Busy few days at the Comedy Store. Sunday was Oscar night, so typically the comics do other people's jokes. I was excited for this, but ended up picking a comic's name that I knew about 0 of her jokes. The day of the show I youtubed a view of her vids. I got enough jokes to last 6 minutes or so. I was pretty nervous before I went up, as I wanted to be funny and not embarass myself or the comic. I went up pretty late into the show. Most of the crowd was lost. There was a table of drunk older ladies in the front that were trying to heckle the first few comics. They were not enjoying themselves and left after the 6th or 7th comic. The comic that did my jokes was pretty funny, and it's a cool feeling to hear laughs from the crowd from a joke you wrote performed by another comic. I got some laughs as I butchered and tried to deliver the comics jokes. I told one joke of hers that is totally racist, I'm not even sure why I told it, but it got complete silence as it should. I ended somewhat strong and think I got a good amount of laughs. I overheard a waitress say I was her favorite so that was a cool thing. An audience member said they enjoyed my set, which is a strange compliment, but a compliment nonetheless.
Monday was the open mic. It was pretty dead as usual, but the people there wanted to laugh. My set was fine. Chatted with an audience member, took a fake phone call, and tried a few jokes. I got a few laughs, so I'll take it. I had to carry the phone that night. And the first phone call I ever got at the Comedy Store was from a women who wanted to get comp tix for the Friday night show for her Mom and her as they were both dying. No lie. She said, "I'll be going to heaven soon, and my mother will soon be joining me." So weird. She also requested they only have to purchase one drink as they were on their way out. I talked to a few of the "managers" and they basically blew me off. One saying, "They're dying, what do they need the money for." Great real helpful. After about 5 minutes or so, I came back, claiming to be the manager and telling her the weekend shows are booked through L.A. and we have no say on comping tix. Somewhat true, and I don't have another reason to go to hell, as I turned down a dying woman's wish.
Tuesday I was back working at the Store. I wasn't expecting much as it was a L.A. comics show. There ended up being about 20 people or so when I went up, and 14 more people that actually wanted to laugh tat arrived after I got off stage. My set was rough. I hate going up early on nights I have to work as if I eat shit I have to stay there, collect cups, and tell people to shhhh! Which by the way one of the managers rudely told me, "Tell that girl to shhhh!" Excuse me? I said who, she said nevermind, rudely again. I couldn't wait to move away from her, and soon did. But yes my set was subpar at best. I started off decent, but lost them when I told a somewhat depressing (my intervention) joke. I couldn't recover even when I delivered the dumbest, funny joke in the world (Mossy Nissan). They basically stone faced me and chuckled on occasion. The next comic did his "set" and he even struggled so I felt a little better. The 14 people that showed up later somewhat saved the show as they laughed a lot. The first L.A. comic that went up was pretty funny. The second one, started in S.D. and talked faster than any comic I've ever seen. I was worried that I talk that fast sometimes. I don't know if he was nervous, been doing comedy 8 years I'd hope not, or that is just his delivery. He had an ok set. The last guy I've seen before, also started in S.D. He got the 14 people to laugh, but like most of the other comics, the middle was a tough sell to laugh. It's always shocking to me people that go to shows and rarely laugh. Why waste the money, stay home, watch reality tv, and eat ice cream.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Big show was a success
Wednesday was another jammed packed comedy evening. Winston's had a few people, but the comics were somewhat sparse. There was a big controversy that was made on the San Diego's comedians page, which if I haven't covered but may momentarily. There was a lady who did a bringer type show and had a big crowd show up for her. She asked about wanting to enter a contest. I gave her the details, and she was ready to rock. I was excited, because this contest doesn't have one big bringer like I've had in contests in the past. Well after she was excited to join the contest, other comics on the page basically tore into her about how she wasn't funny enough to bother a contest. She was told she should focus on open mics and not making her friends laugh? Excuse me, keep your mouth shut. Let her, do what she wants. Why is it your business. He acts like he's trying to help younger comics, but just comes off like a jackass. Honestly e is a nice guy, but he's been doing comedy for nearly 20 years, and is still wasting his time bantering with comics that have been doing it for a year or less. I hope when I'm still doing it after 20 years, if that's even a possibility, I won't be giving my insight to others. I'll be focusing on my show coming up, or getting other shows. So after all said and done, the lady backed out of the contest. She felt threatened, someone did call her a "cunt," which is so out of left field and unnecessary, but if you're that weak skinned there's no sense doing comedy. She did make a ridiculous comment that she could do "15 minutes standing on top of her head." That is one thing I noticed about bad, new comics. If they brag in public, they are awful. I look back to my start, and while I did think to myself I was funny, I never made it public. I do also feel like I had funny jokes when I started. My timing, comfort, and stage presence we're all not good, but I ad the foundation to be funny. I never said, "Man I'm so wasted/ drunk/ nervous, let's talk about my penis and sex." Comics rarely go from awful to good. Most of them go from awful, to a little less awful, to quitting. There are some comics I see that have some potential, and can improve on that. I see many comics at Winston's, and most of the time they never improve. Anyways, so the lady quit the contest over some words over the internet, and ruined my chances of guaranteeing a lot of people at the shows she was on. I tried to be cordial, and open up the chance she'll enter a later contest.
Well the contest itself was fine, made a few bucks, nothing great. After that I had a drink and walked to eleven. It was pretty dead, mostly just comics. Jesse and I wrote a bunch of you might be a redcoat jokes on Facebook the night before, and went on stage and performed them. The set definitely didn't have the punches it had in weeks past, but we got a few laughs. I think I want to try the jokes on a night at the Comedy Store to see if it would work with a real crowd.
