I had a 7 minute spot at the Poleng Lounge and this show is a good example of a showcase spot. A showcase, or booked show, is when the show’s promoter will hand pick the comics they’d like to perform. These are usually the best shows to invite your friends to because there’s a lot of good talent and they won’t have to wait 3 hours to see you. This event was hosted by the one and only, Tony Sparks. He always keeps the energy level up and the crowd happy. Thanks to Brad Wrage for filming and editing and everyone who came out to watch(El Boy and Lauren).
Salutations loyal fans and bodaggots. I will be performing tomorrow in San Rafael as a part of Griffin Daley’s Comedy Bonanza. Also performing will be the curly haired, angel boy, Trevor Hill. Come get some ya’ll.
I will be hosting The Stud located at 9th and Harrison every Wednesday in December. I love hosting and making the room fun for comedians and audience members, both. Come enjoy some anonymous gay sex and some great drink specials. Tis the season!
December marks my 6th month doing stand up comedy. Stand up is so hard. It’s hard just to get good enough to suck. I hear different things from different comics like “yeah, it’s normal to do stand up for 10 years before you get to be any good.” That might discourage me if I thought I had another career option. I hope I’m able to work in comedy in some form or another.
Sometimes I mess up a joke and the mistake gets more laughs, especially when I can play along with it. This set had a good example of that when I mess up my line “I brought a religious girl home.” As always, it’s a work in progress.
This year we were a fictitious biker gang named Sex Dragons. My brother James and I edited the video last night. I wasn’t happy with Halloween this year, but after making this, I’m ready to do it all over again. I hope you enjoy it.
When Funny People, with Adam Sandler came out, people asked me if that was an accurate portrayal of amateur comedy. I said “not even close.” At least, not in the beginning. You don’t get 15 minutes at Hollywood’s Improv when you’re just starting out, “working on your craft.” In that respect it was pretty unrealistic, but you also don’t know exactly how long the characters have been doing comedy.
With the little time I’ve been pursuing stand-up, the video below is a much more accurate look at the kind of crowds and responses you get when you’re beginning your career. I’ve had nights that are much better than this one, like my Poleng set, and I’ve also had nights that left me feeling like putting a gun to my head, like Bunjo’s. Keep in mind, I’ve been doing comedy for about 3 1/2 months. I always tell myself “This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”
Open mic comedy usually goes like this. A bar, restaurant or laundromat will have a designated open mic night. You either sign up in advance via email with the MC, or get there the night of, to put your name on a list with 20-30 other comics. Then you wait for anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours for 5 minutes of stage time. After performing for a room of skeptical audience members, who want to try comedy themselves, and other comedians, who usually never laugh, you’re done. You repeat this process as many times a week as possible and relish the opportunity when you get a real audience to test your material on. It’s a struggle, but a process that will make you tough and sharp if you can stick with it.
Tonight I’m doing my longest set to date…20 minutes! If you want to come it’s at Poleng Lounge on Fulton and Masonic. Thanks to James for doing some flyer art for me. Show starts at 9pm.
My brother James is turning 22 on August 28, 2009. His party will be the following day and we’re planning a roast. I will be the MC, and a few other brothers and friends will be included. I thought I would get the ball rolling on my blog to add to my list of insults. Rest assured, The Boy will be burned alive. Please submit a joke for James’ roast in the comments.
Here’s what you need to know about him:
Straight as a boomerang
1. He’s very tall(6′7″) and not done growing
2. He’s in art school and works as a graphic designer
3. He’s into the indy music scene and likes obscure gay bands
4. He lived in the Castro for over a year
5. He works for his older brother at an internet start-up
6. He’s skinny with long hair
7. He wears tight jeans and a SF Giants hat
8. He’s the youngest brother/baby of the family
9. He’s single
10. He’s not athletic and dances like a queer.
