Finding the Funny Together
Nick Badasci’s Family-Friendly Open Mic Stand-Up Comedy
This summer, JUMP welcomed local comedian Nick Badasci as part of our Studio Community Project (SCP) series. Nick applied with a simple but powerful idea: to create a family-friendly open mic stand-up comedy night where anyone — kids, teens, and adults— could try out jokes, sharpen their storytelling, or simply enjoy a good laugh.
Held twice a month on Friday evenings, Nick’s comedy nights offered aspiring performers a supportive stage to test 2–7 minute sets while also inviting the audience to play along as spectators. To help everyone feel comfortable, each session began with fun improv warm-ups and ended with a constructive “Writers’ Room” where performers received positive, encouraging feedback on their material.
Nick’s goal was to make stand-up more accessible in Idaho, especially for younger people who don’t often get to experience comedy in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Through this project, participants not only practiced delivery and timing but also explored what makes people laugh, how to develop a comic persona, and how to respond to their audience.
As part of JUMP’s educational offerings, Nick is sharing a performance video that showcases well executed comedic principles, along with a set of joke-writing resources so future comedians can keep practicing at home.
Whether you got on stage or simply cheered from the audience, Nick’s SCP reminded us that comedy is about more than just punchlines — it’s about connection, courage, and the joy of laughing together.
