OPINION: My top picks for USF’s Roundup Comedy Show
Last Tuesday, comedian Trevor Wallace graced the Yuengling Center stage for the annual Roundup Comedy Show.
Other notable comedians to visit our campus include last year’s performer Joe Gatto from Impractical Jokers, Nick Cannon in 2015 and Pete Davidson in 2017.
This got me thinking. What other comedians should host our next comedy show?
Related: Trevor Wallace talks election at USF’s annual comedy show
Here’s my list of potential comedians who I would love to see take the stage at USF:
Theo Von
Theo Von is a comic known for his direct, out-of-pocket personality that has landed him in controversy online.
Coming from Louisiana, his southern roots have been integrated into his humor giving him a Florida-man-like appeal.
Von is set to perform at Florida State University’s Tucker Civic Center in April 2025 on his “Return of the Rat Tour.”
He’s interviewed a wide range of people from rock stars like Tommy Lee to President-elect Donald Trump and somehow always is able to make them laugh.
That’s why I’m sure if Von came to USF he’d be able to make all of us laugh, no matter if you’re a music major or a political science student.
Ali Wong
I first heard of Ali Wong when I watched her special “Ali Wong: Baby Cobra” on Netflix some years ago.
At first I was impressed by her red-rimmed glasses paired with a skin tight animal print dress, all while seven months pregnant. I became a fan because of her relatability and eccentric facial expressions.
Being a woman myself and having a nephew and a niece, I thought her perspectives on love and the terror of toddlers was especially funny.
Jessica Kirson
Jessica Kirson has a unique charm she utilizes to talk about her Jewishness, lesbianism and life.
She’s known for her self-deprecating humor and immaculate crowd-work that’s sure to get the craziest stories out of people.
Since the Yuengling Center can seat 10,500 people, our school would be a buffet of crowd-work potential for Kirson to work with and for us to enjoy.
Gianmarco Soresi
Gianmarco Soresi is the product of a unique blend of adolescent experiences, as he grew up as a theater kid to a divorced Jewish mom and Italian father.
His latest tour is named “The Leaning In Tour,” the position you’ll see him standing in for 99% of his shows since he tends to lean in when he speaks.
Gianmarco’s crowd work integrates jokes from the city or state he is in, making it all the better for a USF-centric show.
So, you’re welcome, USF.
Now you won’t have to go looking near and far for a comedian to perform for next year’s show. One of these four is the perfect pick for the occasion.