 18. Voted as runner-up for Chicago's Best Stand Up Comedian for the Reader, Sepp is a regular at the Laugh Factory, a cast member of R.E.A.C.H (Risky Eclectic Artist Comedy Hour) at Second City, and has created and produced the popular comedic variety show, Brass Chuckles Comedy.

Saturday's headline show will feature WGN Radio's Patti Vasquez. Patti has toured the United States and headlined hit solo shows, including "Tequila and Shamrocks: Every Flower Has Her Roots" and "Pregnant Party Girl: From Stoli's to Stirrups" and has appeared in many comedy festivals including Just For Laughs, HBO's Las Vegas Comedy Festival, among others. Chief Geek Officer Elliott Serrano will open for Patti.

"We're more excited than ever for the 6th Annual Nerd Fest," says Co-Producer John Craig. "With two heavy hitting headliners this year, along with all different types of comedy being performed throughout the weekend, we can't wait for everyone to geek out with us."

Highlights include: Clown Car To Sicily, a musical sketch comedy group that writes and performs original sketches and songs, Locked Into Vacancy Entertainment, a group that brings original radio plays to life (including live foley art), and a special guest performance from Raks Geek, a nerd-themed belly dance and fire spinning group. Other featured performers include: Improvised Jane Austen, Stuntmen, Wig Bullies, Tis: A Dungeons and Dragons Improv Show, Plan 9 Burlesque, PS Burlesque, and more.

Tickets may be purchased beginning April 18 at www.stage773.com or by calling 773.327.5252. Individual tickets are $15 for each show; All-Festival passes are $100; day passes are $30 on Thursday, $45 on Friday and $60 on Saturday. Workshop prices vary on Sunday. Those who attend in costume will receive a "cos-play" discount of $5 off any festival pass or $3 off any ticket.

Performance dates and times are Thursday, May 17 on the hour from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. (plus after party), Friday, May 18 on the hour from 7 p.m. until Midnight (plus after party), Saturday, May 19 on the hour from 3 p.m. until Midnight (plus after party). Sunday, May 20 will feature workshops, panels and other programming.

About Stage 773

Stage 773 is a vibrant anchor of the Belmont Theatre District and home to Chicago's finest off-Loop talent. As a performance and tenant venue, our four stages provide entertainment for everyone: comedy, theatre, dance, musicals and more. We are a not-for-profit, connecting and catalyzing the theater community, while showcasing established artists and incubating up-and-coming talent.

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