Hollywood Casino in Bangor takes steps to become comedy hotspot

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Hollywood Casino is teaming up with Maine Comedians Adam Hatch and Ian Stewart to try and grow the entertainment space in Bangor.

They’ll be hosting a six-week course, introducing students to standup comedy.

They’ll be covering everything from writing a joke, how to handle certain situations during a live set, and finding your unique presence on stage.

The casino is doing this to bolster the comedy scene locally, with hopes that more comedians could create more local events, giving residents something fun to do on the weekends.

Adam Hatch says it will be great for anybody that wants to get used public speaking.

“If somebody has always wanted to try standup, or they’ve watched standup and have gone ‘jeez I want to know what that’s like,’ it’s a good opportunity for somebody to come in and get some support on just building a five-minute set,” he said.

Hatch says they will take you to the root of standup comedy.

“These aren’t street jokes, these aren’t jokes you’ve heard from somebody else, you’re going to make these out of things that have happened in your life,” he said.

This course is just the beginning of a broader plan.

“Our goal is to make Hollywood Casino the epicenter of entertainment in Bangor, and comedy is a huge part of that,” said Alton Buzzell, Director of Marketing at Hollywood Casino.

The course will go every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Lancaster room.

If you’re interested, you can go to Hollywood Casino’s Facebook page to sign up.