One-night comedy show designed to benefit veterans INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A night of stand-up comedy and civic conversation is coming to Indianapolis this month, and the cause behind it is no joke. “The Briefing Room,” a one-night comedy and civic event benefiting veterans and military-c onnected people, is set for July 14 at Helium Comedy Club. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Courtney Zaugg, co-founder and managing partner of Venture Vets, told News 8’s Cody Adams that a portion of the proceeds will support the organization’s ongoing mission. Two acts, one big night The show is split into two parts. First up is Chris Klein, a local comedian and Marine Corps veteran, followed by John McCombs, a Marine from Chicago. Then comes the evening’s wildcard: A segment inspired by Zach Galifianakis’ “Between Two Ferns.” State Sen. Kyle Walker will play the role of interviewer, with State Sen. Scott Baldwin and Indianapolis Mayor Scott Willis — both Marines — in the hot seats. When asked whether the politicians could actually pull off the comedy, Zaugg didn’t hesitate. “They’re funny,” she said. “There’s something about serving in the military and being connected to the military that gives you a little bit of dark humor.” More than a laugh The event also carries a deeper message. Themes of reentry into civilian life and the challenges veterans face during that transition are woven throughout the show. Venture Vets is partnering with Pattern, an organization focused on the creative economy, to spotlight the creative side of what is happening in the military community during that transition. Zaugg said the goal is for attendees to walk away with a fuller picture of who veterans are. “I think there’s a lot of folks — whether you’re a policy maker, an entrepreneur, or working at certain companies — that don’t know if they’re actually veterans,” she said. “It brings people up like, ‘Oh yeah, I served, and this is a part of my story.’” She added that the event was intentionally designed to feel different from the typical veterans fundraiser. “No one wanted to go to another gala,” Zaugg said. “It was just a night to be like, let’s just relax, let’s poke fun at one another and just have a good time.” Event Details What: “The Briefing Room” — a comedy and civic event benefiting veterans When: Tuesday, July 14 | Doors at 5 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Where: Helium Comedy Club, Indianapolis. Tickets: $30, available at the Helium Club website or through Venture Vets on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ...read more read less