🎭 The Merge
Stand-Up Meets Improv in a Beautifully Chaotic Union
Part stand-up showcase, part improv spectacle, and entirely one-of-a-kind—The Merge returns for Madison Comedy Week with a night that blends two of comedy’s most beloved formats into something wild, weird, and unforgettable.
Hosted by the incomparable Vanessa Tortolano and featuring improvisers from Monkey Business Institute alongside standout comedians from the festival, The Merge pairs sharp stand-up sets with improvised scenes inspired directly by the material. Watch as punchlines become playgrounds and setups spiral into spontaneous brilliance.
It’s scripted meets unscripted, structure meets chaos, and jokes meet jazz hands—all in one seamless (or not-so-seamless) comedic experiment.
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, August 6th📍 Location: The Bur Oak — 2262 Winnebago Street⏰ Doors: 8:30 PM | Showtime: 9:00 PM🎟️ Tickets: $10 in advance / $15 at the door
This is not just a show—it’s a collaboration, a risk, and a celebration of everything that makes live comedy magic. Don’t miss the madness.
