Born in Aiken, South Carolina, and now based in Atlanta, comedian Ivory Corley has spent the past 12 years mastering the art of reading a room. His journey from small-town life to major stages across the country proves that laughter, when delivered with purpose, can change lives.
“There’s an extreme lifestyle difference between Aiken and Atlanta,” said Corley, who will make a local appearance at 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Scene, 1289 Broad St. #1187. “My Atlanta audience is more culturally diverse, and I have to base my jokes on that group of people.”
Corley’s path into comedy began in an unlikely place: sitting at the bar at an Applebee’s in Marietta, Georgia.
“After entertaining the entire bar of strangers with friendly banter, I signed up for my first open mic in 2011 at Uptown Comedy Corner in downtown Atlanta,” he said. “They skipped me that first night, but I came back the next week, two hours early to make sure I was first in line.”
According to Corley, he was skipped the second time, which led him to create, produce, and direct his One Mic Stand comedy show held annually in Aiken. This was his first time standing in front of an audience for a comedy show.
His style is slapstick—animated, physical, and often interactive. “I was a latchkey kid who watched a lot of TV—”The Little Rascals”, “Sanford and Son”, “The Three Stooges”—that’s where I learned how to make people laugh.”
A turning point came when Corley saw Steve Harvey perform live early in his life.
“I was a new father with a limited income, depressed, and unsure of my direction,” he said. “Steve Harvey made me forget about all of that for an entire hour. That’s when I realized comedy could heal.”
Since then, Corley has carved out a career that’s taken him to both coasts.
“Two defining moments were being a featured comedian at the Laugh Factory Hollywood and headlining the Apollo Comedy Club inside the historic Apollo Theatre in Harlem,” he said. “I never realized I could be funny in both places.”
When the laughter doesn’t come as expected, Corley stays grounded.
“You just push through your set and stay professional,” he said. “It’s about reading the audience—knowing which jokes to use and which to hold.”
Unlike many comedians who look to industry legends, Corley finds his inspiration closer to home.
“My biggest influences are my friends,” he said. “Eighty percent of my jokes come from real conversations and the times we hang out.”
His next big moment brings him back to Georgia.
“This isn’t just a show—it’s a birthday roast,” Corley said of his upcoming event in downtown Augusta. “Comedians Sean Larkins, Fredo Davis and Big Salle will join me. Fredo especially pushed me to take comedy seriously and pursue it full-time.”
Corley’s calendar is packed.
“I’ll soon be filming a one-hour special for Uplift TV at the Stardome Comedy Club in Birmingham (Alabama),” he shared. “Then, on Feb. 22, 2026, I’ll be featured again at the Laugh Factory Hollywood. And I hope to do more shows right here in Augusta.”
He also hopes to inspire the next generation of comedians.
“Keep pushing and stay relevant,” he said. “Always work on your craft and know your audience. Remember that you will be standing under bright, hot, and often blinding stage lights in front of strangers who will either laugh with you or laugh at you.”
Before every show, Corley grounds himself with gratitude.
“I thank the Creator for my gift and hope I can not only make someone’s night, but also inspire someone’s life through laughter.”
Nick Lovett is an independent journalist with over 20 years of experience in news media and marketing. A former writer for Aiken Standard and Fort Gordon’s Signal newspaper, she focuses on human interest stories that highlight resilience, community and positive change.
