The gates at the Gotham Comedy Club have been closed shut since March. Like other live performance venues in the city, the COVID-19 outbreak forced the club on West 23rd Street to shut down. Renowned comedian and proud New Yorker Jerry Seinfeld got his start at venues like this. He thinks that they are part of what makes New York special.

"There's no question in my mind that New York audiences made me good enough to go out into the country and perform,” said Seinfeld.

But Gotham and venues like it are not selling any tickets to be able to stay in business.

That's why Seinfeld is using his star power to support the Saving Our Stages Act, also known as the SOS Act.

"This bill is so important to keep these places going,” Seinfeld said. “It makes the city exciting to walk down the street and know right inside that door some people are on stage and doing things. It gives the city energy and electricity."

On Sunday, Senator Charles Schumer, who is proposing the SOS Act, said it would provide $10 billion in grant money for musical theaters like those on Broadway, comedy clubs and other live performance venues, which employ 100's of thousands of people. All qualifying venues from across the country would be able to apply for the grants.

"This is part of the economic pulse and life blood of New York,” Schumer continued. “As I said, entertainment is among the top five employers in the city."

Chris Mazzini, the owner of Gotham Comedy Club, thinks his indoor facility has enough space to be able to keep audiences safe.

"I think every venue is different, but I think a space like this, which is very open and airy with high ceilings, it will be fine,” Mazzini said.

That bill, Mazzini added, would help him out until he's allowed to reopen.

Senator Schumer said he will push for the SOS Act to be a part of any future COVID-relief bill. When asked if he thinks such a bill will happen before the November election, he said there's a 50-50 chance.