Stage 773 to Host Second Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, 3/19-22

Stage 773 will present the second annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, back by highly popular demand, running from March 19 through March 22, 2014. Nerd Fest stems from the popularity of HEY, I'M A BIG FAN, a series of fun, free monthly fan fiction events produced by the Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. Every third Wednesday of the month, HEY, I'M A BIG FAN showcases original fan fiction as read by some of Chicago comedy's preeminent nerds.

The December monthly HEY, I'M A BIG FAN fan fiction event will take place on December 18 from 7-9 p.m featuring readings based on Full House, Star Wars, Batman, and Whedonverse. Nerd themed drink specials will also be available at the Stage 773 bar. December 18 is also the first day to submit applications for the Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival. Applications will be open until January 22, 2014.

"This festival is essential for the nerd community of Chicago," says festival producer, Katie Johnston-Smith. "We nerds need to gather together to laugh with our brethren, and forget that The Big Bang Theory on CBS is how our parents explain us to their friends."

The Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival celebrates all that is the Chicago nerd comedy scene. From Stand Up to Improv to one-woman puppet shows, nerds will unite for one glorious weekend in Chicago to laugh, pay homage, and perhaps worship their favorite genres of nerdness.

"Stage 773 loves producing festivals, and we are consistently doing it successfully, which is ubermagfabulous," states Brian Posen, Executive Producer of the Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival and Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. "This is our theatre's heritage, and we couldn't be more excited to expand our festival repertoire!"

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, March 19 with a free HEY, I'M A BIG FAN fan fiction event from 7-9 p.m. Performance dates and times are Thursday at 8, 9, and 10pm, Friday at 8, 9, 10, and 11p.m., and Saturday at 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11p.m. with a free festivAl Capping event at Midnight. Tickets are $10 each and will be on sale Monday, February 3, 2014. To purchase tickets call 773-327-5252 or visit www.stage773.com.