投了50万，我在小城讲脱口秀

Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges and aspirations of a small comedy brand, "Tsunami Comedy," founded by a local named Kele in Pingdingshan, who aims to make stand-up comedy accessible to everyone [1][2][25] - Despite initial success, the brand faces difficulties in maintaining audience engagement and profitability in a small city environment [1][19][25] Group 1: Business Operations - Kele invested 500,000 yuan to establish two comedy venues in Pingdingshan and Xuchang, employing over ten comedians [1][25] - The initial ticket sales were promising, with 120 tickets sold in under four hours, but audience numbers have since dwindled to single digits for some shows [1][9][25] - Kele's current goal is to have at least 30 attendees per show to achieve a sustainable operation [1][25] Group 2: Audience Engagement - The comedy shows often attract first-time attendees, making it challenging for performers to engage the audience effectively [4][5] - Audience feedback has been mixed, with some expressing surprise at the quality of performances despite initial skepticism about comedy in a small city [5][17] Group 3: Challenges in the Comedy Industry - The local comedy scene suffers from content homogenization, talent loss, and profitability issues, making it difficult for Kele to sustain the business [1][14][25] - Kele has sought training in major cities to improve the quality of performances, incurring significant costs in the process [14][19] Group 4: Financial Sustainability - The venues often operate at a loss for several months each year, with Kele relying on weekend performances to supplement income [20][22] - The economic pressure is a significant concern, as the costs of rent, utilities, and actor salaries often exceed revenue [19][20] Group 5: Future Aspirations - Kele plans to expand the brand by opening additional venues and conducting tours in surrounding areas, aiming to build a stable audience base [25] - The long-term vision includes nurturing local talent and creating a sustainable comedy culture in smaller cities [25]