Meta has taken another step forward by teaming up with The Soapstone Comedy Club to transform how audiences experience live comedy with its innovative new virtual reality (VR) comedy series, Soapstone Comedy Presents. This exciting venture kicked off on November 21st on Meta Horizon, featuring headliner Ron Funches and promising special performances from comedy stars like Jay Pharoah, Pete Holmes, Natasha Leggero, Jesus Trejo, and Cristela Alonzo through February. Bringing the thrill of live comedy directly to fans, the immersive series ensures every seat feels like the best seat in the house.
By partnering with Soapstone Comedy Club, Meta is not only enhancing the entertainment experience but also connecting comedy fans from various geographical locations. The series can be accessed by Meta Quest headset users, along with web and mobile platforms, allowing audiences worldwide to join the virtual comedy club anytime, anywhere. Sarah Malkin, the Director of Metaverse Entertainment at Meta, emphasized this optimism, saying, “By enabling engagement across multiple platforms, we can widen our audience reach and let more people enjoy these brilliant comedy performances.”
Soapstone Comedy Club has been innovatively crafted to recreate the lively atmosphere typically found at live comedy shows. Aaron Sorrels, the creator behind the club, draws on his extensive experience at traditional comedy venues to create an authentic experience. “We aimed to duplicate the audience engagement and anticipation one feels at a comedy show,” Sorrels explained. The tech allows viewers to interact with both the comic and other audience members virtually. “It’s about creating camaraderie and connection among fans who share the same laughter, regardless of distance,” he added.
The interactive aspect of the VR experience is not just limited to engaging with comedians; it extends to audience participation as well. Attendees can enjoy the thrill of throwing virtual confetti when they love a joke, something hardly ever experienced at physical venues. Jesus Trejo humorously remarked, “You could never show appreciation with confetti at regular clubs!” Artists need to adapt their rhythms slightly for the virtual environment, focusing on pacing to bridge the distance between performer and audience, which enhances the unique entertainment form.
Not only does this shift offer convenience for established comedians, but it also opens the door for budding talent seeking exposure to larger audiences. Sorrels shared, “We’re booking nationally touring headliners and hosting regular events, such as our $1,000 spotlight shows for upcoming talent.” This inclusivity leads to new opportunities for performers who might not typically get the chance at conventional comedy clubs.
Comedians involved with Soapstone Comedy Presents have shown enthusiasm for the project. Ron Funches expressed his excitement for the reach virtual comedy offers, saying, “This allows me to connect with people worldwide from the comfort of my own home.” Natasha Leggero highlighted the advantages of performing virtually, showing her delight at avoiding excess travel, “For any comedian, the least enjoyable part is traveling to shows. If we can eliminate those long commutes, everyone involved would benefit.”
While performing as avatars might present challenges, Leggero found the experience surprisingly similar to traditional shows. “Even without the presence of physical audience feedback, the timing and energy felt authentic, just like it does on stage,” she stated. The excitement of audiences interacts with performers’ routines, making it feel celebratory and interactive. The comedians embrace the format for its innovative approach, blending humor and technology seamlessly.
Looking forward to what viewers can expect, Funches noted, “I aim to provide comedy that's both relatable and uplifting, with unexpected moments sprinkled throughout.” The interactive and immersive nature of this new form of entertainment certainly offers something fresh and appealing for both casual fans and die-hard comedy lovers alike. “This is just the start! The chance to experience superb comedians from the comfort of your own home is thrilling,” suggests Leggero.
With this new approach to comedy, Meta is pushing the boundaries of what virtual entertainment can be. Soapstone Comedy Presents appears to represent more than just comedy; it’s about fostering connectedness among fans and performers and potentially reshaping the future of entertainment. The series is now available on Meta Quest headsets and via the Meta Horizon web and mobile platforms, paving exciting pathways for comedy lovers.