Patrons gathered at Crozet Pizza at Buddhist Biker Bar Tuesday evening for “Step Comedy Jam,” an event that gave student comedians a platform to perform their material. Hosting over 20 comedians with prepared stand-up routines or musical acts — in addition to improv groups Amuse Bouche and The Whethermen — “Step Comedy Jam” cultivated a lively evening filled with stand-up, music, improvisation and, most importantly, laughter.
Step Comedy Jams began in 2023, started by Class of 2025 alumna Mary Walton Petersen — also known as the founder of clothing and comedy brand Stepmom LLC. However, upon her graduation, she decided to pass the torch to Scapegoat Underground — the comedic duo of third-year College and Commerce student Kieran Warner and third-year College student Jack Yasenchok — to carry on the legacy of “Step Comedy Jam.” Petersen said that she is proud to see the legacy left by Stepmom since its founding as a clothing brand in 2022 and how the series of comedy events has evolved since her graduation last year.
“When I first got to U.Va., I always felt like there was this culture of exclusion,” Petersen said. “The first Step Comedy Jam was held off my porch on Wertland [Street] … Now, we get to put on this great show long after I’ve graduated. And it just means a lot to get to see people get so excited to do stand-up for the first time and feel empowered by speaking their truth on stage.”…