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Wednesday, Dec. 18
The Indiana Daily Student

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David Koechner to perform at Comedy Attic

Koechner

It’s been more than a decade since “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” was released in theaters , yet its quotes are still used in daily banter — signs of a comedy that has stood the test of time.

Much of the comedy’s hilariously over-the-top absurdity can be credited to the acting of its four leads, one of whom is coming to a Bloomington comedy club.

David Koechner , famous for playing the role of Champ Kind   in the “Anchorman” movies, is performing at the Comedy Attic tonight, Friday and Saturday .

“I love performing, so to me it’s just a beautiful treat to get up and entertain people,” Koechner said in a phone interview. “I look forward to it any time I get the opportunity to do it.”

He has plans to tape a comedy special, so now he’s touring the country with his act to hone it into a better performance.

This show is something of a return to his roots for Koechner — he’s a Midwesterner born in Missouri.

Koechner’s comedic style is riffing on things people can all universally relate to.

“You try to do your own honest reflection on whatever’s happening,” he said.

* * *

Before being known around the world by millions for roles such as Champ Kind or traveling salesman Todd Packer  on “The Office,” Koechner was a Midwestern college student studying political science , a path that’s seemingly pretty far-removed from comedy.

“But after three years studying political science, I realized a) I never had been on a golf course, so I didn’t have that money and that connection, and b) I wasn’t from a political family and c) I wasn’t the smartest guy in any room I walked into, which I think is the other prerequisite if you don’t have the necessary funding or backing,” Koechner said.

Koechner made his big realization while visiting a friend in Chicago.

He went to see world-renowned improvisational comedy troupe the Second City, and it was there that Koechner saw that the troupe taught classes.

Koechner was already a fan of sketch comedy. He said he was shaped by works such as “Saturday Night Live” and the “Monty Python” films.

“(‘Monty Python’ films) are the ones that blew my mind when I was a kid, and I’d always try to use that as a gauge of how great comedy could be,” Koechner said.

He then moved to Chicago and began taking improv classes at ImprovOlympic.

In 1995, Koechner made his big comedic break on “Saturday Night Live.”

* * *

“Everyone was literally crying. It was nearly impossible — thank God they were shooting with three cameras so they could cut around the guys that were laughing too hard to be filmed.”

That’s how Koechner described the “Anchorman” sequel set during filming of the “lighthouse” scene in which Will Ferrell’s titular character is blind.

A couple of decades after Koechner began dabbling in comedy, he’s in the same boat as massive stars such as Steve Carell  and Paul Rudd.  But as well as being an actor-comedian in hit movies and television shows, Koechner also knows his way around a stand-up microphone.

It’s an art form that he says is “like jazz” when well done.

Even though Koechner is one of the most famous comedians currently in the industry, he still takes time to watch other comedians, such as Bill Burr , whose work he’s currently lauding.

“Oh my god — he’s so smart. I think he’s the best working right now. I don’t think anyone beats him,” he said.

Koechner said he believes budding comedians should learn from experience, study the work of greats before them and not let anything get in the way of their success.

“You got an obstacle? Knock it down. If you’ve got an opportunity, make the best of it,” Koechner said.

He said he believes it’s easy to see whether or not one’s comedy is working.

“Get on stage. They’ll let you know if you’re funny or not.”

Along with the comedy special Koechner will be taping, he also has a few other projects in the works.

He said he’s developing a sitcom with Adam McKay , co-writer and director of “Anchorman.”

“We’re hoping that we, you know, get further with it,” Koechner said.

He’s also writing a movie and developing two other television projects.

* * *

Opened in September 2008 , the Comedy Attic is an intimate comedy club that attracts stars.

“We’re building towards being thought of as a major tent pole of the city, and in only six years, we have kind of made a pretty lasting mark on this town,” said Jared Thompson , owner of the Comedy Attic.

Thompson said the Comedy Attic has been “obsessed”  with bringing Koechner to Bloomington for years.

“The people that live in Bloomington have been asking for him for quite a while now,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the Comedy Attic’s reputation is the reason Koechner would choose to put a city smaller than his average tour stops on his itinerary.

Thompson also said Tom Brady, whom he claims to be Bloomington’s first and only born-and-raised professional comedian, will perform with Koechner this weekend.

Koechner’s performance tonight is as a headliner for the Comedy Attic’s sixth anniversary , a show that will offer 100 percent of ticket sales revenue to Monroe County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.

In the past few years, the Comedy Attic has given to various charities for its opening and anniversaries and has raised just short of $25,000. 

While tonight’s anniversary show at the Comedy Attic hosted by Mayor Mark Kruzan  and benefiting CASA is already sold out, as well as his Friday performances, limited quantities of tickets are still available for the 10:30 p.m. Saturday show.

“Come out, come out wherever you are,” Koechner said. “This show would be better than church — especially if you don’t like church.”

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