Welcome to the Tig leagues.

Before Tig Notaro takes the stage at Centennial Hall, Juneau’s own Allison Holtkamp will have her chance to get the crowd laughing.

Holtkamp, a member of local stand-up group Club Baby Seal, will open for Notaro with a 15-minute set Thursday.

“I’m trying to meditate and calm down,” Holtkamp told the Capital City Weekly shortly after finding out she would be the opener.

Holtkamp said in August, she found out Notaro wanted tape of local comedians to help choose an opener, but in the ensuing months Holtkamp had put her hope on the backburner and tried not to think about it.

Wednesday, Holtkamp found out she was picked, and the surprise meant it was time to start polishing jokes.

“I was like, ‘Uh oh, I better get to work,’” Holtkamp said.

The good news was made even better because Notaro is one of Holtkamp’s favorite stand-ups.

“As soon as I saw that Tig was going to Anchorage, I put it on my calendar and was looking for tickets,” Holtkamp said. “It’s exciting to open for a big name comedian, but it’s also exciting to open for my favorite comedian. I idolize her, She’s incredible. She’s feminist. She’s very forward thinking. She’s very progressive, which lines up with me.”

Holtkamp chalked up the opportunity to living in a city that’s supportive of all performing arts, and Notaro’s generosity to allow local talent to open the show.

“Because I live in Juneau, I get to open for Tig Notaro, this wouldn’t happen anywhere else.”

Know & Go

What: KTOO presents Tig Notaro

When: Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Centennial Hall

Admission: $40 for general admission. The box office opens at 5 p.m., and tickets are available online. Those younger than 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at 523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com.

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