Comedians Collaborate with Animal Rescue Center for Unique Petting Zoo Comedy Show
In a delightful twist at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe, two American comedians have joined forces with an animal rescue center to present a one-of-a-kind comedy show. Charlie Sosnick and Michael Kandel, the comedic duo behind Petting Zoo Comedy, initially launched their imaginative production at a local nature center on Long Island four years ago. The show’s concept revolves around hosting individual comedy sets, where each comedian performs while holding a live animal. This lively collaboration presents a unique opportunity to entertain audiences while simultaneously raising awareness about animal welfare and the valuable work of the animal rescue center.
Charlie and Michael’s journey began in New York, where they were relatively unknown in the comedy scene. Eager to attract audiences, they knew they needed something that would set their show apart from the rest. With a stroke of genius, they decided to incorporate live animals into their performances. The idea surpassed all expectations and garnered great success in the United States, prompting the duo to bring their concept across the Atlantic to the Edinburgh Fringe.
To make their Edinburgh performances a reality, Charlie and Michael enlisted the support of Reptizoo Encounters, a non-profit animal rescue center based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The partnership allows them to stage their unique shows while simultaneously shedding light on the incredible work done by the animal rescue center. Danielle Jordan, the director of Reptizoo Encounters, expressed her initial disbelief when first approached about the show’s concept. However, after thorough research and watching videos of the duo’s performances in New York, she was eager to be part of the project. For Danielle, the opportunity to educate and raise awareness amongst adults, alongside the chance to showcase the animal rescue center’s mission, was a promising prospect.
Not only does the collaboration help raise awareness and funds for the center, but it has also allowed them to invest in new enclosures for the animals under their care. The unique blend of comedy and animal welfare provides an exciting platform to share stories of rescued animals and the challenges they faced.
The comedians are careful to choose animal participants for each show, ensuring the safety and comfort of their fellow performers. Every night, comedians who will be performing join Danielle and her team for a meet-and-greet session with the animals to select the perfect companion for their set. The process requires effort, but it is incredibly rewarding for the entire team.
Charlie admits that his favorite aspect of the show is witnessing the comedians stepping out of their comfort zones. As the comics grapple with live animals, their focus shifts from their perfectly crafted jokes to handling unexpected situations. Witnessing this transformation is a constant joy for Charlie and adds an unpredictable and hilarious element to the performances.
The collaboration between these comedians and the animal rescue center has showcased the power of creativity, humor, and compassion as a force for good. While entertaining audiences, they also provide a platform to spread awareness about animal welfare and share the stories of the rescued animals. The success of Petting Zoo Comedy highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in raising awareness for causes that truly matter.
