WHERE DID IT ALL START...
Top of the Bottom Pile began back in early 2011 by founding member, Thomas J. Bellezza. The pile was originally designed to be an annual tour. Over the course of the year the Pile morphed into something more. The goal was to bring together several comedians and educate them on the business to watch them succeed.
In October 2013 the first members were hand picked by Thomas. Kenny Murdock and Roger Skai. Within a month two more join the pile. Justin "Stoney" Thompson, and another comedian. These five members learned together, grew together, and laughed together. They established themselves in the clubs of New York City building and cultivating relationships.
Within a year they had pitch a reality TV show based Top Of The Bottom Pile show. A concept designed after the structure of what they had accomplished as a team. Several performance shows were produced, a podcast, and dozens of guest spots. There was even an interview series created to shine a spotlight on comedians within the comedy scene.
Founder, Thomas J. Bellezza was diagonist with cancer in June of 2016. This put a major hold on the Pile's mission. As a driving force in their direction they had to pause the process. After some time Thomas gave his blessing to each member. Wishing them off to take on their own path. In true Pile-Style fashion they all supported each another's next great journey.
What was originally an idea for a tour based concept turned into a mission to bring comedians together. Top of the Bottom Pile at its core will always be centered around a team of like-minded entertainers working together to bring laughter, success, and a little fun back into the business side of comedy! All who work with Top are a part of top. Support one another and grow with one another.
Now as we all move into 2020 with our faces forward, things are elevating. the Top of the Bottom Pile is becoming a mission fueling a movement. The best part of the bottom is the top! Over the course of the first year open mics will start up under the Pile marquee. This will lead to medium to larger sized shows. Eventually turning into a yearly festival. And finally creating a tour.
As The Top of the Bottom Piles grows so will our available resources for new comedians getting started to novices getting a chance to be seen and working with highly advance professionals. We're looking to manage three comedians by the end of 2020, have classes, and create several interview series with the addition of a new Pile-Style podcast. Get involved and join the cause! Are you the best of the worst!? |
