I mentioned before on my blog that I once took a stand-up comedy class (when my daughter was but a wee babe), and that I dropped out of the class. I’d like to kick myself for that now. Apparently, my fragile ego just wasn’t ready to take the hits. And at this point in my life, I’m on to other things.
Looking back, my routine wasn’t that bad—it just needed polishing. At least, I don’t think it was that bad. I’ll never know, as I never performed it in public. Awhile back, I found my old jokes on index cards and I still chuckle over them. “I coulda been a contender!” Or at least had more fun with it.
I’ve always loved a good stand-up comic. During my high school years, I remember rushing home by 11:30 p.m. so I could catch Johnny Carson’s monologue (that was back in the old days when VCRs and Tivo were but a gleam in their makers’ eyes . . . or something like that). Kids, you actually had to BE THERE to watch a TV program or you missed it.
In our early years of marriage, my husband and I saw several comedians in person, including Jay Leno, before he hit the big-time. We enjoyed attending the Seattle Stand-up Comedy Competition every year and have good memories of yucking it up with our friends back then.
After I reached my 30s, I hit my stride. I had more confidence in myself and was willing to venture out and try new things (hence, the comedy class). Well, okay, I didn't have THAT much confidence.
One year (when my daughter was only two), I was asked on short notice to emcee our church talent show. It was actually a pretty big event—several hundred people attended. Turns out I was second choice . . . the guy who emceed the year before was unavailable, so I stepped up to the plate to do the honors. If only I’d known, I could have used this book back then.
In the span of a day, I pulled together jokes (most lame, some not so lame) from all my sources since I didn’t have time to write anything original. Yes, I stole my material. Well, most of it. Like I said, I didn’t have much time to put it together, but I was highly motivated NOT to bomb. Fortunately (for me, maybe not for you), someone in the audience videotaped my schtick that night and now, through the wonder of technology, it’s posted online for posterity.
The video is about 12 minutes long and only includes my segments. It’s kind of embarrassing to watch, but not. How many moms (and hopefully, a future grandmom) can say they did comedy? It was fun! I rented a tux coat with tails and had a great time. Fortunately for me, the audience was primed to laugh and have fun as well. I still remember seeing my parents in the audience cheering for me. That’s a good feeling and one everyone should experience.
His Place Talent Show circa 1992 from Dana Chrysler on Vimeo.