The Ladies of Clutch Comedy Want to Unpack Your Baggage

With improv comedy, you never quite know what you're going to get. But Miami-based troupe Clutch is taking the unexpected to another level. The key to their shows is in the bag — yours.

The premise is simple: the trio takes purses and bags from willing audience members and crafts a set based entirely on the contents they find inside. Through used lip glosses, expired gift cards, takeout receipts, and original erotic poetry, Clutch crafts a completely unscripted show with dynamic characters, relationships, and delightfully unhinged scenarios.

Their chemistry, talent, and audience engagement have quickly earned them a devoted following in the Miami comedy scene. Comprising local comedians Michelle Castro, Rebecca Interian, and KC Korge, the group met while taking classes and performing at the Just the Funny improv theatre company back in 2017. After gaining experience performing with each other and the rest of the cast there, they decided to try their hand at their own act.

"It came from a mutual admiration of each other's performance styles and knowing we could do something really fun together," says Korge.

They performed as Clutch for the first time at a festival in 2022 and haven't stopped since. While each member is talented in her own right, the chemistry between the three has captivated audiences the most.

"The way they bounce off each other with perfect timing and include all the props from the audience feels really new and refreshing," says Jimmy Gamito, an audience member at their most recent show.

Clutch knows the dynamic between them is special.

"I feel comfortable enough with them where I'm able to be myself and do some wild stuff because I know they're going to catch what I throw out there and have my back," says Castro. "I can put myself out there because I know they're going to meet me there."

"Our relationship with each other has evolved to the point where we trust each other completely. When we get nervous before a show, it's not because of each other. It's because we want to put on a good show," adds Interian.

Their reputation in venues across Miami and around the country has earned them a monthly gig at Shirley's theatre inside Gramps Wynwood. The shows always feature other acts from local comics, the signature Clutch set, and a closing "jam" in which audience members are welcome to hop onstage and try their hand at improv with the performers.

Clutch's first two shows at Gramps sold out. Their third, on Sunday, March 3, features an all-women lineup in recognition of Women's History Month.

"The improv space is dominated by men," says Korge. "When we're on stage, we're talking about things other than the typical tropes of being a woman. We're creating three different, three-dimensional characters every time. Our sets are also more about friendship than anything else, and I think that's refreshing for audiences to see."

"To me, the camaraderie of female friendships is just pure fun, and we love to showcase that," adds Interian.

"It's important for us to highlight that women are here. Women are funny. We shine brightly, and we do it while supporting each other both on and off the stage," says Castro.

In addition to showcasing burgeoning comedy talent in Miami, Clutch has committed to paying each act for their talent and time, which is not necessarily standard with local shows.

"I'm grateful to run in the same circle as these talented and badass women. It was an honor to be asked to play, and the audience couldn't have been more generous," says Stephanie Perez, a comedian who recently performed in a Clutch show.

Over the years, Clutch has had to take stage time where they could find it, and that has included performing in restaurants, wineries, gyms, and family members' backyards. While they admit Miami isn't exactly known as a major comedy town, the circumstances present a unique dynamic.

"What's cool and unique about Miami is that performers have the power here, not the institutions," says Korge. "It's all very grassroots, which leads to comedy that is a little more raw and unpolished."

"Comedians here are making their own opportunities," adds Interian. "They're producing their own shows, they're finding places that will let them host there, they're making it happen for themselves and for the community."

The women of Clutch are certainly making it happen. In addition to their many upcoming shows, they've got plans for podcasting, touring, and making video content.

"We've got big dreams. We want to show people that Clutch is here, Clutch is funny, and Clutch is clutch," says Castro.

Clutch Comedy. 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at Gramps, 176 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-699-2669; gramps.com. Tickets cost $20 via eventbrite.com.