Comedians can spend more than a decade developing enough of a reputation to earn a spot at Carolines on Broadway, the world-renowned comedy club in New York City.
Chloe Radcliffe got there in three years. The comedian, a regular on the Twin Cities circuit, was one of a dozen up-and-comers selected to perform this past weekend at Carolines as part of "Comics to Watch," a showcase assembled by J.P. Buck, who books stand-ups for TBS's "Conan."
"There was this whole bouquet of emotion and nervousness because I was greener than most of the others," Radcliffe said a couple days after the performance. "But I feel really good about the set. I felt like I belonged. The main thing is that I didn't want to feel out of place."
Participants were told that some of them may eventually end up on Conan O'Brien's late-night show, but Radcliffe, who works as a freelancer in corporate communications, doesn't know how many will be selected. Even if she doesn't make the cut, the opportunity to do comedy for industry insiders and representatives from various talent agencies was invaluable. She even got the chance to hang with the emcee, Jeff Ross.
Past participants in the "Comics to Watch" showcase include Ali Wong and Michael Che.
Those eager to catch Radcliffe sooner rather than later can check her out while she's opening for headliners at the Mall of America's House of Comedy from Nov. 15-19 and at Acme Comedy Co. from Nov. 21-25.