Philip Markle makes sure to tell me that the Brooklyn Comedy Collective never stopped paying performers during the pandemic. 

“We were the first ones to do it and it proves that we put a value on original ideas,” Markle says, “No matter if it was an established performer, or a new one, everyone got paid.” Markle is the owner and artistic director at the four-year-old comedy theater in East Williamsburg. According to Markle, BCC splits proceeds from ticket sales with performers, which he calls a rare chance for amateur and emerging performers to actually make money from their comedy. 

Last month, Markle had kicked off the inaugural “Fun And Dumb Improv Festival,” a three day event that booked over 300 improvisers to perform at Eris, an event center around the corner from “The Dog House,” which is the name of the club’s new 2,500 square foot studio and classroom space on Montrose Avenue.