Comments | ixnayonthetimma: Future Career?

ixnayonthetimma

Future Career?

Mar 19, 2009 23:47

In mulling over what it is I will do with my future, I have considered what I'd like to do in the performing arts. Specifically, comedy. I have been assembling some material that, when refined, can be made into a live stand-up act. Of course, I have no idea if it's actually funny to other people. They're mostly just little lines and quips I thought ( Read more... )

cat, boredom, stuff, life

Comments 12

sting58493 March 20 2009, 20:49:51 UTC

Substitute teaching. I am about to start that. It pays between $65 and $80 in Texas.

ixnayonthetimma March 21 2009, 06:20:23 UTC

Hmm..Substitute teaching, eh?

Doesn't one have to have some sort of requirements for that? Such as being able to tolerate children and the stupid things they do? And when you say $65 to $80, is that per day?

sting58493 March 21 2009, 06:50:53 UTC

Yes it is per day. And yes you need to be able to tolerate people.

roytheboy March 21 2009, 14:41:45 UTC

Don't you also have to have a degree? Not necessarily in teaching, but in something

Thread 5

roytheboy March 20 2009, 23:20:03 UTC

Buy and read this book: Comedy Writing Secrets. I've heard about this book from several comedians and other comedy writers. It's suppose to be a gold mine for this sort of thing.

You might consider doing a short stand up for your family and friends one night just to get use to it and if you can get a good amount of material (30 minutes worth?) you could try and get a job at a comedy club or something. Could be fun! Do it Tim!

ixnayonthetimma March 21 2009, 06:02:56 UTC

Hmmm...good recommendation! Actually I considered the idea of performing just for friends and family, because I'd really hate to plunge headlong into performing for people I don't know and who have no interest in who I am.

I actually first got this whole crazy idea after dinner for my sister's graduation. I did a little 5-minute speech to a table of ten people congratulating her and making a few wisecracks along the way.

Thanks for the support!

roytheboy March 21 2009, 14:41:24 UTC

Definitely!

Keep us all updated, I'd love to see you on stage

the_glass_jc March 20 2009, 23:29:54 UTC

I've heard that the hardest part of doing stand-up comedy is dealing with hecklers. You're probably one of the funniest people I know and I don't see you pulling a Michael Richards, so go for it.

I'll come to as many of your shows as I can.

ixnayonthetimma March 21 2009, 05:59:58 UTC

I've decided if I do anything public like that, I will stay away from the even remotely offensive stuff.

So no political rants onstage. Unless one of the lines is thus: "Looks like those clowns in Congress did it again. What a bunch of clowns."

the_glass_jc March 21 2009, 17:41:34 UTC

Man, you said it. I don't remember the last time I heard such a sharp political observation.

Here's a little tip, though:
After every joke, you need to let the audience know that it was indeed a joke and that it's safe to laugh. I like to yell ZING! after I say something funny. You could also do your own rimshot. You could also do what Carlos Mencia does and tell the audience members that aren't laughing that they're too uptight. Any of these methods are sure fire ways to boost your stand-up career straight to the moon. And while you're there, can you get some of that moon money for me?

ixnayonthetimma March 22 2009, 22:28:10 UTC

Hmm.. I know Leno likes to do that where he will acknowledge when a joke has bombed, usually turning the response immediately around. I could also do what Carlos Mencia does and steal other peoples' jokes. I hear that works out pretty well for a little while...

And no deal McCutchen, that moon money belongs to me!