Even though there isn’t a specific dress code, you still might want to take some precautions. The Funny Bone, part of a national chain of comedy clubs and restaurants, takes “no responsibility if a comedian makes fun of your outfit,” according to its website.

Joe DeRosa, a comedian who got his start in a small club in Philadelphia, is known for how he humorously deals with hecklers at his shows. DeRosa is performing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Saturday and again at 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Funny Bone, 10301 Destiny USA Drive. Tickets are $10 on Thursday, $12 on Friday, $15 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday, and you must be 21 or older to attend.

DeRosa has guest-starred in a number of TV series including HBO’s “Bored to Death,” which stars a rotating list of comedians like Zach Galifianakis and IFC’s “Z-Rock.” Through regular appearances on The Opie and Anthony radio show, a half hour special on Comedy Central and a stand-up album through Comedy Central Records, DeRosa has made quite the name for himself both on stage and on TV.

The Funny Bone has a habit of bringing the biggest names in comedy to Syracuse, said Bert Borth, the assistant general manager at the club. Past acts have included Rob Schneider and Cedric the Entertainer — both big-time stand-up comedy and film stars.

There are shows at the club every Thursday through Sunday. And every Wednesday night, the club hosts a special event like a “Chicks Are Funny” night, when only female comedians perform. On most nights, only people ages 21 and older are allowed entrance, but there are a few exceptions.

During the fall and winter especially, Borth said, there are a number of events that appeal to younger students, including classes and workshops to try out a few new jokes, get some critiques and prepare for one of the showcase events or open mic nights. There, students of all ages are often invited to perform.

“A lot of the time, students are the people who are familiar with the Comedy Central acts and all those people, so we do try to get them in when we can allow it,” Borth said.

Students like Jesse Roth, a junior drama major who helped start an improvisation troupe on campus last year, understand what the Funny Bone tries to accomplish as a form of entertainment. She said the goal of the improv troupe is to include everyone, similar to what the Funny Bone aims to achieve.

Roth said most improv groups on campus typically have only drama students in them. The Best Restaurant in Town — the group she helped create — invites students of any year and major to join because acting and comedy in general are more exciting in diverse groups.

“You don’t have to be good to enjoy it, and it is just way more fun when there is a wide array of people,” she said.

So take Roth’s advice and give it a try. If you’re in the mood for a good laugh this weekend, invite a few friends to The Funny Bone. But fair warning: Audience members are subject to mockery.

Published on September 11, 2013 at 11:34 pm

Contact Joe: jtinfant@syr.edu | @joeinfantino