Charleston Comic Tim Hoeckel Premiers His First Comedy Special, “Touch of Class”
Charleston’s well-loved comic, Tim Hoeckel is set to launch his first comedy special called “Touch of Class”. Known for his nearly two-decade-long presence in the improvisational scene at downtown’s Theatre 99, Hoeckel has also gained popularity from his unforgettable characters in the sketch comedy show, Rip City Chs and his dynamic stand-up acts.
The premier of “Touch of Class” is scheduled for August 8 at Wit’s End Comedy club. The event, which is free to attend, will feature clips from Hoeckel’s debut special intermixed with live performances from Hoeckel himself and other local comedians like Liam Baker, Sarah Hartmann, and Hagan Ragland.
A Project of Creativity and Heart
In realizing this endeavor, local comedy production team Nameless Numberhead, comprising Henry Riggs and Maari Suorsa, lent their expertise. Together, they recorded Hoeckel’s stand-up set at the Commodore last April. This special marks Hoeckel’s first foray into releasing a full-length comedy special.
According to Hoeckel, the project was conceived and executed purely from a creative standpoint rather than for monetary gain or fame. “I knew I wanted to do something purely for creative reasons,” he expressed. “This project was about celebrating the joy of being creative.”
Spotlight on Local Comedy Scene
Hoeckel hopes that the release of his special will serve as a celebration of the local comedy scene in Charleston and a source of inspiration for other creatives. With the intent of nurturing a positive and supportive comedy community, he wanted his endeavour to prompt community members to share their creativity.
The Making of the Comic
Hoeckel’s journey into the realm of comedy began in 2005 with classes at Theatre 99, a venture he discovered through an article in the City Paper. His stand-up material often drew on his skills as an improviser, emphasizing energy and crowd work rather than pre-planned jokes.
In “Touch of Class”, Hoeckel weaves various themes into his acts, such as the highs and lows of fatherhood and the peculiarities of seafood marketing. He believes that his energy and engaging performances make him stand out, claiming, “My thing is I try to bring a lot of energy — I don’t worry as much about writing material. I try to bring a big, positive energy to the stage and then let that kind of figure out where a bit will go. I feel like that sets me apart from others in the standup world.”
‘Touch of Class’ Premier Night
The premier of “Touch of Class” on August 8 at Wit’s End Comedy lounge is free of charge. Those interested in attending can RSVP by securing a free ticket. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the party commences at 8 p.m.
For more updates on Tim Hoeckel’s future endeavors, follow him on Instagram at @timfreckle.
