The 7th annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival is showcasing 140 performers from near and far who are entertaining themselves as well as their appreciative audiences.
Among the comedians at the six-day fest, which ends Aug. 11, are Cynthia Kmak, an aspiring improvistional actress, and Lara Beitz, an up-and-coming standup comic. (See their interviews below.)
Cynthia, who trained with Patrick Schmitz and ComedySportz in Milwaukee, volunteered at the 5th annual Milwaukee Comedy Fest and last year performed improv at the fest with both Meanwhile and Bye Bye Liver. She since has moved to Chicago but returned with one of her Chicago improv groups, Sunset Kangaroo, on Aug. 3.
Lara earned a featured slot in the festival through a month-long battle royal competition co-sponsored by Caste of Killers Comedy Collective. She has been practicing standup night after night in the Milwaukee area and beyond, gradually growing a burgeoning base of fans.
The festival ends Aug. 11 at the Next Act Theatre space, 255 S. Water St. For more information and tickets ($15 in advance, $18 at the door), please click here.