Dickinson’s new stand up comedy club, Seriously Joking, had its first performance on Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. in the Underground.

The two leaders of the organization, President Tyler Clauson-Wolf ’15 and Vice President Brett Beletz ’15, came up with the idea to form Seriously Joking after taking an American Studies class in the Fall 2012 semester called “Humor and Power” which explored the history of humor.

“We met each other in this class and started talking about comedy because [Clauson-Wolf] did stand up in [Philadelphia],” explained Beletz. “Peter De Santis ’15 joined because he’s on the baseball team with [Clauson-Wolf]…we all wanted to have some sort of comedy presence on campus, so we got together that way.”

At present, the club has five members but is looking for new, aspiring comedians to join.

“We’re a work in progress,” said Club Secretary Sasha Reagan ’15. “Anyone interested can join. We’ve emailed people who have expressed interest before, and we post on Facebook groups.”

For the majority of the members of Seriously Joking, Saturday night’s performance was their first time doing stand up. Prior to forming the club, members had watched and enjoyed stand up, but had never performed. The comedy club differentiates itself from other comedy groups on campus, such as Run With It!, with its emphasis on prepared material.

“There’s more talking and less audience involvement and physical comedy; it’s a totally different dynamic,” explained Beletz.

The comedy night was held in the Underground and had an impressive turn out; couches and tables were filled with supporters and comedy fans. The Event Advisory Board sponsored the event and helped provide snacks and drinks. Three of the five members prepared ten-minute comedy routines. The stand up routines featured jokes about Dickinson sports, campus culture, dating and audience involvement.

Students in attendance were enthusiastic and supportive of the new comedy group.

“It’s obvious how passionate they are about getting this group started,” said Diamond McClintock ’14. “Their material was really funny and relatable.”

The members of Seriously Joking were similarly pleased with outcome of their first performance.

“I think it went well,” said Beletz. “I’m impressed with the turn out and I had a blast.”

For more information on the group or how to get involved, contact Clauson-Wolf at [email protected].