Thursday was a pretty big show at the comedy store. I was doing 15 minutes, which is the most I've done there. I wrote out a set list of 15 different minutes than I did when we did the show 2 months earlier. This was a good challenge. We're in talks to do another show in a couple months, and I want to do a different 15 minutes. There was about 100 or so people. Which is a pretty solid crowd. I went up pretty confident. I think the set was pretty a solid. I started off a little fast, but adjusted nicely and was able to get through about 12 minutes without a hitch. At that point I lost a little steam, a few jokes went not as well as some of the others. I tried to refocus, but was interrupted by a woman. Not a big problem was able to adjust nicely. I think I ended strong, and think I am confident with 26 minutes now. If I can do a few more shows, I can get a solid hour. I have ignored a lot of the sex type jokes I wrote when I started, that I think are still worth trying out. I likely will work on that and other jokes for the show in a few months. I think I will still try to still get a tight 6-8 minute set on tape. Once I get a good one, I will then try to get a clean 6-8 minute tape.
I noticed the entrance date for the Maine Comedy festival was extended to May 1. I am still not sure whether I want to send a tape. It is only $30, but it could likely just be a scam to collect money for the contest. It is a small enough contest, that they likely already have who they want booked. If I get a tape I like by then, I'll probably send it, who knows.
Friday was back to Winston's, there was a weird vibe. I'm not sure if it was because I was slightly buzzed. I did a podcast beforehand. I drank a PBR and had a couple shots of vodka. The podcast wasn't exactly what I expected. It was called a therapy podcast, but I don't really need therapy. It was more for the hosts remedy. He talked a lot his rough childhood, and complained about the fact I was vague about my lack of hard upbringing. I thought for some reason we'd be talking about comedy. I brought this up, and he said "we'll you could have said whatever you wanted." I didn't realize that was how an interview worked. Well I wouldn't say it was a waste of time, just not what I expected.
Anyways, when I arrived at Winston's, there was already a crowd there. Very rare for a Friday. They laughed on occasion, but did not care much for Jesse and I's banter. I brought this up to Jesse and he said "a lot of people enjoy our banter and the crowd was just weird." Point taken. The show went on with some people getting laughs, some insulting the crowd and getting laughs, and some having a tough time. In the end, I made a few bucks, got a few laughs, and had some drinks. I'd say a success overall.
Well the contest itself was fine, made a few bucks, nothing great. After that I had a drink and walked to eleven. It was pretty dead, mostly just comics. Jesse and I wrote a bunch of you might be a redcoat jokes on Facebook the night before, and went on stage and performed them. The set definitely didn't have the punches it had in weeks past, but we got a few laughs. I think I want to try the jokes on a night at the Comedy Store to see if it would work with a real crowd.
Thursday was a pretty big show at the comedy store. I was doing 15 minutes, which is the most I've done there. I wrote out a set list of 15 different minutes than I did when we did the show 2 months earlier. This was a good challenge. We're in talks to do another show in a couple months, and I want to do a different 15 minutes. There was about 100 or so people. Which is a pretty solid crowd. I went up pretty confident. I think the set was pretty a solid. I started off a little fast, but adjusted nicely and was able to get through about 12 minutes without a hitch. At that point I lost a little steam, a few jokes went not as well as some of the others. I tried to refocus, but was interrupted by a woman. Not a big problem was able to adjust nicely. I think I ended strong, and think I am confident with 26 minutes now. If I can do a few more shows, I can get a solid hour. I have ignored a lot of the sex type jokes I wrote when I started, that I think are still worth trying out. I likely will work on that and other jokes for the show in a few months. I think I will still try to still get a tight 6-8 minute set on tape. Once I get a good one, I will then try to get a clean 6-8 minute tape.
I noticed the entrance date for the Maine Comedy festival was extended to May 1. I am still not sure whether I want to send a tape. It is only $30, but it could likely just be a scam to collect money for the contest. It is a small enough contest, that they likely already have who they want booked. If I get a tape I like by then, I'll probably send it, who knows.
Friday was back to Winston's, there was a weird vibe. I'm not sure if it was because I was slightly buzzed. I did a podcast beforehand. I drank a PBR and had a couple shots of vodka. The podcast wasn't exactly what I expected. It was called a therapy podcast, but I don't really need therapy. It was more for the hosts remedy. He talked a lot his rough childhood, and complained about the fact I was vague about my lack of hard upbringing. I thought for some reason we'd be talking about comedy. I brought this up, and he said "we'll you could have said whatever you wanted." I didn't realize that was how an interview worked. Well I wouldn't say it was a waste of time, just not what I expected.
Anyways, when I arrived at Winston's, there was already a crowd there. Very rare for a Friday. They laughed on occasion, but did not care much for Jesse and I's banter. I brought this up to Jesse and he said "a lot of people enjoy our banter and the crowd was just weird." Point taken. The show went on with some people getting laughs, some insulting the crowd and getting laughs, and some having a tough time. In the end, I made a few bucks, got a few laughs, and had some drinks. I'd say a success overall.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
All coming into place...I think
So been camped at the Comedy Store the last few nights, performing and working. Sunday I went up 3rd. There was about 120 people there which is pretty good for a Sunday. I decided to do my "set." This always adds additional pressure on myself because I expect to do very well. I think I had some high moments, but I didn't close as strong as I had hoped. I also didn't get a solid laughs on one of my "best" jokes. A few people said they enjoyed my set. Another comic also told me I had a good set. To which I replied, "eh it was alright." And then she said, "you had good laughs throughout." I then said meh, she then said "ok you were terrible." I don't know why I do this, I should just say thank you, you too. Especially, since she said it right when she got off, and she did meh. I'm just so weird about getting compliments from other comics, and anyone in general, I need to react to it better. I apologized to her today, and she was fine. I just felt like a jackass, and she's a good friend. Later in the show there was a pop in comic. A guy that used to San Diego, and I'm not really sure where he is now. He always seems to do well, and some comics drool over him. He's ok, basically does a lot of high energy, stupid racist jokes. At one point, he sang "suck on your titties," revolutionizing comedy indeed. Anyways, he did his set, and his intro for the next comic was as followed, "Wow you guys are in for a treat, while I was outside, this living comedic legend stumbled in. Keep it loud for my comedian inspiration, Robin Williams." Pretty much the biggest dick move anyone can do. I learned very quickly that an intro can be crucial to a comic's set. This sets the whole tone, and he basically said f.u. to the comic. I couldn't ever imagine having that big of an ego to do that to someone I wasn't friends with, esp. if I didn't know them. Huge douche. Luckily the comic was a nice guy, I would have gave that douche a piece of my mind.
