Stand-Up Comedy by Nerds, for Nerds!
It’s not every day that these stand-up comedians with questionable STEM backgrounds get to fully geek out about their favorite things. With backgrounds ranging from archaeology to engineering these funny folks are finally in their element at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
They’re not giving a dissertation. They’re not hiding behind jargon or speaking in a way only a PhD could decode. This is just straight stand-up—sharp, silly, self-aware, and occasionally way too specific. If you’re even a casual fan of science, we’re certain this show is for you.
You might learn something along the way. You’ll definitely hear the word “actually…” used with confidence.
18+ Recommended (There may be discussions of animal reproduction). The show will begin at 7:00pm in the Daily Planet Cafe. The Museum closes at 5:00pm. The Daily Planet Café will remain open after the Museum closes with a full menu.
The Lineup
Collin Brown
Collin is no stranger to being the nerdiest in the room. His acting is witty, quirky, and overengineered. Collin gives audiences a glimpse into the mind of a professional overthinker. A long-time resident of the Research Triangle, he’s grown up with some of the most educated rednecks around. In these parts, he’s best known for running Cosmic Chuckles and hosting Trivia at Flying Saucer but his ‘silly little’ engineering videos have garnered more than 50 million views on instagram.
Laura Peters
Laura Peters is a Raleigh-based comic whose comedy roots are in Washington DC and Baltimore. She is the co-producer of a monthly showcase “Lava Lamp Comedy” at Willow House Coffee and also co-hosts many STEM-themed comedy shows in the Triangle area. She discusses topics such as personality disorders and the nuances of forklift training. Her style is dry, her crowdwork is questionable, and her jokes will leave you wondering “Was that a joke or just an unsolicited thought?”
Nik Narain
Nik Narain (he/they) is a writer, comedian, science communicator, musician, drag artist, and visual artist based in Durham, NC. Nik has performed his sharp-witted, introspective, and heartfelt stand-up comedy around the world, debuting his first one-hour stand-up special “Rusk” at the 2025 Edinburgh, NYC, and Raleigh Fringe Festivals, and the 2026 Asheville Fringe Festival. Nik has hosted for Atsuko Okatsuka and Sureni Weerasekera, and is a regular performer, producer, and host in the Triangle Comedy Scene. As a multidisciplinary science communicator, Nik has published writing in the Duke Chronicle and the CASW Newsroom. He has organized and presented at public science events and digital science projects through the Museum of Life and Science, Mad Science, the Duke Shared Materials and Instrumentation Facility (SMiF), the Science Communicators of North Carolina (SCONC), and International Brain Bee.
Connor Hoke
Connor Hoke is a Chemical Engineer by day, and stand up comedian at night. Raised in Raleigh, he’s performed in shows across the state. From being scared of AI to navigating corporate life, his collection of anecdotes is delivered in a style more chill than absolute zero.
Will Thomas
Born in NYC ,Will Thomas was inbued with the energy of the city. He uses that gift to excitely bring his brand of observational and satirical comedy to the masses!
Brett Williams
Brett Williams is a musical comedian and zookeeper whose music has inspired someone at some point, probably.
