Authenticity

It’s called having a “sense” of humor because it is that which is not clearly defined. This being the case, data collection as a comedian is extremely difficult. It’s not impossible, but it is difficult. And by data collection, of course, I’m referring to, “Is what I’m writing actually funny and if so, how funny is it?” “How often will it get laughs?” This is why comedians often times refer to their stage material as nothing more than, “stuff that works.” If someone described the airplane you’re about to board merely as “working”, would you board it?

This leads me to my point. What is a sure fire way to be consistent on stage without having any real calculable formula for success? The answer is: BE AUTHENTIC. Be truthful! Do the comedy YOU love. Write and perform jokes that make YOU laugh and not just jokes that may make someone laugh, sometime….maybe. With this approach comes great and fun times on stage. I’m not talking about getting standing ovations as much, but rather enjoying every single second of it and really being disappointed when it’s time to leave.

Being honest in front of the eyes and ears of strangers requires the acceptance of being vulnerable. Comedians have to talk about what they know, how they live, who they are, and how they feel night after night after night. It has to be real. You can’t write a joke about something you can’t feel. Not a good one at least and the audience will see right through it. You will both be bored.

Sometimes an audience of strangers is the only ears some of us have for miles and joking around about the thing that’s been keeping you up at night for months is the only therapy available. The stage can set you free but it requires you to remove the armor and reveal an unprotected soul.

Long story short, it’s not all puppy dogs and kittens when it comes to stand up. It’s more like predicting the weather. Sometimes you get it right and sometimes you get it wrong but there’s always more. And if you allow yourself to be vulnerable for your art, you’ll see that rainy days can still feel good.