Chicago‑based actor and voice artist Josh Zagoren is set to appear at the Columbus Comedy Festival this weekend. Zagoren will perform his signature puppet, Chad the Bird, at MadLab on Friday, Aug. 28, at 9:30 p.m. The show is part of the festival’s effort to showcase a wide range of comedic talent for Ohio audiences.
About Chad the Bird
Chad the Bird is a pink‑haired, avian puppet that delivers satirical lectures on human behavior. Zagoren, who has been developing the character for 16 years, treats Chad as more than a prop; he describes the bird as a fully realized persona that offers “punchy lectures about human life.” The routine blends absurdist humor with erudite observations, ranging from historical anecdotes to pop‑culture references.
From College Workshops to Chicago Stages
Zagoren honed his craft at Emerson College in Boston, where he studied under veteran puppeteer Paul Zaloom, creator of the 1990s educational series “Beakman’s World.” The intensive taught by Zaloom emphasized improvisation with found objects, a skill Zagoren later applied when he built Chad in the basement of a Chicago theater. After a successful sketch about a puppet‑human encounter, the character found a home on the weekly live show Paper Machete, where Zagoren continues to refine his material.
Why the Festival Matters
The Columbus Comedy Festival provides a platform for performers who push the boundaries of traditional stand‑up. Zagoren himself notes that Chad’s format differs from typical comedy sets; each set is a concise, ten‑minute lecture that forgoes audience interaction in favor of a focused narrative. This approach aligns with the festival’s mission to present diverse comedic voices that challenge audiences intellectually as well as entertain them.
Local Support and Production
While Zagoren handles the creative side, a small team assists with logistics. His wife, friend Cody, and manager Curtis help with production, email management, and booking. The festival’s organizers have welcomed Chad’s unique style, adding variety to the lineup that already includes stand‑up, improv, and musical comedy acts.
What Attendees Can Expect
Fans can anticipate a fast‑paced, information‑dense set that might cover topics such as the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald or quirky historical footnotes. Zagoren emphasizes that the performance is “not stand‑up” in the traditional sense, but rather an essay‑like delivery that encourages listeners to think while they laugh.
Tickets for the Columbus Comedy Festival are available through the festival’s website, and MadLab’s venue is located in downtown Columbus. The event promises a family‑friendly evening that highlights creative expression rooted in thoughtful commentary.
Original reporting: Matter News (Columbus) — read the source article.