Monday was back at the Store, it was a sold out Doug Stanhope show. He performed the night before at Winston's, a show I could have been on if I didn't have to work at the Store. Oh well. Not sure if it's related, but Jesse got called the next by an agent, asking to meet him and bring a headshot. I definitely hope something comes out of it, but I'll be kicking myself if something comes from it, and I didn't get out of working at the Store. Anyways, the show wasn't stressful at all. People were pretty nice, and we figured out a nice little system to seat people that worked great. The show was meh. Jon Dore did a few minutes. I had seen him a while back, and he is very funny. Has an out there style but it's great. He teeters the line of awkward tension very well. I'm almost jealous of his timing. Doug was ok. He didn't really seem to be taking it too serious. I heard it was the same at Winston's. Both shows were sold out, over 200 tickets sold at $25 a ticket, that's 5k a show, not bad for an hours worth of work. But he pulled out notes, referenced not doing very well at Winston's, and basically trying out new jokes. The crowd did eat up basically everything he said, which is a level I think we all want to achieve. He was friendly enough.
Tuesday was back at the Store. I wasn't planning on going up as it had a couple L.A. comics on it. Plus there was only 10 reservations. Competing with Fat Tuesday was blamed but I think it had to do with the headliners. Both funny guys, but not names that are going to draw people in. I got to open the show with 8 minutes. I was somewhat not excited, but when I got up there it was fine. Got a good response, and was happy with it. Would have sucked to eat shit and still have to stay there for another 2 hours. One of the headliners said "good job," and whether he saw me or not that's always nice to hear. There ended up being about 20 people, 14 or so when I went up. I think they all had a good time, which is great.
And I responded to a couple Craigslist ads to host trivia nights. I already spoke to one guy about one, and the other one, although seems somewhat sketchy might turn into something. It would be great to set up a trivia night Monday or Tuesday, I could use the cash, and I think it would diversify the week perfectly.
Monday was back at the Store, it was a sold out Doug Stanhope show. He performed the night before at Winston's, a show I could have been on if I didn't have to work at the Store. Oh well. Not sure if it's related, but Jesse got called the next by an agent, asking to meet him and bring a headshot. I definitely hope something comes out of it, but I'll be kicking myself if something comes from it, and I didn't get out of working at the Store. Anyways, the show wasn't stressful at all. People were pretty nice, and we figured out a nice little system to seat people that worked great. The show was meh. Jon Dore did a few minutes. I had seen him a while back, and he is very funny. Has an out there style but it's great. He teeters the line of awkward tension very well. I'm almost jealous of his timing. Doug was ok. He didn't really seem to be taking it too serious. I heard it was the same at Winston's. Both shows were sold out, over 200 tickets sold at $25 a ticket, that's 5k a show, not bad for an hours worth of work. But he pulled out notes, referenced not doing very well at Winston's, and basically trying out new jokes. The crowd did eat up basically everything he said, which is a level I think we all want to achieve. He was friendly enough.
Tuesday was back at the Store. I wasn't planning on going up as it had a couple L.A. comics on it. Plus there was only 10 reservations. Competing with Fat Tuesday was blamed but I think it had to do with the headliners. Both funny guys, but not names that are going to draw people in. I got to open the show with 8 minutes. I was somewhat not excited, but when I got up there it was fine. Got a good response, and was happy with it. Would have sucked to eat shit and still have to stay there for another 2 hours. One of the headliners said "good job," and whether he saw me or not that's always nice to hear. There ended up being about 20 people, 14 or so when I went up. I think they all had a good time, which is great.
And I responded to a couple Craigslist ads to host trivia nights. I already spoke to one guy about one, and the other one, although seems somewhat sketchy might turn into something. It would be great to set up a trivia night Monday or Tuesday, I could use the cash, and I think it would diversify the week perfectly.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Trucking along
Sunday at the Store I worked and performed. I ended up going up second. The first guy that went up did pretty well, but he also brought a lot of the crowd, not that he's not funny, but that does help. He does a lot of weed one liners which seemed to work pretty well. I guess he has been doing comedy for over 6 years, but is just starting to perform in San Diego. His name is Bombo, which I'm not sure is a real name, or a stage name. Either way, I think I wouldn't use it on stage. I think it is somewhat a character name, and if you're not going to be a whacky, Ala Carrot Top, figure you should just stick to a "normal" name. It's weird because one of the best comics in San Diego goes by Zoltan, but that is his real name. Zoltan works much better than Bombo, as if a comic doesn't do well they never "Zolt," they "Bomb." Who knows maybe I'm diving too deep into it. At first I thought a name mattered, but as I begin to trek along I realize it's less and less important. Anyways my set was meh. I realized as the show went on the crowd was somewhat tough, and it's never easy to follow someone who brought a good amount of the crowd.
Monday I was back working at the Store for the open mic. The crowd was dead, like 2 people to start the show dead. As the show people started trickling in, but 10 people maybe total. There weren't that many comics either, 15, maybe 20, when there is usually upwards of 35. I went up pretty lax, and tried some new stuff I've been thinking of. Most of it went pretty ok. I think I have a decent gem, that's stupid, but relatable and funny. I got some comics to laugh which is always a good sign.
Wednesday I had the contest. It was dead, although there was 7 or 8 humans, and the door guy once again only charged one person. I want to complain, but it seems almost pointless. One of the contestants brought his parents, and said on stage, "I thought this was going to be a bigger deal, that's why I brought my parents." Well if you can convince your parents, you might as well try to get some friends to come, genius. I performed some of the newer jokes as part of the open mic beforehand, and got a decent response from who was there. It feels much better to get a laugh from a new joke then an old joke, esp. when you're unsure you'll even get a laugh. The highs and lows of thinking you're not gonna get a laugh and getting one, to thinking you'll get a laugh and not getting one is astounding.
