From Divinity to Punchlines: How Goofs Comedy Club found Faith in Laughter
A former Boston College divinity student has traded the prospect of hospital chaplaincy for a decidedly different path: running a thriving comedy club in Somerville,Massachusetts. Goofs comedy Club, founded by Isabel Thurston, is quickly becoming known not just for its laughs, but for its unique sense of community and surprisingly spiritual ethos.
Thurston’s journey began unexpectedly. What started as a small comedy night in a community centre basement,a break from her rigorous studies,quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. “It was getting so big that the community center was like: ‘You’ve got to get out of here,'” Thurston recalled. “‘This is a nightclub. You’re running a nightclub.'”
Arriving in Boston three years ago to pursue a master’s in divinity at Boston College’s Clough School of Theology and Ministry,Thurston envisioned a career dedicated to providing comfort and care in times of crisis.Now, as a recent graduate, Goofs has become her sole focus, celebrated its one-year anniversary on October 4th alongside her husband and co-owner, Ryan Howe. She feels a profound sense of purpose in this unexpected turn. “I got so into standup, and it became such a huge part of my life,” Thurston said. “it’s so clear that I’m supposed to go this way.”
The contrast between a hospital and a comedy club might seem stark, but Thurston sees a common thread: the power to alleviate suffering. While the purpose of supporting the sick and dying is self-evident, she discovered that humor offers a vital respite from life’s difficulties. “As a comedian, your job is to make people laugh and give them a break from all the s-t they have to deal with otherwise,” Thurston explained. “We have regulars, and I can care about them and know what’s going on in their lives and know what’s bothering them.”
Building those connections came naturally to Thurston, but she quickly learned the complexities of running a business, particularly navigating Boston’s stringent alcohol licensing regulations. Preparing for the club’s opening also required a significant investment in staff training, focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere. “As soon as somebody comes in the door, our staff is working to make them feel welcome,” Thurston said. “Everything everyone does contributes to the culture here, so training people on not just the job, but on the culture was something that we had to do.”
Since launching, Thurston has prioritized fostering a strong sense of solidarity. She emphasizes that Goofs wouldn’t exist without the collective effort of its community. “We just have groups and groups of people,” Thurston said. “A lot of them were our students … a lot of them are friends that work here, but they are really what made the space happen. There was no way we could open if this wasn’t a community space.”
This emphasis on community distinguishes Goofs from other venues in the Boston comedy scene. “You go to a comedy show and then don’t ever go back,” Thurston observed. “But here at every show you can come back and see different comedians … it’s unique to Goofs that people come back.” This is further cultivated through “Study Hall,” a six-week program designed to nurture aspiring comedians.
Thurston takes immense pride in the connections forged during these classes and in helping comics develop their confidence. “I get to be a part of their advancement,” she said, referring to her students. “That’s my favorite part.” Anna Shur-Wilson, a “Study Hall” graduate, agrees that the venue excels at bringing people together. “I think the way she goes about running her class attracts people that are just kind, even if- maybe on paper-we don’t have anything in common,” Shur-Wilson stated.
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