For years, I've looked at the men and women who do it with awe. I wanted to try it myself, but I was afraid. I didn't think I could ever do what they did. When I discovered my local improv troupe, Bull Skit, I saw the classes as a way to build my confidence. Maybe after some training I could try getting on stage. Along the way, I ended up diving into Bull Skit full speed, and stand up had to take a back-seat to improv. Despite doing my first set over two years ago, I've only dabbled in it, with barely two dozen attempts under my belt.
This spring though, an event was announced that really had me excited. They were going to host a contest, with prize money and a big slot on an upcoming show. I saw it as a great chance to test myself, sure, against the other comedians, but mainly just to see how I would handle the pressure. So, within a week or two of Bull Skit Season 9 drawing to a close, I started writing jokes and doing open mics. Leading up to the competition, I put in about 5 or 6 sets, polishing my material, finding the rhythms of the laughs, and nailing my delivery. When the big night came, I felt good. There was some other locals I saw as a challenge, and a few from out of town that I had no idea about. I couldn't do anything about their sets though, just my own.
My turn was coming, so I positioned myself in our unofficial staging area. The comic up there before me hadn't been up in years, and was really struggling. He lost his train of thought, and got shook up. When the crowd felt his discomfort, it quickly spread to them too. Suddenly, everyone in the room was not having a good time. For a second, I got worried about having to follow him and handle the cold, nervous crowd. Then I thought to myself:
"I need to get these people back to a good place if I'm going to have a chance."
When the other guy finally finished, a table of older people right at the front just got up and left as he walked off stage. I couldn't blame them, but this was my opening. I was introduced, and stepped up there with a smile on.
"Hey everyone! Thanks for not leaving!"
...the crowd chuckled a bit
"It is like, 8 O'clock. They probably just needed to go to bed. It's fine."
...more chuckles
"Are you folks ready to have some fun? Let's have some fun, huh?"
The crowd gave a small cheer and you could almost feel everyone in the room (not least of which me) take a collective deep breath. It was OK to laugh again now. Now I could start my act.
The set went great. It was possibly my best one ever, right when I needed it. I was calm and confident. The judges awarded me first place! I was so grateful and excited that I stepped up in the moment. I realized after what the secret was. I basically took control of the room that night. I've never felt like that before. Control is not a sensation I'm used to. My routine is that I try not to screw things up too badly as I careen through my day. Life just happens and I try to keep up. But for that 6 minutes, that lounge was my own little universe. I could almost feel the energy of the crowd, as I had them on the ride with me. I can see why guys like Judd Apatow get back into it after decades away. When it all clicks, there's no feeling like it.
Of course, as the judges deliberated the winner, we were treated to the headliner, Tommy Mellor. He quickly reminded me that I still have a ton to learn, as he killed for 30 minutes. I don't have that in me. Not yet. But I know how far I've come already. I feel more relaxed on stage now, mostly thanks to the many hours of improv and sketch. When I started stand up, I was so afraid of having a bad set. Now, if things stall out a bit, I'll laugh about it in the moment and try to engage the crowd that way. When things aren't going well, I'll always learn a few things to change for next time, but I'm not afraid to fail.
Will I ever be a famous, successful comedian? Most likely not, but it feels good trying to become one, and as long as that's true, I'll keep hustling.
Chasing dem laughs,
B
