ASTORIA — A new space in the neighborhood is giving locals a chance to catch a show or try their hand at a new hobby.
Q.E.D-A Place to Show & Tell opened its doors last week at 27-16 23rd Ave. and is part performance space and part classroom, offering workshops that teach things like sign language or gift-wrapping as well as evening comedy shows and open mic nights.
Owner Kambri Crews says the space — which features a bar and cafe in front and a showroom and stage in back — is different from other bars or restaurants that "happen to have a comedy night."
"We are a performance space and learning center that happens to have a cafe," she said. "I want to flip the script on that. The focus is what is happening creatively in the space."
Crews, an Astoria resident, is a writer and storyteller who has appeared the The Moth and published a memoir. She has a background in comedy promotion, having done marketing at the former Meatpacking District comedy club Comix, where she also ran a comedy venue called Ochi's Lounge, and later booked gigs for 92Y Tribeca.
Q.E.D. stands for "quod erat demonstrandum" which means "that which can be demonstrated" in Latin, she said, billing the site as "after-school for grown-ups."
Classes will include a lesson on effectively using Twitter, an introductory sign language class and a how-to in crocheting, all of which cost $10. Kids ages 8 to 15 can learn how to juggle for $5, while adults can learn how to wrap a gift with recycled materials for $15, which includes materials.
Crews said she aims to host workshops that are "less time commitment, less financial commitment and more emphasis on fun and community."
"For the most part it's going to be short, simple, fun. You're going to walk away with having either learned something or even made something," she said.
Those looking for more than a one-time class can sign up for a five-week storytelling workshop and or four-week course in stand-up comedy for beginners.
Meanwhile, the space hosts entertainment like comedy shows, storytelling and open mic nights, and the bar in the front of the venue will serve wine and beer.
Those interested should register for classes beforehand due to limited space, Crews said.
