Stand-Up Comedy. My New Job?

Stand-Up Comedy. My New Job?

On my bucket list is doing stand-up. I don’t mean as a job–even though that is why my title implies. Just once is all I need to get the checkmark and move on to learning a different language, getting a tattoo, or getting a parrot to say my name. So I enrolled in the Second City stand-up training class. I thought my stand-up would be more like my blog, but the instructor and group pushed me to more laughs per minute, and I am talking about something that I never thought I would.

I imagined the gesticulating story of me falling into a shitter. They crapped on that idea. I talked about the time I said fuck in a meeting and was shunned. They, you guessed it, shunned that one. I even mentioned my many trips to emergency. They left that in triage.

Instead, my 5-minute set is based on the following: I am inspired by my childhood bully.

WHAT?! So random but they loved it. Now they say that you are almost ready when you are sick of your material. I’m sick of it, but I don’t feel ready. I’ve gnawed all my fingernails down to nothing. I have the shakes and have been dreaming of white-wine spritzers. None of this is good. But I have to believe.

When I look back at my nervous patterns, I remember our wedding day. The two weeks leading up to our day was a weepy, scattered disaster. I broke a toe lunging for the phone, I yelled at everyone within a four-foot radius, and I stress ate so much they had to take out my dress. I could not contain my nerves. As I walked down that aisle, though, Mister could not believe the confidence he saw. He puddled at the front as I smiled and greeted everyone on the aisles. Calm and confident. That is my plan.

With all of this, our homework has been to watch and listen to more comedy. So I opened up Netflix and found the Russell Peters Notorious special. He is Canadian and with it being July (Canada’s birthday is July 1), I thought I would watch my fellow Canadians hard at work. I loved the special too because it was in Sydney. You know I love my other country almost as much as Canada. Besides, Mister and I saw Russell Peters as Master of Ceremonies at a charity event 20 pounds, I mean, 8 years ago. He was racy and inappropriate, in other words, hysterical!

As I watched the special I took particular note of the call-backs, crowd work, tags, and story arch. See how much I have learned y’all?! I could never hope to be a comedian. It has been way more work than I would have even imagined just putting 5 minutes together. So when I see a special like this at 70+ minutes, I now know just how much time went into crafting each moment. New respect, check.

While we are talking about Netflix, (this is the new job part) I have to mention that I was invited to be part of the Netflix Stream Team. No shit you guys, they want me to watch MORE Netflix and report back about my experiences. I almost teared up when I got the invitation. Who am I kidding, I did tear up. That is two groups of people demanding I cuddle on the couch with my coffee and blankie. How does one girl get so lucky?

I feel being part of the #StreamTeam is a made-for-me position. I am the master of binge watching. The family’s most recent obsessions include Pretty Little Liars, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy as well as Grace & Frankie (hysterical!). Of course, I watched OITNB. Holy Crap that ending! Next, I have Friday Night Lights planned, but for comedic relief, we are watching The Office on rainy days.

I am the Coronated Couch Queen and the Sneaker of Screen Time. They have asked the perfect girl.

#StreamTeam

If you are in Toronto and want to see me perform on Tuesday, August 2nd, 9 pm. Bring your canned laughter to the John Candy Theatre at Second City. Buy Tickets ahead of time as it is a small venue (thankfully!): http://secondcityjohncandy.laughstub.com/event.cfm?cart&id=456866&_ga=1.243554439.325136035.1468783724

 

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Comments

  1. Yowzers!@!! I keep telling you that you are very nearly famous. I would SO come and watch you. I could never, would never do this!!

    I thought I would hate Friday Night Lights. It ended up being my favorite show of all time. I am looking for a new show to watch alone (I have way more TV watching time than Hubby does) and will give G&F a try on your recommendation.
    halfa1000miles recently posted…His Invisible Creepy Ass ClownMy Profile

  2. Aw, wish I could go, but I’m in the wrong province! I’m sure you’ll knock it out of the park.
    Spoken Like A True Nut recently posted…You are getting sleepy, very sleepy…PSYCH!My Profile

  3. Talking about the bully and putting a comedic spin on it sounds perfect for you. I’m *very* impressed that you’re going to do stand up. I’m sure your nerves will settle when you go on. It’s not good to be too confident about these things anyway, IMHO.

    Do you actually get paid by Netflix?! What kind of feedback do they need from you?

  4. Now I am OFFICIALLY jealous! I want that #Netflix perk too!!! I would so go watch you but alas, the distance is too great. Will it be on youtube??

  5. Oh my god I wish I could be there!
    I’m cottaging this weekend and have to be back in Ottawa Monday to get my sister to the airport or else I’d so totally be there! Good for you, brave lass.
    Jay recently posted…Outlaws and AngelsMy Profile

  6. Good luck on Tuesday! I think you’ll be a natural at standup. Your comedy style seems so perfect for it. Break a leg! (In the good sense, not the falling out a tree sense.)
    Bun Karyudo recently posted…Bah! I Guess I’ll Have to Write a Title.My Profile

  7. How’d it go (he asked, a day late as usual)? I hope you have video you can share. I’ve listened to quite a few comedians talk about their first times which usually go well enough to get them hooked on doing standup. Maybe this will be your career.
    Also it’s wonderful to know there’s another “Grace and Frankie” fan out there, although my current Netflix obsession is “Stranger Things”, a supernatural mystery chock-full of subtle ’80’s tributes.
    It gets pretty disturbing so the banter of the lovely Tomlin and Fonda is a nice palate cleanser.
    Christopher recently posted…It’s As Easy As Pie.My Profile

    • I think it went really well. I uploaded it for your amusement. At least I hope you find it amusing.
      I will check out Stranger Things when I am in a stranger mood 🙂 Can’t wait for the next season of G&F. Love those two together!

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