After Winston's, I had a drink at home, and headed to Bar Eleven. Jesse and I went on stage together this week and it once again went pretty solid. We did a few more jokes this week, but also played with the crowd. We play really well off each other, and it was a lot of fun. He wants to try to do it on a bigger show, but I'm not sure how it would work out front of an actual audience that isn't a majority of comics. I think we need to try it out a few more times, and see how it goes.
Thursday was work/ perform at the Store. I was on 2nd to last. There was a promoted show so there was a decent amount of people there. By the time I got on, about half the crowd, and they were rowdy and chatty. I made the mistake of asking the crowd a question, and from that point forward it was somewhat of a battle. There was a girl that was chatting really loud just to her table. I made a comment to the effect that "I'm the only doorman, so there's no one to keep her quiet." To which another comic rudely, with intent of being an asshole, yelled, "Well you didn't do shit to shut her up when I was up here!" Well if you replay the situation you tried to engage in conversation with said patron, and unfortunately you don't have the ability to converse with them in a comical way. Right before he started talking to her I was literally walking over to ask her to be quiet. Don't be a dick to everyone, because you have rage issues about not being as funny as you think you are. It sucks because this guy helped me out with OBC and whatnot, but he's just become such a lunatic. He is burning all his bridges before he leaves. I have over and over again tried to defend him but when yell at me while I'm on stage, and also flip out on me for putting marque letters under your crappy tee shirts, ties are cut. Oh and my set went decent, didn't close great, but had a solid middle. A girl, who was pretty drunk, said I was her favorite. She could have been drunk, or being nice, either way it's always nice to hear.
Friday was Winston's. There was a decent amount of people from start to finish. Most of them were there for one girl who used to live in San Diego, and was in town from New York. I gave her extra time before the headliners. This made it tough for the two headliners. I don't feel bad for them, as they knew in advance they were performing, and could have brought people. One of them whined and got off early. Sorry you're used to cookie cutter laughs, and you had to work, not my problem. There are so many shitty comics in this town that get on sold out, great shows, and have no real perception on how unfunny they really are. Some of the funniest comics in San Diego don't get on quality shows because they can't bring a crowd. It's just a screwed up thing. I worked hard, nearly the past 3 years, doing crappy shows all over San Diego. And while I might not be the greatest comedian, I'm not whining about it, seeking sympathy for every show I bombed on. Just move on to the next show. Bombing does suck, but blaming the club is silly. If there was no one there you would not have been paid, suck it up, and move on.
Saturday I worked at the Comedy Store, and the first night I hated it. The first show was pretty much sold out. One of the waitresses who doubles as the manager, is a little bit of a control freak, minus the little bit. That place is so annoying sometimes. Basically every employee relays every damn message to me, and they are all basically different. She set up the chairs like a maniac in her section, which made it almost impossible to sit people easily. Every table had odd number of chairs. Ya, that's smart, as if date night is going to be filled with a bunch of 3rd wheeled hauling couples. Just made no sense. And when I tried to seat 2 people at one of her tables, she says in front of the customers, "this would be better for a 5 top." To which I replied there all 5 tops. It gets annoying because people show up with the idea they can sit and do whatever they want. I sat a table to which they instantly got up and said this was good enough and just moved to wherever they wanted to go. Not only do I have to deal with that, I have to deal with more than one person telling me where to seat people. It seems easy enough, but it does get a little complicated. We have to pack these people in to spaces that doesn't seem appropriate to stick them in. I feel less awkward, but I don't think it will ever be simple. I just hate being talked to rudely by someone who has really no clue what they're doing.
Once the show kicked off it got even more annoying. The first lady was somewhat funny, but she did a lot of racist, hacky crowd work. The next guy did songs and he was not good. The worst I've seen a weekend person do yet. He played songs which encouraged talking. I thought we were suppose to keep people quiet, so I awkwardly told someone to keep it down. To which the grown adult basically mocked me, sweet. After I checked with the doorman, he pretty much told me to let it go. I then picked up glasses. This even was a problem when I grabbed an empty drink, to which another full grown adult, says "Umm, ok I wasn't even finished." Ok, be a human and say, excuse me I'm still eating my ice. Great, awesome. Well had to listen to the guy play more crappy songs while the crowd talked. A few tables spoke about how bad he was after the show, and one table, who I believe were swingers, as all the guys slapped all the gals butts, and the guy asked the waitress for coke, said "that was the worst comedian I ever seen." He even opened the show by saying "if you saw me last time, I hope your into nostalgia, because I'm doing all the same jokes." Wow, just pathetic. Just so annoying to be working hard, almost every night, to see something like that be doing 30 minutes, and after 10 saying he ran out of material so he needs help....The headliner did all crowd work, 45 minutes plus of crowd work. He did very well with it. He basically just goes around the room asking the crowd what they do. Both shows were different, he had maybe 5 minutes of preplanned jokes, but other than that it seemed pretty off the cuff. Most of it wasn't real, hacky or racist either. Crowds do tend to laugh at this much more as they have an appreciation for how it is different. I do think that 45 minutes of it gets really long, and going around the room asking basically every single person what they do is a stretch. I have a much greater appreciation for it, but don't think it's anything amazing. I know I could do that with a little practice, not saying I'm amazing, just saying what he was doing isn't that difficult for any smart, funny comedian. He was only 30, which is young for a headliner, and I heard he's been doing it for over 10 years. I even saw a video from him headlining 2 years ago, so he broke in pretty young. Also the joke he ended with in the first show, is the same he ended with 2 years ago. I think I do need to work on my timing and getting together a tight ten minutes, but I want to keep working on new jokes. I think I want to half the time do the "set" and the other half work on new stuff. I have the ability to write jokes, but can fall back on crowd work if need be.
