It began in a back room for Theo Vonkuratowski.

Only a teenager and with a row of his favorite stuffed animals lined against the wall in his Mandeville home, young Theo, taking his place before his furry friends, would begin his comedic routine.

As the years passed, his audience grew from inanimate objects to people, lots of people.

Theo Von

Honing his act, Theo would perform in front of family and friends throughout St. Tammany Parish.

Today, Vonkuratowski, known as Theo Von on stage, has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Reality Bites Back,” NBC’s “Last Comic Standing Season 4,” MTV’s “Road Rules,” and on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham.”

The Covington/Mandeville native moved away five years ago to Los Angeles, where he spends his nights performing live shows when he’s not traveling or working on a new TV series.

St. Tammany still holds a special place in Von’s heart and his routine.

In fact, his family and friends provide a lot of material for his comedic performances.

The reigning class clown from Mandeville High School is looking to return the favor.

“In the future I’d like to be able to do a charity show down there,” Von said.

Some preliminary ideas have Von and many of his well-known comic friends hosting a large show in St. Tammany where the proceeds would benefit the local communities.

But he hasn’t a clue on how to get it started and is open to nonprofit, local organizations contacting him with ideas.

“It could turn into a nice annual thing where people won’t feel like they’re paying to see me perform,” Von said.

Von is home for the holidays and a special showing at the Gut-Buster Comedy Room at the Covington Holiday Inn Dec. 12 and 13. More information on the show can be found at www.gutbustercomedyroom.com.

Information about Von and future tour dates can be found at www.theovon.com.