ComedySportz Buffalo set to open new Chandler Street performance space

By Jason Pomietlasz
(Images above by Kat Kuo Photography)

The Buffalo Comedy Collective and ComedySportz have found a permanent home on Chandler Street as post-industrial “Chandlerville” has become a hub of trendy restaurants, breweries and now comedy, thanks to Scott Wojtanik and Meghan Joyce.

Initially aspiring to be a math teacher, Wojtanik discovered improv comedy after college. Wojtanik said, “My journey into improv began during a rough patch in my personal life when I saw a post for auditions for ComedySportz Buffalo Minor League. Being a fan of ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?,’ I decided to audition without telling anyone. That decision … changed my life, leading to countless friendships and a creative outlet that brought joy to others.”

Fast forward to November 2019, when Wojtanik took on the role of Creative Director for Comedysportz Buffalo, just months before the pandemic forced theaters to close. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, including limited audiences and safety protocols, they adapted by offering online shows and maintaining community engagement through virtual programming.

In early 2022, after Comedysportz Buffalo filed for bankruptcy, Wojtanik saw an opportunity to revive the beloved improv brand in Buffalo. They created the Buffalo Comedy Collective, which encompasses various performance styles beyond just Comedy Sports, aiming to foster a thriving comedy scene in the city.

Joyce said she felt it was important to save Comedysportz Buffalo: “ComedySportz has been such a staple in the community. We were all shocked when we heard it was becoming another victim of the pandemic. Many tears were shed by the current cast – we had shared so many memories and wonderful moments together that it felt impossible it was all over so suddenly. Apart from just the performers, so many loyal fans made us a part of their lives, too. I couldn’t let this wonderful thing just fall apart.”

Now, they have a new 60-seat theater space on a stretch of Chandler Street which runs between Military Road and the former New York Central railroad tracks, which had been a prime place for factories and industrial buildings historically. It had been the Buffalo Cider Works in its previous incarnation.

Wojtanik, who grew up in Eden and completed an undergraduate degree in economics and math at Geneseo and an MBA from St. Bonaventure, pivoted from a potential career in education to the world of improv comedy. This transition was spurred by the challenging job market during the housing crash of 2008, leading to a newfound passion for performance art.

Joyce was raised in Lancaster and attended Canisius College. She has wanderlust in her heart  and lived briefly overseas, but always considers Western New York her main base. Growing up, she was involved in music, sports and academic clubs, but her favorite activities were always the creative hobbies like writing and making friends laugh.

The duo is determined to create a welcoming environment for audiences and performers alike. They envision BCC as a place where people can come for laughs, socialize and enjoy a unique entertainment experience.

“I am really excited to just share everything with the community. I want people to experience the joy of improv and have a place to feel at home again,” Joyce said.

However, the journey to becoming business owners has not been without challenges.

“Every step to starting this business was completely new to me. I never anticipated being a business owner in my life, and everything had to move at an expedited timeline to assure CSz could stay in Buffalo,” Joyce explained. “I am grateful for their support system as they navigated this unknown path.

When discussing her partnership with Wojtanik, Joyce highlighted their complementary strengths. “Scott and I have the same motivations and goals for Buffalo Comedy Collective, which has always made planning our next steps easy. I really admire his way with people; he can walk into a room, introduce himself to anyone, and get them interested in improv within just a few minutes. I, however, carry a more awkward energy and fare better with the operational aspects like budgeting and planning.”

As Joyce looks to the future, her long-term goals include providing a platform for others to perform and express themselves through art.

“Over the last nine years, I have performed at several festivals, formed multiple groups, and spearheaded change in the improv community, like starting the first all-female and non-binary troupe,” Joyce said. “My focus is on giving others the space and support to find their artistic voice.”

As the Buffalo comedy scene continues to grow, Wojtanik reflected on the importance of providing diverse entertainment options for the community. He believes that comedy and improv can serve as a catalyst for connection and creativity, enriching the cultural fabric of Buffalo.

Looking ahead, Wojtanik has ambitious goals for the future, including expanding the Buffalo Comedy Collective and possibly opening additional comedy venues in the region.