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| A New York Comedy Club Tries to Bring Back Stand-Up | A New York Comedy Club Tries to Bring Back Stand-Up |
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| For months, New York’s stand-up comedians have been deprived of what they love the most: taking the stage of a dingy comedy club, grabbing the microphone off the stand and staring out at a sea of people whose laughter has the power to determine their own self-worth. | For months, New York’s stand-up comedians have been deprived of what they love the most: taking the stage of a dingy comedy club, grabbing the microphone off the stand and staring out at a sea of people whose laughter has the power to determine their own self-worth. |
| During the months of the coronavirus pandemic, all of this became obsolete, leaving comics to try out their new material on video or in outdoor settings, as Dave Chappelle did in a newly released special. | During the months of the coronavirus pandemic, all of this became obsolete, leaving comics to try out their new material on video or in outdoor settings, as Dave Chappelle did in a newly released special. |
| But some performers in New York are fed up with the situation, and at least one club in Manhattan is welcoming them back in. | But some performers in New York are fed up with the situation, and at least one club in Manhattan is welcoming them back in. |
| Despite current rules limiting bars and clubs from opening to the public, the live comedy club Stand Up NY on the Upper West Side held an invite-only show for professional comics on Wednesday night. The club was not exactly sneaky about it. Outside, there was a sandwich board with the words “illegal comedy” and an arrow pointing inside. | Despite current rules limiting bars and clubs from opening to the public, the live comedy club Stand Up NY on the Upper West Side held an invite-only show for professional comics on Wednesday night. The club was not exactly sneaky about it. Outside, there was a sandwich board with the words “illegal comedy” and an arrow pointing inside. |
| Dani Zoldan, a co-owner of the club, said he felt that it was time to start opening gradually so that comedians could work on the material that had been percolating over the months of lockdown. | Dani Zoldan, a co-owner of the club, said he felt that it was time to start opening gradually so that comedians could work on the material that had been percolating over the months of lockdown. |
| “I’ve enjoyed the pause, but now I’m getting antsy and a lot of comics are, too,” Zoldan said. “They just want to get onstage again.” | “I’ve enjoyed the pause, but now I’m getting antsy and a lot of comics are, too,” Zoldan said. “They just want to get onstage again.” |
| At Stand Up NY’s first indoor mic, on Wednesday, about a dozen of those antsy comics entered the club on West 78th Street. “They wore masks but were all hugging each other!” said Chloe LaBranche, a comedian who first had the idea for the event. Zoldan had gathered her and other comedian friends at a park in the West Village when LaBranche asked, Why not move this into your club? | At Stand Up NY’s first indoor mic, on Wednesday, about a dozen of those antsy comics entered the club on West 78th Street. “They wore masks but were all hugging each other!” said Chloe LaBranche, a comedian who first had the idea for the event. Zoldan had gathered her and other comedian friends at a park in the West Village when LaBranche asked, Why not move this into your club? |
| The show was deliberately not publicized, so the audience members were the comedians themselves. The club welcomed in a passer-by, and a few curious neighbors walked in. | The show was deliberately not publicized, so the audience members were the comedians themselves. The club welcomed in a passer-by, and a few curious neighbors walked in. |
| The first comic was Usama Siddiquee, who, like many of the stand-ups there, hadn’t performed a live set since March. Siddiquee adjusted his mask around his chin so that people could see his expressions and got up onstage, where Zoldan had placed hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes and five microphones to minimize germ sharing. | The first comic was Usama Siddiquee, who, like many of the stand-ups there, hadn’t performed a live set since March. Siddiquee adjusted his mask around his chin so that people could see his expressions and got up onstage, where Zoldan had placed hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes and five microphones to minimize germ sharing. |
| “I felt so happy to have my voice amplified through a microphone that I just started screaming,” Siddiquee recalled. | “I felt so happy to have my voice amplified through a microphone that I just started screaming,” Siddiquee recalled. |
| About then, a woman the comedians didn’t know walked in, and Siddiquee found himself doing a strange kind of crowd work with just one person. When she explained that she herself wasn’t a comic, the entire room of comedians burst into cheers. | About then, a woman the comedians didn’t know walked in, and Siddiquee found himself doing a strange kind of crowd work with just one person. When she explained that she herself wasn’t a comic, the entire room of comedians burst into cheers. |
| Everyone was thrilled to see a “real” audience member. | Everyone was thrilled to see a “real” audience member. |
| From about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. the comedians performed, hung around and celebrated a real flesh-and-blood audience. | From about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. the comedians performed, hung around and celebrated a real flesh-and-blood audience. |
