A handful of comedy clubs have started experimenting with puppet-only open mic nights, treating them as a low-cost novelty booking that draws a curious new audience segment.
Performers say the format rewards tight, visual writing more than traditional stand-up does, since a puppet can't rely on the same range of physical comedy a full-bodied performer has available.
It's early days for the format, and most bookings remain occasional rather than a fixed monthly slot, but organizers say interest from performers is outpacing available stage time.