Andrew Markle, a GC alum and one of four comedians that will perform Friday night at the Birdhouse Theatre. 

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — So, think of your best joke. Got it? OK. Does it involve a guy walking into a bar or the catch phrase ‘orange you glad I didn’t say banana?’ If so, stand-up comedy may not be your calling; don’t quit your day job just yet. However, for Georgia College alum Andrew Markle, stand-up is kind of his thing. 

“I’ve always been one of those people that people told me I was funny,” Markle said. “I had kind of journaled and written stuff down and so I was like ‘OK, I’ll give it a try’ and I didn’t really tell anybody that I was doing it, I just went online and looked for open mics in the area.”

The open mic night Markle found was at a place called Whiskey River in Macon. Little did he know that another comedian was there that would eventually get him a gig in Atlanta, ultimately sparking a move to the city. 

“I started doing shows in Atlanta and after I graduated, I moved to Atlanta to start doing comedy,” Markle said. 

Markle has his own style, even when he was just starting out, as most comedians do, but his is unique in the fact that he said he’s very conversational, laid back and likes to interact with the audience. Markle said he did some studying of other comedians to sort of find out what he likes and doesn’t like and it led him to the “personification of an eye roll” style that he uses today. 

“There’s a presence to me that I demand,” Markle said. “But it’s pretty silly for the most part, it’s a mixture of saying something a little crazy, but with a smile on my face. I say that I’m the personification of an eye roll.” 

Since graduating in 2011 with an outdoor education degree, Markle has been back to Milledgeville to perform. His performances here have always led him to realize how much Milledgeville is changing and evolving to fit the culture. 

“I am excited to come back,” Markle said. “I haven’t been back since last year and I just remember driving down 441 and being like ‘Oh my God, there’s a Popeyes now?” I mean it’s just every time I come back to Milledgeville, it’s like something has changed and it’s just growing…it’s nice to see how Jimmy and Iona have evolved that space [Blackbird] over the years and creating a space for people like myself so that we can come back and perform and kind of share what we have developed after college.” 

For most comedians, there is a sense of intellect and sarcasm that goes into their routines. Whether poking fun at a certain region or pop culture reference, comedy is usually something that can unite a crowd. And as they say, laughter IS the best medicine. 

“I like my comedy to be as inclusive as possible,” Markle said. “I want everyone to have a good time … my drag queen name would be Sugar Grits and it’s how I describe my comedy — I’m sweet and savory and don’t knock it ’til ya try it.”

Not knocking it ’til ya try it is really something that Markle said new comedians should try and practice. He said getting out there and doing it is the best way to not only learn the craft, but realize if it’s something that you want to do. 

“The thing with doing comedy is that if you think you want to do it, you just have to try it and take that leap of faith,” Markle added. “Try it and keep doing it. Figure out what you like, what you don’t like and why you like it or why you don’t like it and that’s kinda how I develop my material. Don’t steal material, write your own stuff- that’s like the number one rule.” 

The new Birdhouse Theatre will be Markle’s and four other guest comedians’ stage Friday night. The four comedians will travel from Atlanta to showcase their talent.  

 

Jimmy Holder believes that shows like this are a good way to continue the art culture that permeates through downtown Milledgeville. 

“I love stand-up comedy,” Holder said. “But I also love when people get to laugh together. I think there’s a bit more to it rather than just seeing a comedian, it’s sharing something as a unit. I think it just adds to the culture that downtown has been continuing to breed. It’s just another unique event that kind of helps make downtown Milledgeville a destination location, not just for food, but also for arts and culture.” 

The Birdhouse Theatre Comedy Atlanta Edition will take place Friday starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $5. For more information, visit Birdhouse Theatre on Facebook. 

“I promise you it’s going to be good,” Markle said.