Stand-up Comedy:
I've loved stand-up comedy for as long as I can remember and I have my own aspirations to do it. I watch stand-up comedians every chance I get on television and in person at colleges and comedy clubs. Every Tuesday @ Zanies in Nashville, TN I watch open mic acts and a hilarious improvisational troupe - The Skeleton Crew. I'm closer to moving from observer to participator, but I still have some things I'd like to take care of such as develop more material, practice more of my material, and finish my thesis. Most comedians would advise that I just start getting on stage and do it, but I want to succeed and I want to start off right and commit to it without distractions.
My drive to do stand-up comedy doesn't have anything to do with making money as I make a much better living as an engineer. And, I don't have a great desire to travel around the country, either. My interest in stand-up comedy is purely for the art, expression, and the forum to share with others. Comedy is an extension of myself. I had an epiphany while judging at one of my sister's speech tournaments that I could do stand-up comedy and that it could be a continuation and improvement of the days when I competed in humorous interpretation. I realize that it will be a long road before I'm funny and get to perform for paying audiences, but I relish the journey.
I've actually been able to do a short set of stand-up comedy once at one of my sister's speech tournaments. Students nominated coaches and judges into a contest while they were waiting for awards and I was forced to participate. The category was extemporaneous dramatic interpretation and I just did some of my jokes and improvised other material. I got a lot of laughs and got 2nd place losing ironically to Rob McGuire (see milestones 'Worst of Times #1' to understand the irony). Below are two pictures during my performance:
I have many favorite comedians and influences, but Larry Reeb is my absolute favorite.
Larry Reeb
He refers to himself as Uncle Lar and his catch phrase is "it's a sick world and I'm a happy guy". I first saw him on Rosie O'Donnell's Stand-up Spotlight on VH1, but I've also seen him three times at Zanies in Nashville and he has killed everytime. Other favorite comedians of mine are:
Dave Attell
Dane Cook
Mitch Hedberg
Patton Oswalt
Brian Regan
