Stage 773 Kicks Off 4th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival This THURSDAY

The vibrant comedy hub of Chicago, Stage 773, is proud to host the 4th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, taking place August 11 through August 14 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 fourth year, the festival is bigger and better than ever, featuring an expanded schedule of shows, a day of panels and workshops, and exciting events to connect performers, audiences, and artists in nerd comedy central.

Video creator, speaker, transgender advocate Jackson Bird and the online comedy sensation Team StarKid are headlining. Bird, known for his work with the Harry Potter Alliance and production of The Boy Who Vlogged videos, will perform a live version of his popular YouTube series 'Will It Waffle?' His videos have been featured on Buzzfeed, Mashable, Upworthy and more. Team StarKid is pioneering the use of the internet as a new and innovative way to produce theater, blending live performance and quality HD filming. Team StarKid first appeared on the comedy scene with A Very Potter Musical-a fan-made parody that immediately went viral and the group never stopped making people laugh!

"It'd be harder to tell you what isn't new at Nerd Fest this year! 2016 is an exciting year for the festival as it welcomes Jackson Bird, Team StarKid, and several incredible acts to Stage 773 for the first time. This year we wanted to double down on the idea of community," says Producer Aaron Amendola. "If you're a living breathing human being and like to laugh, then you're going to have a fantastic time! Muggles will be able to discover New Groups they've never heard of before, and seasoned geeks and nerds will revel in seeing some of their favorite performers on stage doing what they love."

Highlights of the 2016 Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival include All Geeks, an all-inclusive cosplay variety show started in Chicago by Adam Guerino and Clown Car To Sicily, a Chicago-based musical improv and sketch comedy group that uses various improv forms, sketch comedy, choreography, and beautiful harmonies to have you singing and laughing as you watch, and humming as you leave. Other featured performers include Matt Griffo & All The Feelings, The Stuntmen, Steve Gadlin's Star Makers, Just The FAQs and more.

Tickets may be purchased at www.stage773.com or by calling 773.327.5252. Individual tickets are $10 for each show; All-Festival passes are $75 ($60 Early Bird Special until 08/01); day passes are $30 on Thursday/Friday and $50 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, August 11 on the hour from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. (plus after party), Friday, August 12on the hour from 7 p.m. until Midnight (plus after party), Saturday, August 13 on the hour from 4 p.m. until Midnight (plus after party). Sunday, August 14 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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