| At the same time, for comics used to doing multiple shows a night before the pandemic shut everything down, returning to live sets felt slightly off-putting. | At the same time, for comics used to doing multiple shows a night before the pandemic shut everything down, returning to live sets felt slightly off-putting. |
| “You don’t remember your act — it’s like you haven’t been to CrossFit in a while and you suddenly pick up a weight,” said Brian Scott McFadden, who performed on Wednesday. | “You don’t remember your act — it’s like you haven’t been to CrossFit in a while and you suddenly pick up a weight,” said Brian Scott McFadden, who performed on Wednesday. |
| Technically, the show itself was illicit, and the comedians knew it. The city is only in the first stage of reopening, which means that construction workers are back on the job, manufacturing sites have opened again and retailers can provide curbside pickup. New Yorkers have been standing outside bars with drinks in hand, but it will probably be a while before restaurants and other spots allow indoor activities. Theaters will take even longer to open. | Technically, the show itself was illicit, and the comedians knew it. The city is only in the first stage of reopening, which means that construction workers are back on the job, manufacturing sites have opened again and retailers can provide curbside pickup. New Yorkers have been standing outside bars with drinks in hand, but it will probably be a while before restaurants and other spots allow indoor activities. Theaters will take even longer to open. |
| A spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Health said that the governor’s executive order allowing gatherings of up to 10 people “for any lawful purpose or reason” anywhere in the state did not apply to comedy clubs but that the department was reviewing the timing of reopening for those sites. | A spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Health said that the governor’s executive order allowing gatherings of up to 10 people “for any lawful purpose or reason” anywhere in the state did not apply to comedy clubs but that the department was reviewing the timing of reopening for those sites. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | Updated June 22, 2020 |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| Zoldan said he felt it wasn’t clear where comedy clubs fell within those guidelines. He plans to continue to do small, invite-only mics with professional or amateur comics four days a week. In mid-July, at the earliest, he expects to be able to invite about 25 audience members. And in January, if everything goes well, he hopes he can start selling out shows again. | |
| Zoldan, who has co-owned the club for more than a decade, was aware of the risks of putting on his first indoor evening of the pandemic: the police could shut down the show or he could have been subject to a fine. | Zoldan, who has co-owned the club for more than a decade, was aware of the risks of putting on his first indoor evening of the pandemic: the police could shut down the show or he could have been subject to a fine. |
| “I’m just doing it the way I want to do it — and responsibly,” he said. | “I’m just doing it the way I want to do it — and responsibly,” he said. |
| Comedians in the city have been finding other creative ways to work on their material as the numbers of coronavirus cases and death have slowed in recent weeks. LaBranche, who hosted Wednesday’s show, performed at a drive-in comedy event in Queens where audience members flashed their headlights as a stand-in for laughter. | Comedians in the city have been finding other creative ways to work on their material as the numbers of coronavirus cases and death have slowed in recent weeks. LaBranche, who hosted Wednesday’s show, performed at a drive-in comedy event in Queens where audience members flashed their headlights as a stand-in for laughter. |
| And on May 31, Stand Up NY sponsored a show on the sidewalk and parking spaces on West 78th Street, using a pickup truck bed as a stage. Police officers showed up toward the beginning of the show, then left without doing anything, Zoldan said. But toward the end, they returned to shut down the show (which might have had something to do with a woman complaining from her apartment window, he said). | And on May 31, Stand Up NY sponsored a show on the sidewalk and parking spaces on West 78th Street, using a pickup truck bed as a stage. Police officers showed up toward the beginning of the show, then left without doing anything, Zoldan said. But toward the end, they returned to shut down the show (which might have had something to do with a woman complaining from her apartment window, he said). |
| The comedian Gianmarco Soresi was on the truck bed holding the mic when the police returned, about a minute into his set. | The comedian Gianmarco Soresi was on the truck bed holding the mic when the police returned, about a minute into his set. |
| “I had opened with a joke that crushed on Zoom and bombed in real life, which is my nightmare,” he said. | “I had opened with a joke that crushed on Zoom and bombed in real life, which is my nightmare,” he said. |
| But that’s when the police sent the audience home, leaving Soresi wondering if he had actually bombed. Regardless, he was ready to get onstage and try his “dad joke” again. (It went something like this: “I tried going on a Zoom date but there was no connection.”) | But that’s when the police sent the audience home, leaving Soresi wondering if he had actually bombed. Regardless, he was ready to get onstage and try his “dad joke” again. (It went something like this: “I tried going on a Zoom date but there was no connection.”) |
| He laughed, “You’ve got to start up somewhere.” | He laughed, “You’ve got to start up somewhere.” |