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• Reviving Dreams of Stand-Up Comedy

Fifteen years ago, Dan Sutter dreamt of making a career of being funny. Having performed at a few festivals across the country and a gig at the famous Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, he was poised to fulfill his dream.

However, he opted to do real estate instead, but admits to sometimes regretting his decision.

“I’m content with where my life went,” Sutter said. “Occasionally I hunger to do what I once loved.”

Recently, Sutter heard of Amateur Comedy Night, which started Wednesday at Memphis on Main (55 E. Main St., Champaign). Knowing he would likely never return to full-time comedy, Sutter sees this as an opportunity to do comedy again for fun.

“I think it’s a great idea for up-and-coming comics and for jokesters looking for a good time,” he said.

According to Memphis on Main’s Web site, anyone with the nerve to get on stage and perform in front of an audience is welcomed to perform at Amateur Comedy Night. All participants must have original material.

Within the original material performed, crude or racially-motivated humor will not be permitted, which means no Michael Richards incidents, according to the Web site.

“Dan’s always had a clean sense of humor,” said his wife of 11 years, Sam. “I think that makes him more accessible to different audiences.”

In order to perform, participants may either sign up three days ahead of time on the Web site or one hour before the show on a first come, first serve basis. All participants must pay a $20 fee, which is refunded after the performance. Those who don’t perform will forfeit their money to the bar.

Although he hasn’t signed up yet, Sutter says there will be plenty of performances ahead of him.

“The world has not seen the last of me,” he said.