Monday I was back working at the Store for the open mic. The crowd was dead, like 2 people to start the show dead. As the show people started trickling in, but 10 people maybe total. There weren't that many comics either, 15, maybe 20, when there is usually upwards of 35. I went up pretty lax, and tried some new stuff I've been thinking of. Most of it went pretty ok. I think I have a decent gem, that's stupid, but relatable and funny. I got some comics to laugh which is always a good sign.
Wednesday I had the contest. It was dead, although there was 7 or 8 humans, and the door guy once again only charged one person. I want to complain, but it seems almost pointless. One of the contestants brought his parents, and said on stage, "I thought this was going to be a bigger deal, that's why I brought my parents." Well if you can convince your parents, you might as well try to get some friends to come, genius. I performed some of the newer jokes as part of the open mic beforehand, and got a decent response from who was there. It feels much better to get a laugh from a new joke then an old joke, esp. when you're unsure you'll even get a laugh. The highs and lows of thinking you're not gonna get a laugh and getting one, to thinking you'll get a laugh and not getting one is astounding.
After Winston's, I had a drink at home, and headed to Bar Eleven. Jesse and I went on stage together this week and it once again went pretty solid. We did a few more jokes this week, but also played with the crowd. We play really well off each other, and it was a lot of fun. He wants to try to do it on a bigger show, but I'm not sure how it would work out front of an actual audience that isn't a majority of comics. I think we need to try it out a few more times, and see how it goes.
Thursday was work/ perform at the Store. I was on 2nd to last. There was a promoted show so there was a decent amount of people there. By the time I got on, about half the crowd, and they were rowdy and chatty. I made the mistake of asking the crowd a question, and from that point forward it was somewhat of a battle. There was a girl that was chatting really loud just to her table. I made a comment to the effect that "I'm the only doorman, so there's no one to keep her quiet." To which another comic rudely, with intent of being an asshole, yelled, "Well you didn't do shit to shut her up when I was up here!" Well if you replay the situation you tried to engage in conversation with said patron, and unfortunately you don't have the ability to converse with them in a comical way. Right before he started talking to her I was literally walking over to ask her to be quiet. Don't be a dick to everyone, because you have rage issues about not being as funny as you think you are. It sucks because this guy helped me out with OBC and whatnot, but he's just become such a lunatic. He is burning all his bridges before he leaves. I have over and over again tried to defend him but when yell at me while I'm on stage, and also flip out on me for putting marque letters under your crappy tee shirts, ties are cut. Oh and my set went decent, didn't close great, but had a solid middle. A girl, who was pretty drunk, said I was her favorite. She could have been drunk, or being nice, either way it's always nice to hear.
Friday was Winston's. There was a decent amount of people from start to finish. Most of them were there for one girl who used to live in San Diego, and was in town from New York. I gave her extra time before the headliners. This made it tough for the two headliners. I don't feel bad for them, as they knew in advance they were performing, and could have brought people. One of them whined and got off early. Sorry you're used to cookie cutter laughs, and you had to work, not my problem. There are so many shitty comics in this town that get on sold out, great shows, and have no real perception on how unfunny they really are. Some of the funniest comics in San Diego don't get on quality shows because they can't bring a crowd. It's just a screwed up thing. I worked hard, nearly the past 3 years, doing crappy shows all over San Diego. And while I might not be the greatest comedian, I'm not whining about it, seeking sympathy for every show I bombed on. Just move on to the next show. Bombing does suck, but blaming the club is silly. If there was no one there you would not have been paid, suck it up, and move on.
Saturday I worked at the Comedy Store, and the first night I hated it. The first show was pretty much sold out. One of the waitresses who doubles as the manager, is a little bit of a control freak, minus the little bit. That place is so annoying sometimes. Basically every employee relays every damn message to me, and they are all basically different. She set up the chairs like a maniac in her section, which made it almost impossible to sit people easily. Every table had odd number of chairs. Ya, that's smart, as if date night is going to be filled with a bunch of 3rd wheeled hauling couples. Just made no sense. And when I tried to seat 2 people at one of her tables, she says in front of the customers, "this would be better for a 5 top." To which I replied there all 5 tops. It gets annoying because people show up with the idea they can sit and do whatever they want. I sat a table to which they instantly got up and said this was good enough and just moved to wherever they wanted to go. Not only do I have to deal with that, I have to deal with more than one person telling me where to seat people. It seems easy enough, but it does get a little complicated. We have to pack these people in to spaces that doesn't seem appropriate to stick them in. I feel less awkward, but I don't think it will ever be simple. I just hate being talked to rudely by someone who has really no clue what they're doing.
Once the show kicked off it got even more annoying. The first lady was somewhat funny, but she did a lot of racist, hacky crowd work. The next guy did songs and he was not good. The worst I've seen a weekend person do yet. He played songs which encouraged talking. I thought we were suppose to keep people quiet, so I awkwardly told someone to keep it down. To which the grown adult basically mocked me, sweet. After I checked with the doorman, he pretty much told me to let it go. I then picked up glasses. This even was a problem when I grabbed an empty drink, to which another full grown adult, says "Umm, ok I wasn't even finished." Ok, be a human and say, excuse me I'm still eating my ice. Great, awesome. Well had to listen to the guy play more crappy songs while the crowd talked. A few tables spoke about how bad he was after the show, and one table, who I believe were swingers, as all the guys slapped all the gals butts, and the guy asked the waitress for coke, said "that was the worst comedian I ever seen." He even opened the show by saying "if you saw me last time, I hope your into nostalgia, because I'm doing all the same jokes." Wow, just pathetic. Just so annoying to be working hard, almost every night, to see something like that be doing 30 minutes, and after 10 saying he ran out of material so he needs help....The headliner did all crowd work, 45 minutes plus of crowd work. He did very well with it. He basically just goes around the room asking the crowd what they do. Both shows were different, he had maybe 5 minutes of preplanned jokes, but other than that it seemed pretty off the cuff. Most of it wasn't real, hacky or racist either. Crowds do tend to laugh at this much more as they have an appreciation for how it is different. I do think that 45 minutes of it gets really long, and going around the room asking basically every single person what they do is a stretch. I have a much greater appreciation for it, but don't think it's anything amazing. I know I could do that with a little practice, not saying I'm amazing, just saying what he was doing isn't that difficult for any smart, funny comedian. He was only 30, which is young for a headliner, and I heard he's been doing it for over 10 years. I even saw a video from him headlining 2 years ago, so he broke in pretty young. Also the joke he ended with in the first show, is the same he ended with 2 years ago. I think I do need to work on my timing and getting together a tight ten minutes, but I want to keep working on new jokes. I think I want to half the time do the "set" and the other half work on new stuff. I have the ability to write jokes, but can fall back on crowd work if need be.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Staying busy
Wednesday was Winston's and a struggle to finally get to Eleven. Winston's had a decent amount of people. 10-12. Not bad for a Wednesday. I asked the coproducer to work on making a small handbill to pass out during the street fair that goes on near Winston's before the show. Well see if he gets those done before the contest is over. Nothing too exciting to report. After Winston's, I convinced my girlfriend to allow me to go to Eleven. I went up with Jesse and we basically just ripped on a few of the comics. It was playful and fun. I got a little drunk, and the lady wasn't pleased with me.
