Center Stage

This week on Center Stage: Steve Byrne!

Steve Byrne has risen through the ranks of the comedy world to become one of the industry’s most innovative and sought-after performers. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Steve Byrne was born to a Korean mother and an Irish father. His unique background gave him the base comedic material for his first television show, "Sullivan & Son," on TBS.

Byrne released his first documentary film he directed, "Always Amazing," about comedian/magician The Amazing Johnathan. In 2020, he released a feature film he wrote and directed, "The Opening Act," about his early years in stand-up. Steve released his fourth hour stand-up special, "Tell the Damn Joke," in early 2017. His popular podcast, "The Gentlemen’s Dojo," premiered in late Aug. 2015.

He has been a featured comic at the Just for Laughs Festival (in Montreal, Toronto, and Chicago), HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival in Las Vegas, and the CanWest Comedy Fest in Vancouver and has been part of several national comedy tours. Byrne has appeared in the hit comedies: "The Dilemma," "Couples Retreat," "Four Christmases," and "The Goods: The Don Ready Story." His 2006 documentary, "13 or Bust," chronicles the attempt to perform 13 comedy shows in Manhattan in one night.

Follow us:
@stevebyrnelive
@heliumpresents
@centerstage_live

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Todd Glass! Solidly ensconced in the 30-40 demographic, comedian Todd Glass may now be considered ineligible to be labeled a wunderkind — but he certainly was one, having launched his career in comedy at age 16. Since that precocious start, the Philadelphia native has developed into a polished performer with a bent for inventive material that often mocks the conventions of standup.

Todd has amassed an impressive list of credits. He was one of the house finalists in "Last Comic Standing 2" and "Last Comic Standing 3: Battle of the Best" and had guest appearances on ABC's "Home Improvement," NBC's "Friends," and HBO's "Mr. Show." Todd has also become a veritable fixture on Comedy Central, headlining his own half-hour standup special "Comedy Central Presents: Todd Glass." His television appearances include performances on "The Sarah Silverman Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Showbiz Show with David Spade," "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn," and "Politically Incorrect."

Todd is no stranger to working with talent. In addition to touring with David Spade, Todd has performed with Jack Black and Tenacious D. His live performances (including appearances at the famed 2008 Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival) have generated rave reviews from major publications.

Follow us:
@ToddGlass
@heliumpresents
@centerstage_live

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Ian Bagg!

Ian Bagg is a world-touring comedian and the host of the weekly podcast, “Around the Bagg.” His quick wit, off-the-cuff antics, playful conversation, and fast-paced crowd work have earned him spots on some of the best stages in the world. These qualities earned Bagg a top-5 finish on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” where he performed a national tour. Aside from touring, he’s been on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show,” "Adam Corolla Show," "WTF with Marc Maron," and "The Wrap Up Show on Howard Stern."

While bringing his love of comedy and hockey together, Ian has performed multiple collaborative NHL Alumni shows for teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bagg has also been featured on the History Channel, the Food Network, and the Biography Channel. His most recent one-hour specials are “Ian Bagg: Getting to F**king Know You” and “Conversations." Stand-up comedy is Ian’s personal journey – fans of his don’t want to miss a single show, because no two shows are alike.

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Adam Ferrara!

Adam Ferrara is currently starring on CBS's All Access show, "Why Women Kill" with Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, and an all-star cast. Also currently streaming on Amazon, in the Indie movie "Little Italy," alongside Emma Roberts and Hayden Christenson. His new podcast, "The Adam Ferrara Podcast," is a breakout hit and considered a “must listen” by "Hidden Remote." His new comedy album, "It’s Scary in Here," debuted number one on iTunes, while his album "Unconditional," was Interrobang’s People’s Choice of Album of the Year.

For six seasons Adam co-hosted the critically acclaimed BBC sensation, "Top Gear US." He proudly played Chief Needles Nelson on the Emmy-nominated FX drama "Rescue Me." Adam co-starred with Emmy-Award winner Edie Falco on Showtime’s hit series "Nurse Jackie." He has also co-starred alongside Kevin James in "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" and "Definitely Maybe" with Ryan Reynolds. Some of Ferrara's other TV credits include CBS's "The Good Fight," "Criminal Minds," "Kevin Can Wait," "The King Of Queens," NBC's "Law & Order," ABC's "Ugly Betty."

This episode was recorded back in February 2021. Some of the information about the status of our clubs might be out of date. For the most up-to-date info on our club locations, visit heliumcomedy.com.

