Michael Davis headlines Comedy at the Ave at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at the Auburn Avenue Theater.

The lineup includes two other comedians.

Davis has more more than 25 years experience of clowning, juggling and entertaining audiences on screen and on stage. He also plays Chef Tad Overdone in Seattle’s “Teatro Zinzanni.”

A third-generation San Franciscan, Davis was intrigued with the art of clowning in the early 1970s, and was handpicked from more than 2,000 applicants to attend Clown College. Upon graduation, he landed a job as a clown with the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Through the years his interests expanded and entered the realm of comedy.

Spotted by a talent agent in 1979, he was hired to perform on HBO’s “The Young Comedian’s Show,” his first major television appearance. Next came “Broadway Follies.”

Said a New York Times critic of Michael’s performance: “I was as close as I have ever been to rolling in an aisle with laughter.”

“Sugar Babies” followed, and soon his notices brought him to the attention of “Saturday Night Live’s” producers, resulting in six guest appearances on the show.

Davis has been featured on “The Dick Cavett Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “Merv Griffin,” “20/20,” and “Night of 100 Stars,” among others.

A Command Performance at the Ford Theatre found him in the company of Liza Minnelli, Ben Vereen and Natalia Makarova.

He has been honored by his peers with a Drama Desk Nomination and a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Sugar Babies.”

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Showtime

• What: Auburn Avenue Theater presents Comedy at the Ave

• When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 22

• Where: Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave.

• Tickets: $17 regular/$15 students, seniors. Call 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online through Brown Paper Tickets at www.auburnwa.gov/arts.