Stand-up comedian and producer John Porter is proud to announce a comedic boxing match that pits stand-up comedy against its rival improvisation in a six-round exhibition to be held at the theatre owned and operated by the Richmond Triangle Players at 1300 Altamont Avenue on July 24 beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and are available through the theatre.


“I can’t wait for this,” says Porter. “The battle has been brewing for a long time and now it’s time to let the audience decide who’s the best.” The evening will feature two comedians, Porter and newcomer Jared Cullum who will each perform a 15-minute round (Porter will perform two sets) as well as the local improv group FuseBox, comprised of Mandy Butler and John Sexton, who will then perform for approximately 15-minutes working from suggestions contained in each stand-up set. “FuseBox has not seen the
material being presented, so it will be just as fresh for us as it will be for the audience,” says Butler.


Philip Crosby, President of the Richmond Triangle Players feels that the combination means that the real winners will be the audience. “How can you go wrong with this line up,” he asks. “If you like to laugh you’re going to have a lot of opportunity this night. If you like jokes, you’re going to have a great time with Jared and John, they are both very funny. If you like your comedy on the theatrical side, FuseBox is one of the best. And if you don’t like to laugh, I’m sure you’ll find something else to do.”


The idea for the evening started this past spring when Butler and Porter met at VCU where Butler is an MFA student and Porter was teaching a class in stand-up comedy. Butler also taught an improv class at VCU and the two became good friends. “We were looking for a way to further our love for making people laugh,” says Porter. “But at the same time we wanted to present something a little different. She’s a little bit country; I’m a little bit rock and roll.”


“Whatever,” Butler says. “It was completely our idea to do this. Only improvisers think that fast.”





Who: John Porter, Jared Cullum, and FuseBox – Mandy Butler and John Sexton

What: Stand-Up versus Improv: Six Rounds of Comedy

When: Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

Where: Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Avenue Richmond VA

Cost: $10 Tickets available through Richmond Triangle Players