I haven’t found a good open mic for Wednesdays so I thought I would use this night off to share my first performance.
I did my first stand-up set on April 6th this year. I moved to Miami about a month prior and wanted to try something I’ve thought about doing for a long time. The first time I ever thought to try stand-up comedy was on a cruise ship when I was 15. It was cruise where John Mayer and other musical artists were onboard and had multiple performances. What I did not expect to see was John Mayer performing stand-up comedy.
In a small lounge on the Lido Deck my favorite musician made a surprise appearance at an open mic comedy show. Mayer had a few hilarious bits about his brother, his fans, and about being on a cruise. Watching John Mayer, perhaps the most talented guitar player alive perform stand-up comedy, ironically made me think that maybe I could do it too.
With no intention to get onstage my mind began racing: what would I say if I had the microphone. Could I tell a funny story? Could I set up a punchline? I don’t remember what I thought to say but it began my interest in writing jokes. For the last decade and a half since the cruise I have always kept a note in my phone with jokes. Some were quick one liners, others were long form bits, but none of them have ever been performed. I just liked to write what I thought was funny.
I went on to do comedy writing on Twitter and I’ll often share a joke I’ve written with a friend but I never had the motivation to perform comedy. It was not stage fright that stopped me; I have worked for six years as a tutor with classes that have dozens of students. I may get a little nervous time to time but I have always felt confident speaking publicly.
It also was not a lack of opportunity that kept me from trying stand-up. There were always comedy nights in my city: San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, but I never looked into signing up. One of my classes in San Bernardino overlapped with an outdoor open mic at the University and I would always listen to a comedian or two during our break. It looked so fun and I got the same sense from when I saw John Mayer so many years ago… I could do that!
I believe the reason I did not start stand-up comedy sooner is because I did not want to fail. I always thought (1) I would be good at and stand-up comedy and (2) as long as I never tried I could never prove myself wrong. Well, I was wrong on both accounts: I was not good a good comedian, yet. I don’t even consider myself a good comedian now. But, and to the second point, I have discovered that stand-up comedy is a process. A failure does not mean I am not ever going to be good - it means I am learning. Like learning an instrument, nobody begins with talent. It is hard but rewarding work that takes a newcomer to any skill from amateur to master. And just like a skilled guitar player, half of the power of practice is to make it look easy!
With the benefit of hindsight I can definitely say stand-up comedy looked easier than it is. A lot happens on stage. Emotions, expectations, and surprises make performing a joke a lot different than saying the words in order that I thought I had memorized. Presentation also plays such a large role in the success of a comedy act that no matter how much experience writing or speaking in a professional setting I had done nothing could really prepare me for stand-up comedy besides just doing it.
Now that I have been performing at least once a week for six months I can confidently say a few things:
I can do it! (It’s just not as easy as it looks);
I love doing it! (Even when I don’t);
I wish I had started sooner; and
I can’t wait for my next set!
Getting a laugh, or just being on stage is addicting. From my first performance to my set last night it has been an exciting adventure that I hope to bring you along for.
So, without judging me too harshly I hope, check out my first stand-up set ever. There was some awkward silences, some rookie mistakes, but also a laugh or two. The most important thing I learned from this first show is that I wanted to do it again… and again.
We can explore more of my first half year in comedy on my future nights off the mic but I should get back to writing jokes: I have an open mic tomorrow at the Taurus!
Good math on the 40% technique! What’s a golden needle tip? The video is 1 sec :(
A lil cringe I made the 1st round, but def a good 1st evaaa set!!!