Next night was the Comedy Store. I've been working on a cd, so I tried a lot of jokes I seldom do, and didn't have on tape. I have so many jokes but they're all so short. I've tried hundreds of jokes, but I have basically 15 minutes or so that I do for the most part. I want to try to expand on the jokes I have instead of making all new jokes. I comprised a cd of basically 60 jokes, but it's on 50 minutes. My set was meh at best.
Friday was Winston's. I didn't do a set, just banter in between. There was a small crowd from the start and a decent amount of people filtered in for the headliner around 815. There were 3 or 4 comics that did well, and the 2 headliners had a tough time. The girl is still new, and isn't a comedian persay, more of a slightly attractive girl, that discusses sex and has a lot of friends. She mentioned on more than one occasion how it was the first time she bombed. Well it's only your third or fourth show and it's always been in front of your friends. Either way. She and the other headliner was nervous. The second headliner has been a staple of OBC for the past 4 years and was a huge pain in the ass when I started running the show. He has backed off a lot and has gotten better spots. On occasion he can be very funny, this was not the case. It was kinda watching my grandpa on stage and it was tough to see him struggle.
Saturday I worked at the Store. There were some decent comics. First guy was gay, second guy I have seen before and find quite funny, and the headliner was a tiny asian lady who was meh, typical L.A. headliner. All 3 did basically the same exact set for both shows. The second feature is an L.A. guy. I enjoyed a lot of his jokes, many are a lot different than what most comics are doing. I watched one black couple hate basically everything he said. He is somewhat edgy, and some people are morons and don't get the "joke." A lot of his jokes are someone thinkers and just different.
Next night was the Comedy Store. I've been working on a cd, so I tried a lot of jokes I seldom do, and didn't have on tape. I have so many jokes but they're all so short. I've tried hundreds of jokes, but I have basically 15 minutes or so that I do for the most part. I want to try to expand on the jokes I have instead of making all new jokes. I comprised a cd of basically 60 jokes, but it's on 50 minutes. My set was meh at best.
Friday was Winston's. I didn't do a set, just banter in between. There was a small crowd from the start and a decent amount of people filtered in for the headliner around 815. There were 3 or 4 comics that did well, and the 2 headliners had a tough time. The girl is still new, and isn't a comedian persay, more of a slightly attractive girl, that discusses sex and has a lot of friends. She mentioned on more than one occasion how it was the first time she bombed. Well it's only your third or fourth show and it's always been in front of your friends. Either way. She and the other headliner was nervous. The second headliner has been a staple of OBC for the past 4 years and was a huge pain in the ass when I started running the show. He has backed off a lot and has gotten better spots. On occasion he can be very funny, this was not the case. It was kinda watching my grandpa on stage and it was tough to see him struggle.
Saturday I worked at the Store. There were some decent comics. First guy was gay, second guy I have seen before and find quite funny, and the headliner was a tiny asian lady who was meh, typical L.A. headliner. All 3 did basically the same exact set for both shows. The second feature is an L.A. guy. I enjoyed a lot of his jokes, many are a lot different than what most comics are doing. I watched one black couple hate basically everything he said. He is somewhat edgy, and some people are morons and don't get the "joke." A lot of his jokes are someone thinkers and just different.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Roller coaster couple of days
Monday was the open mic at the Store. I was working and it was pretty dead other than a group of people that were there for this one guy. They pretty much didn't laugh at anyone, including him. When I went up I asked one of the guys what he thought of said comic they came to say, he said "he's much funnier at the office." Nice, that won't be awkward tomorrow. It's nice to have people supporting you, but if they hate comedy, it's probably better to not have them there. I mumbled through some jokes, older and newer but trying to work them into my set. I got some response with some of them which is nice. I have a bigger show at the end of the month and plan to do a different 12 than I did in December.
Tonight I was back working at the Store. We had to come early as the show was sold out in the books. A dude I've had a few awkward encounters with in the past was taping a dvd. He started off really well, then hit somewhat of a lull, and couldn't find a joke that he was really satisfied with to close. Also what was weird is that he kept referring to his set list. Taking it out of his pocket, and putting it back. I don't know how he plans to use that tape. He should have just taped a set list to the speakers or something. Maybe he plans to edit out where he refers to the notes. It wasn't distracting persay, but just unprofessional for someone doing their first taping. Also, someone that has solid tv credits and has been doing comedy for over 7 years. I'm not sure if I could do an hour set without notes but I certainly would try to conceal a set list. Well enough rambling. I went up 2 comics after the guy did over an hour. I wasn't really sure how it was gonna go, but it went pretty well. Some of the people were heading out, but the people there were enjoy themselves and laughing.
One weird things I've saw were two mid 30's couples making out the entire show. What a strange place to make out. One of the couples were asked to take it outside, to where they made out on the bench for awhile. Then he proceeded to pick her up as they made out and crossed the street. Then they made out some more outside his car before getting in only to likely make out some more. Such a strange place to go for foreplay.
