Tracie Spencer Set for Comedy Cabaret at Town Hall Theater, 9/19

Stand-up comedy is exploding in Vermont these days, and the Vermont Comedy Club is a big reason why. Its mission is to find and nurture funny people from all over the state, and after several years it has put together a roster of hilarious home-grown talent.

The VCC returns to Middlebury's Town Hall Theater for an evening of stand-up on Thursday, September 19.

"The Vermont Comedy Club did a cabaret here last spring that was a huge success," says THT artistic director Douglas Anderson, "so we're going to bring them back on a regular basis. We have a cash bar and snacks and an intimate room that's perfect for a night of stand-up comedy."

Headlining the event will be Tracie Spencer, who was recently at THT with the Vermont Comedy Divas. She was selected to perform in Boston's Women's Comedy Festival, and has been a finalist in the Higher Ground Comedy Battles for four years. "She has a wonderful dry delivery and she really stands out because she's a great writer, crafting these terrific jokes," says Anderson.

Also on the bill are Chad Cosby and Patrick Tracy, both appearing at THT for the first time.

The Vermont Comedy Club will perform in the Town Hall Theater Cabaret on Thursday, September 19 at 7 pm. Tickets are only $10, and may be purchased at 382-9222, www.townhalltheater.org, at the THT Box Office (daily except Sunday, Noon-5 pm) and at the door.