Comedy Soup
Soapbox stand up comedy was the brain child of a few of the creators of Comedy Soup, an open mike which started at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign, IL. Andrew Hicks, Brice Solano, George Cruickshank, and Chris Hightower have all had substantial contributions to its creation and development, though Hicks now books showcases and open mikes. 

Located on the outskirts of town, Comedy Soup ran for some time before the Blind Pig was secured for the location of a new open mike and showcase with the comedy collective's new name changed to Soapbox Comedy and run primarily by Brice and Hicks. 
 

Blind Pig

(Photo Credit: George H. Cruickshank)

Blind Pig shows began in July of 2015 with the latest open mike in the area, sign up time being 10:15 pm and show time at 11 pm.
Toward the end of showcases run by Soapbox, Ben Kronberg (Comedy Central presents, opener for Louis CK) headlined a free showcase. 

The Accord

Since Soapbox has moved to its new location, it has picked up traction in both events and headlining comics. Notable stand ups such as Nick Thune, Kyle Kinane, and Creed Bratton have been signed headliners at the venue, with openers from the Champaign-Community at nearly each event.