Tonight I was back working at the Store. We had to come early as the show was sold out in the books. A dude I've had a few awkward encounters with in the past was taping a dvd. He started off really well, then hit somewhat of a lull, and couldn't find a joke that he was really satisfied with to close. Also what was weird is that he kept referring to his set list. Taking it out of his pocket, and putting it back. I don't know how he plans to use that tape. He should have just taped a set list to the speakers or something. Maybe he plans to edit out where he refers to the notes. It wasn't distracting persay, but just unprofessional for someone doing their first taping. Also, someone that has solid tv credits and has been doing comedy for over 7 years. I'm not sure if I could do an hour set without notes but I certainly would try to conceal a set list. Well enough rambling. I went up 2 comics after the guy did over an hour. I wasn't really sure how it was gonna go, but it went pretty well. Some of the people were heading out, but the people there were enjoy themselves and laughing.
One weird things I've saw were two mid 30's couples making out the entire show. What a strange place to make out. One of the couples were asked to take it outside, to where they made out on the bench for awhile. Then he proceeded to pick her up as they made out and crossed the street. Then they made out some more outside his car before getting in only to likely make out some more. Such a strange place to go for foreplay.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A long week in the books
Well had one of the more hectic weeks in awhile. Had to work overnights at the station to start the week so that threw me off. Monday I was in the Madhouse competition. I went up second to last and basically shit on the whole idea of the contest. Crapped on the crowd, and made it known I would care less if I won. I ended up doing pretty well, without telling one planned joke. Had a few people come up after and said they enjoyed it. Also, had some comics say they laughed.
Tuesday I worked at the comedy store. it was a long show filled with amateurs, the show calls itself emerging comics. which translate to "i'm going to use new comics." the show basically paints the picture that it is a showcase for hollywood, and if you do well you'll start getting booked for bigger shows. this is certainly not the case. it's just a ploy for promoters to use the newbies and put money in their pockets. i can't hate on them, but i'm certainly glad i didn't start this way.
wednesday was the audition at the american comedy club. it was weird as expected. first off i was on 2 hours of sleep, always nice. so we get there and there are people huddled around, not really lined up. then they start checking people in, and basically not making it clear what order people will be going in. i at first think they will start from the back, stupid logic now that i look back it, but of course they start from the front. after i see they're starting from the front, i cut my way to around the middle of the pack. in the email they said we'd do 2-10 minutes. some people thought it was a scam, and i was hesitant at first, as i sent 4 or 5 emails, and didn't hear back. they made it seem like they'd respond somewhat quickly, no dice. anyways while were waiting in line they are working on installing the sign. so literally they are drilling into cement right above our heads, thanks for the asbestos. there was a good amount of comics there, i'd say 60 or so, 55 or more of which i knew who they were. some i have no clue why they are wasting there time doing comedy, esp. taking a day off from work. these comics hustle to get on big shows with easy crowds, get laughs, and have no clue how unfunny they are. it's almost pathetic. anyways when i finally get inside, there is 4 or 5 people sitting in the "audience." 3 business types, and one guy that likely answers phones. after lining up outside, we move inside only to line up in here. were about 5 feet from a comedian awkwardly struggling through 5 minutes of material to the occasional, chuckle or slight smile. i get up there, and by get up, i mean walk around the construction zone to stand in front of the 5 people. luckily when i went in the babies were either asleep or in the back being fed. the people before me claimed they were heckled by children, or at least interrupted by the occasional, "where's my dollies." i tried to just focus on pacing and delivery. i looked over the "crowd" and just delivered my jokes. I was told i got a few laughs, but to be honest I didn't notice nor care. i did the audition for the experience and didn't expect much to come out of it. of course i wouldn't turn down the work, but i don't have time to be putting my time in at another club. so far i've heard of two comics that have been booked. both have been doing comedy for over 6 years, and one is located in LA. not that that means anything really. some comics, my roommate included, was bummed they didn't hear back or didn't feel they performed as well as they could. really? what did you expect? there was 5 people there, 3 of which seem to hate comedy, and are likely just the owners or investors.
wednesday night after sleeping for a few hours was the winston's contest. it was dead, slowest it's ever been, the doorman didn't even charge a cover. why? i'm not sure, there was a few people that could have been charged. anyways i made it through, had some drinks, and headed home.
thursday i had a double header and basically is the apex of comedy, the highs and lows to be exact. first was the madhouse. i wasn't sure how it would end up as i having really had a good set at madhouse yet. well the place was pretty full. one of the bookers told me he was slightly let down, as he was expecting 100 more people, on top of the 50 that was already there. oh really? i wish i could get a crowd of 50 every night. esp. a crowd that was there. i saw the first two guys do pretty well, so i figured it must be an easy crowd. well turns out it was. i felt i had a pretty strong set. and then the drive i shouldn't have made. i get to the comedy store and there appears to be a pretty solid crowd. there was a few LA pop ins going up when i arrived. i opened up with a joke i sometimes open with at tougher shows, and it floundered pretty quickly. i realized it was too depressing, so i changed course. i got somewhat heckled and got taken off my game. also i could hear these people talking and tried to interact, but screwed up my words and just sounded like a jackass. it was one of the first times i can remember just being at a loss for words, and really frazzled. i got off stage and just sulked. it was rough.
friday was winston's. i wasn't expecting much of a crowd but when i arrived a few minutes late, i was pleasantly surprised with the turn out. about 50 or so paying customers which is awesome. i did a coheadlining gig. i wrote out a set of jokes i rarely do, but have faith in. most of them went pretty well. im going to start working them into other sets.
saturday i worked at the store. it goes by somewhat fast but my feet start to hurt by the second show of just standing there. both shows the comedians did basically the same jokes. the first comic did a couple different things, and the 2nd one mixed up the order and delivery of a couple, but it was basically the same. the headliner basically did the same jokes she's been doing for years. she is the definition of a road comic. she has a strong 40 minutes, and can travel the country doing it. i think what separates a headliner, and a mainstream headliner, is their ability to develop new material. bob marley who is huge in maine, but never really broke mainstream, did a lot of the same jokes every time i saw him. i actually heard a few of the crowd members complain about hearing a lot of the same jokes. one thing about watching the weekend shows is learning how much comics a. tell a lot of the same jokes and b. have long, drawn out stories. most of my jokes have one or two punches, but most are quick, mostly one minute jokes. i am going to try to stretch them out to longer bits. i've already started thinking of ways to add material. i think the problem is most of the time i'm doing 5-10 minutes, where there is no time to really set up, i want to try to get as many laughs as possibly. but i am going to make an effort to add. i think every week i will perform at winston's and only do 1 or 2 jokes, but stretch them for 6 minutes. it will get me writing again and put my brain to work.
