Meet Josh Filipowski of Like 2 Laugh Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Filipowski.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Josh. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
“Think you’re funny?” read an ad in the paper. I replied having had some funny stories from college, a few class clown moments, and a bit of humorous acting experience. The New York Comedy Club offered a Stand-Up Comedy Workshop led by veteran comedian Chris Murphy. I signed up, stood up and haven’t stopped.

From there I sought out the funniest folks around and the up-and-comers who had the right idea. Together Like 2 Laugh has delivered hilarity since 2003. Truly wherever I’ve lived, I’ve teamed up with pros and newbies alike to put on the best shows possible. From producing and performing at the biggest comedy clubs in New York, NY, Hollywood, CA, and Boston, MA, to some of the divey-est bars in Venice, CA; Lexington, KY; Seville, Spain; and San Jose, Costa Rica, comedians need a stage. It’s the only way to get better.

Our performers are all involved to bring the audience in, get them comfortable, and get them laughing. Want to laugh – check out our shows at John Harvard’s in Cambridge Thursdays, at Penguin Pizza in Mission Hill First Saturdays, or at a pop up show at Bent Water Brewery in Lynn. We encourage those curious to stand-up themselves to check out our open-mic nights, and those that want to stand-out to take my very own comedy workshop, 15 years later, at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.

However you slice it, Like 2 Laugh likes to make people laugh, make some money, and make comedy better. Win, win, win.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Waiting to perform for 1 person at 1AM on a Monday night… Showing up to gigs to find the venue doors padlocked shut… Being shorted on payments… Random accommodations like lawn chairs in an alley… Social-media trolls… Clubs and producers stealing your ideas and passing them off as their own… Hours and hours of designing flyers, online listings, street team promotions, lugging equipment, hosting, showcasing, featuring, headlining, and last minute cancellations… Would I do it all again? Absolutely. It thickens the skin and forces you to be very flexible and MacGyver-like.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Like 2 Laugh Productions – what should we know?
We produce superlative stand-up comedy shows featuring neophytes and professionals combined. We encourage an environment of growth; when we feel someone is ready for a 20 minute set, they get to feature-When they are ready for 40 minutes, they can headline. Everyone who promotes the shows, makes people laugh, and continues to hone their craft is welcome on stage.

Our regular audience loves watching our up-and-coming comedians and their material develop, and the pros are the icing on the cake. It’s exhilarating for all.

Also if you take a comedy class, studies show you may not think you’ve gotten funnier, but your friends and family will!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Positive and pleasant persistence.

Pricing:

• Most Stand-Up Shows at John Harvard’s, Penguin Pizza, & Bent Water are donation based – Pay what you can!
• Cambridge Center for Adult Education “Stand-Up Comedy Writing & Performance” 8 Week Course – $185

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.like2laugh.com
• Phone: 914-629-1225
• Email: josh@like2laugh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/like2laugh4real/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Like2Laugh/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/like2laugh4real
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/funnyflips
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/funnyflips/

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.