SAGU Launches Comedy Outreach

Faculty member Garland Owensby and Drama student Taylor Johnson began a stand-up comedy tour this semester. The purpose of this comedy outreach is two-fold. “We want to make students laugh," said Owensby, "which leads to a devotional presentation of the Gospel. Its secondary reason is to promote SAGU Campus Days in a unique way.”

Owensby and Johnson have worked together previously doing stand-up and thought it would be fun to take the show on the road to youth groups and churches. Taylor has performed at venues such as The Improv, Addison and After Hours Improv, as well in local churches. According to Owensby, “Taylor has such a unique sense of humor and storytelling that connects with the audience."

The duo has performed in Wichita Falls and Grand Prairie, with upcoming dates in Colleyville, Keller, and Nacogdoches. They are currently taking dates for the Spring 2011 semester. Both comedians have clips on YouTube.

“I recently had the privilege of hosting Garland and Taylor at my youth group and they both hit it out of the park,” said youth pastor Wade Bearden. “My students loved them! I even had one Jr. Higher asking if they could come back and do their ‘Comedy Night’ once a month.”

Students Joe Garza from Laredo, Texas, and Derrick Malnar, Lufkin, Texas, recently joined the comedy group and will be touring with Owensby and Johnson.