Tuesday I worked at the comedy store. it was a long show filled with amateurs, the show calls itself emerging comics. which translate to "i'm going to use new comics." the show basically paints the picture that it is a showcase for hollywood, and if you do well you'll start getting booked for bigger shows. this is certainly not the case. it's just a ploy for promoters to use the newbies and put money in their pockets. i can't hate on them, but i'm certainly glad i didn't start this way.
wednesday was the audition at the american comedy club. it was weird as expected. first off i was on 2 hours of sleep, always nice. so we get there and there are people huddled around, not really lined up. then they start checking people in, and basically not making it clear what order people will be going in. i at first think they will start from the back, stupid logic now that i look back it, but of course they start from the front. after i see they're starting from the front, i cut my way to around the middle of the pack. in the email they said we'd do 2-10 minutes. some people thought it was a scam, and i was hesitant at first, as i sent 4 or 5 emails, and didn't hear back. they made it seem like they'd respond somewhat quickly, no dice. anyways while were waiting in line they are working on installing the sign. so literally they are drilling into cement right above our heads, thanks for the asbestos. there was a good amount of comics there, i'd say 60 or so, 55 or more of which i knew who they were. some i have no clue why they are wasting there time doing comedy, esp. taking a day off from work. these comics hustle to get on big shows with easy crowds, get laughs, and have no clue how unfunny they are. it's almost pathetic. anyways when i finally get inside, there is 4 or 5 people sitting in the "audience." 3 business types, and one guy that likely answers phones. after lining up outside, we move inside only to line up in here. were about 5 feet from a comedian awkwardly struggling through 5 minutes of material to the occasional, chuckle or slight smile. i get up there, and by get up, i mean walk around the construction zone to stand in front of the 5 people. luckily when i went in the babies were either asleep or in the back being fed. the people before me claimed they were heckled by children, or at least interrupted by the occasional, "where's my dollies." i tried to just focus on pacing and delivery. i looked over the "crowd" and just delivered my jokes. I was told i got a few laughs, but to be honest I didn't notice nor care. i did the audition for the experience and didn't expect much to come out of it. of course i wouldn't turn down the work, but i don't have time to be putting my time in at another club. so far i've heard of two comics that have been booked. both have been doing comedy for over 6 years, and one is located in LA. not that that means anything really. some comics, my roommate included, was bummed they didn't hear back or didn't feel they performed as well as they could. really? what did you expect? there was 5 people there, 3 of which seem to hate comedy, and are likely just the owners or investors.
wednesday night after sleeping for a few hours was the winston's contest. it was dead, slowest it's ever been, the doorman didn't even charge a cover. why? i'm not sure, there was a few people that could have been charged. anyways i made it through, had some drinks, and headed home.
thursday i had a double header and basically is the apex of comedy, the highs and lows to be exact. first was the madhouse. i wasn't sure how it would end up as i having really had a good set at madhouse yet. well the place was pretty full. one of the bookers told me he was slightly let down, as he was expecting 100 more people, on top of the 50 that was already there. oh really? i wish i could get a crowd of 50 every night. esp. a crowd that was there. i saw the first two guys do pretty well, so i figured it must be an easy crowd. well turns out it was. i felt i had a pretty strong set. and then the drive i shouldn't have made. i get to the comedy store and there appears to be a pretty solid crowd. there was a few LA pop ins going up when i arrived. i opened up with a joke i sometimes open with at tougher shows, and it floundered pretty quickly. i realized it was too depressing, so i changed course. i got somewhat heckled and got taken off my game. also i could hear these people talking and tried to interact, but screwed up my words and just sounded like a jackass. it was one of the first times i can remember just being at a loss for words, and really frazzled. i got off stage and just sulked. it was rough.
friday was winston's. i wasn't expecting much of a crowd but when i arrived a few minutes late, i was pleasantly surprised with the turn out. about 50 or so paying customers which is awesome. i did a coheadlining gig. i wrote out a set of jokes i rarely do, but have faith in. most of them went pretty well. im going to start working them into other sets.
saturday i worked at the store. it goes by somewhat fast but my feet start to hurt by the second show of just standing there. both shows the comedians did basically the same jokes. the first comic did a couple different things, and the 2nd one mixed up the order and delivery of a couple, but it was basically the same. the headliner basically did the same jokes she's been doing for years. she is the definition of a road comic. she has a strong 40 minutes, and can travel the country doing it. i think what separates a headliner, and a mainstream headliner, is their ability to develop new material. bob marley who is huge in maine, but never really broke mainstream, did a lot of the same jokes every time i saw him. i actually heard a few of the crowd members complain about hearing a lot of the same jokes. one thing about watching the weekend shows is learning how much comics a. tell a lot of the same jokes and b. have long, drawn out stories. most of my jokes have one or two punches, but most are quick, mostly one minute jokes. i am going to try to stretch them out to longer bits. i've already started thinking of ways to add material. i think the problem is most of the time i'm doing 5-10 minutes, where there is no time to really set up, i want to try to get as many laughs as possibly. but i am going to make an effort to add. i think every week i will perform at winston's and only do 1 or 2 jokes, but stretch them for 6 minutes. it will get me writing again and put my brain to work.
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