Between heavy homework loads and the stress of finding internships and job opportunities, it’s nice to squeeze a laugh into the hectic college lifestyle that University of Oregon students face.
Max Williams, a recent graduate of the UO and founder of All Comedy 1450, has taken it upon himself to improve the comedy culture in Eugene and at the UO.
Williams comes from Bellevue, Wash., but has been living in Eugene for the past five years. He has loved comedy as long as he can remember.
“Growing up I was always the kid in my group of friends that was bummed when we went to see the new big action movie and pleaded with my buddies to see the stupid new Will Ferrell movie,” Williams recalls.
At age 13, his interest in stand-up comedy flourished after his dad, who lived in Los Angeles at the time, started the original All Comedy Radio in the city and took him to different comedy clubs on his visits. “Seeing the big names and all the talented comedians live was always a blast and since then I’ve been really into watching stand-up.”
Through Williams’ journey at the UO, he decided to major in marketing and sociology with a minor in communication studies. This education has proven to be incredibly useful in his business ventures and role at All Comedy 1450. As co-founder of the organization, Max does a little bit of everything from marketing and events to financing.
All Comedy 1450 started before Williams’ recent graduation in June 2013. In November 2012, two local comedians, Chris Warren and Alex Elkin, contacted Max and his father and after numerous events and a crazy first year for this business, they are surely growing. “We’ve been able to keep the ship afloat, so to speak, which is huge for a brand new AM radio station,” Williams proudly states.
Its growth has come mainly from events. All Comedy 1450′s biggest event so far was this past spring — Oregon’s Last Comedian Standing. Forty comedians competed in seven shows and over $10,000 in cash and prizes was given to the finalists. The success of this event was spectacular, but All Comedy 1450 and Max Williams are hoping to host an event this fall that is even bigger.
UO Quackin’ Me Up Comedy Competition will be held from Oct. 23 through Nov. 20. This month-long event will be a chance for local college-age comedians to participate and compete to win over $1,000 in cash and prizes.
Students from Lane Community College, Northwestern Christian University and UO are welcome to enter. Students interested in participating are encouraged to register by Oct. 22 by emailing AllComedy1450@yahoo.com.
For students and community members of all ages who would rather laugh than be on stage, they are invited to join the festivities every Wednesday night during these weeks at Studio 44 (44 East 7th Ave.), where the show will be hosted.
Max Williams and All Comedy 1450 are hoping to get as much participation and support from local college students, whom this particular event is geared toward.
“Eugene is a college town and until we are involving the university in our events and reaching students as listeners, I don’t think we can say that we are fully immersed in the Eugene community, so doing that is very important to me.”