Why We Organise Open Mics: Talent, Community and Unforgettable Times

If you’ve ever wandered into Auer & Co in Zurich or Heimat in Basel on a weeknight, you might have stumbled upon one of our open mic nights buzzing with nervous energy and laughter. They don't create much revenue, but still cost us time and energy to organise and promote. So why do we organise them?

Our Open mics are really important. They’re not just about jokes and punchlines; they’re about building a community, discovering and developing local talent, and creating moments that stick with you long after the last laugh. Today, I want to share why we organise open mics, what they bring to the comedy scene, and why they matter.

How Open Mics Shape a Thriving Comedy Scene

Open mics are at the core of our comedy scene. Contained within them is the core of comedy geeks, comedy enthusiasts and comedy wannabes. Some of these people have and will go on to organise more shows, like we have. Some will go on to create a following and a successful stand-up career like Mike Casa and Benjamin Delahaye. And others, will simply enjoy their free time making you laugh on a weekly basis.

Without these people, the stand-up comedy scene would be a lot quieter and far less diverse. In cities like Zurich and Basel, where English comedy is steadily growing, open mics provide a platform for these enthusiasts that might otherwise never have the opportunity to involve themselves more deeply in comedy.

A Launchpad for New Comedians

Starting out in stand-up comedy can feel like stepping into the unknown. Open mics serve as a friendly entry point for new comedians to showcase their talent without the pressure of a full house or a big stage.

They create a space where comedians can experiment with new material, test their timing, and learn from each other. This constant cycle of feedback and improvement is what keeps the comedy scene fresh and exciting. It’s not just about the polished acts you see at a comedy club; it’s about the raw, unfiltered moments where creativity sparks.

We've had many a night in Auer & Co in Zurich, where newcomers try, have difficulty and bomb. But our crowd’s are so warm that you see the same people coming back time and time again. Give the same people a few months or sometimes even years, and you can see those same comedians standing on stage with confidence. That’s the magic of open mics—they nurture growth, technique and resilience.

This environment helps comedians build confidence and develop their unique style. It’s also a chance to connect with other performers who share the same passion. Many of today’s well-known comedians started at open mics, honing their craft before moving on to bigger venues.

Auer & Co in our Zurich open mic home and where it all started

Benefits for Audiences: Affordable Fun and Fresh Laughs

Open mics aren’t just for comedians. They offer audiences a chance to enjoy stand-up comedy without breaking the bank. Tickets are usually cheap or even free, making it easy for anyone to experience live comedy.

For comedy fans in Zurich or Basel, open mics provide a unique opportunity to discover grass roots comedy and witness the creative process where jokes are refined and successful comedians are made. The unpredictability of the lineup means you might witness the next big star in their very first performance. Plus, the intimate setting creates a connection between the audience and performers that you rarely get in larger comedy clubs.

I’ve had countless nights where the laughter in the room felt like a shared secret, a collective joy that made the whole experience unforgettable. It’s a reminder that comedy is about connection as much as it is about jokes.

My Experience: How These Shows Benefit Comedy Kiss

One of the problems I used to worry about when designing big professional shows when I began in Zurich, was that our open mics were too good. I've had so many side splitting evenings. There is this unique mix of tiny venue, insecurity about the quality of the acts, low expectations and great surprise and celebration when it goes well.

Thankfully, our bigger shows have continued to get better and we see a real difference now between new open mic comedians and our experienced comics that started with us 8 years ago, showing us that the strategy of building a community worked.

These Comedians are amazing at opening shows and giving a local flavour to the evening. Having these great local comedians also frees up resources that would otherwise be spent, as we used to, in flying in lower level professional English comedians to open the shows. Saving this money, allows us to keep ticket prices in check and to attract better comedians to headline the show with the money we save.

Most of our audiences are not obsessive comedy fans, but those that are will realise that our line-ups are extraordinary. Our visiting comedians always comment with surprise about the quality of the names we attract. And strangely enough, the open mics have had a part in that.

The Conclusion

If you’ve never been to an open mic, I encourage you to come along. Whether you’re a performer or a fan, you’ll find something special in those nights filled with nervous energy, bold jokes, and unforgettable moments.