“I definitely think in a pinch I could run up onstage, do like a one-minute set,” says Carrie Johnson. Since joining Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The Linq Promenade last year, Johnson has cut her teeth in the comedy world. “I’m a performer and I love the arts and I love being surrounded by people that love the arts.”

As the comedy club’s general manager and entertainment manager Johnson uses her background as an actress to help guide her job responsibilities. “My background helps because I know what it’s like to be on the stage and set the room for an audience to have a good time.”

Johnson has been acting since she was a child, and when she moved to Las Vegas in 2009 to continue acting, she ended up on the other side of the curtain, helping set up shows and managing showrooms. She linked up with Caesars Entertainment, helping to launch Criss Angel’s show at Planet Hollywood Resort before she was tapped to join the comedy club.

“What I do is book the talent—vet comics, watch their stand-up. I work with their PR team. On a show night—it’s producing the show, running the show, getting the bar staff ready, working with our food and beverage manager.” She also works closely with Kimmel and serves as his point person. “Jimmy has a lot of input; I speak with him several times a week.”

Jimlet

Jimlet

While Johnson might not be in front of the camera as often, or up onstage, “I’m still super grateful,” she says. “I’ve always been a people person. I’ve always loved entertainment. So it’s so fun to be able to do it on such a big platform—two big companies, Caesars Entertainment and Jimmy Kimmel.”

Jimlet

Settle in for an evening when you come to watch stand-up comedy at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club. Besides the intimate theater space, guests can enjoy a bar and lounge modeled after Kimmel’s own home bar. “It’s what it’s like to be at his house. There’s a lot of memorabilia,” Johnson says. “We try to make this a spot where people want to hang out. They don’t feel rushed. We want people to enjoy their time here.” And while enjoying their time, they can try one of the specialty cocktails like the Jimlet, made with Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, raspberry simple syrup and lime juice. Many of the cocktails are named after people in his family and on his show. Kimmel is also a huge foodie, and some of his famous chef friends helped create the food menu.