EPIC Assist (EPIC) recently awarded community grants to 12 not-for-profit community groups to help create communities that value and welcome people with disability.
One of the successful recipients was Larry Laughs Loud, a Lismore-based comedy club. Led by Vanessa Mitchell, the club was created to fill a comedic gap in the community, while creating a safe and supportive environment for performers to try stand-up comedy.
“Larry Laughs Loud provides opportunities for a diverse range of comedians (from brand new to more experienced) to have stage time in the Northern Rivers region,” explains Vanessa.
“Often people have to travel interstate to get regular stage time to develop skills on stage, so the club was created to provide more opportunities locally.”
Vanessa applied for the grant to fund an Auslan interpreter, allowing the local Deaf community to enjoy comedy as well.
“With the help of EPIC and the Lismore Workers club, we were able to employ the services of the incredibly talented Leanne Beer from Creative Access to interpret the Lismore Women’s Festival Comedy night,” explains Vanessa.
“Everyone deserves to laugh! Having hearing interpreters at our events means that the Deaf community of Lismore, which is a significant amount of the population, can attend and enjoy.”
“We are so pleased to be supporting local comedy while also welcoming a diverse and inclusive audience.”
Check out the Larry Laughs Loud Facebook page for more information about upcoming gigs, and the EPIC Assist website to see the full list of Community Grant recipients.