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Chip Chantry! Chip Chantry is a stand-up comedian and television writer. He has written for "Crazy Talk," a comedy/talk series for NBC Universal and the syndicated series "Whacked Out Sports." He most recently wrote on the NatGeo series "Howie Mandel’s Animals Doing Things." Chip was the winner of 2013’s Philly’s Phunniest Contest at Helium Comedy Club, where he was a regular performer. Chip also won the “Funniest Comedian” award in Philadelphia’s annual Comedy Awards in both 2012 and 2014 and was named Best Comedian 2018 by Philadelphia Magazine. Chip is a recurring guest on the "Doug Loves Movies" and "Todd Glass Show" podcasts.

Formerly a 4th grade teacher, Chip left the classroom to pursue comedy and writing. He has opened for national headliners such as Dave Chappelle, Bob Saget, and Tig Notaro. In 2012, he released his first live comedy album, "ACROSS FROM THE ADONIS." His second album, "SWINGERS PARTY," was released in March 2019, where it spent time at #1 on the iTunes comedy charts and is currently in rotation on SiriusXM.

This episode was recorded back in December 2020. Some of the information about the status of our clubs might be out of date. For the most up-to-date info on our club locations, visit heliumcomedy.com.

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Alex Falcone! Along with being named Portland's Funniest Person in 2018, Alex Falcone has appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and several episodes of "Portlandia" on IFC. He is the host of the "Read it and Weep" podcast, which used to be about books, and author of a young-adult romance novel about a mummy called "Unwrap My Heart" that "Publisher’s Weekly" called “unfortunate.” And he once ate a 16-scoop, 16-topping ice cream sundae in only 36 minutes and got his name on a plaque for it. Despite these modest accomplishments, he's somehow remained down to earth and approachable.

This episode was recorded back in December 2020. As of March 2021, Helium Comedy Portland is open and Helium Comedy St. Louis is back selling food and beverages!

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Krystyna Hutchinson! Krystyna Hutchinson is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. After graduating with a BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College, she became a regular in the New York City comedy club circuit. She is most known for co-hosting one of the top comedy podcasts on iTunes, "GUYS WE F*CKED: The ANTI SLUT-SHAMING PODCAST," with comedy partner Corinne Fisher. Corinne and Krystyna, known as the comedy duo SORRY ABOUT LAST NIGHT, travel the world with their hit touring show, GWF: The Experience, selling out venues like The Wilbur Theater, 930 Club, Cobb’s, Comedy Works, and the main room at The Comedy Store.

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Shane Torres! Shane Torres is a stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Shane landed in Portland, Oregon, and began his comedy career. Shane has performed at festivals all over the globe including Montreal’s Just For Laughs, Comedy Central’s Clusterfest, Sketchfest, Bonnaroo, Outsidelands, Bumbershoot, Moontower Comedy Festival, Red Clay Comedy Festival, High Plains, Laughingskull, New York Comedy Festival, Laughfest, and many more.

His television appearances to date have included "Conan" twice, a Comedy Central Half Hour Special, IFC’S Comedy Bang Bang, NBC’S "Last Comic Standing," and TruTV’s "Comedy Knockout," and more. He has been heard on such popular podcasts such as "Savage Love," "All Fantasy Everything," "Comedy Bang Bang," "Doug Loves Movies," and "Bertcast." In March 2019, his Comedy Central web series, "Shane Torres Conquers Fear," was released.

About the podcast: "Center Stage" pulls back the curtain to share an inside view of life in comedy clubs. Join General Manager of Helium Comedy Club in Portland and Host Nick Harris as he hangs out with comedian friends to discuss their loves and hates of the world that is comedy… and the clubs that cultivate it. New episodes every Friday!

This week on Center Stage: Sean Donnelly! Sean Donnelly is a touring headliner comedian who has performed in clubs and festivals all over the country. He has appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan,” and NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Sean hosts the podcast "Defend Your Movie," as well as the SiriusXM show "Celebrate." He released his debut comedy album, “Manual Labor Face,” in 2015 on Comedy Central Records. Sean has been featured on “Broad City,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Alpha House,” and “Billions” on Showtime.

New episodes every Friday!

Host Nick Harris sits down with comedian Dan Soder ("Billions" and "The Bonfire") to talk best audiences, what comedy clubs will be like post-pandemic, a Prince sighting, & a whole lot more!

New episodes every Friday!