Showing posts with label comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comedy. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
PHOTO DUMP: Zorak the Chameleon
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Things I have Learned From Being a Real Life Grown-up
The past year has been the most insane of my life. This year I got married, I got divorced, I dealt with epilepsy, I moved out on my own, signed my first lease and my second, started stand-up comedy and realized it was what I have always wanted to do, made some best friends, lost some best friends, met the most amazing man in the world, fell in love, performed at the Improv multiple times, learned some lessons the hard way, went to Hawaii, had a few jobs, got sick, got better, and really changed as a person. I couldn't have asked for a better year though, because with all the bad came an overwhelming amount of good. I may have suffered but I would have never have found comedy or Connor if I hadn't. In fact, I would have never become the person that I am today without it and I really love whatever it is that I am becoming. I have this brilliant idea of what I want to be and it seems like I'm finally becoming that instead of just pretending. Sometimes I still get depressed and self-loathy but who doesn't? Sometimes grown-up life becomes a bit too overwhelming for my liking but that is just when you have to look at the ground and take each step at a time instead of looking ahead at all the scary stuff.
I will share with you some of the things I have learned this year because even though we rarely listen to other's advice and usually find out things the hard way, sometimes it's good to know whats coming :)
1. Bills are more daunting than you could ever think possible.
Moving out I realized that your apartment doesn't just come set up and ready to go. It's up to you to call all the companies and set up all your bills and utilities yourself. You need electricity, gas, internet, TV, phone, etc. You also have to pay these every month (I don't think you guys are dumb and don't know that, but it is a good reminder hahah) Something relieving to know though, is that you can pay a bill late and no one freaks out or ruins your credit. Most companies give you 2 months of lateness before they shut you down and the late fee isn't so bad. Not a GOOD idea to pay too late BUT it is a relief to know if you are a bit late, no one is coming to break your knee caps. You also have to call and notify the companies that you are moving out at certain date and then re-setup your utilities at the new location. Fun times, am I right?!
2. Animals REALLY Aren't Accessories
When I hear people talk about moving out they always want a cat or a dog. A lot of them assume you just buy your furry friend and they love you and happily ever after. It really upsets me because it ends in a lot of pets being given up. Before you move out and buy your animal pal, REAAAALLY think about it. I got my dog a few years ago and learned that yes, they are a great companion for when you miss your family. BUT. But they need constant love and attention. They need to be walked, fed, taken to the vet for shots, etc. I know, most of you are thinking "YEAH YEAH, I already KNOW that ALYSA." but you aren't REALLY thinking about it. I spent 60 bucks on groceries this week and 20 of it was for dog food. When you live on your own at such a young age, that's A LOT. That's gas to see your family one weekend, that's a trip to the movies, that's an electricity bill. Also, my dog got sick and the vet visit was 100 dollars. Not to mention getting her fixed was around 500. I love my dog to death but she IS an expense you need to be ready for. She isn't just something cute to add to your new adult life.
Sidenote: A lot of apartments wont even accept pets and if they do, you have to pay an additional pet deposit that can range from 200-400
3. Laundry Sucks.
Ahhhhhh how I hate the complimentary laundry facilities in apartment complexes. Coin operated, need a key to get in, and all your thieving neighbors have access to it. Maybe I just have bad experiences like my sheets being stolen or nasty notes from neighbors because I'm washing my dog's bed. Being a grown-up you have a few options for this whole laundry business. You can use your apartment's laundry room (if there is one). You can go to the laundromat (They scare me). You can do laundry at your parents house when you visit (YAY MOM AND DAD!). Or, you can hope you are lucky enough to find an apartment with a washer and dryer hook up and enough money to buy the machines. Anyway you roll it, it's a pain. Also, never really thought about it before but now that you are on your own, that laundry gets dirty FAST. One second you have plenty of underwear then, BOOM! You're wearing the same pair of granny panties for a day too long. GROSS.
4. Don't Live With Your Significant Other Until You Are Both Ready
I learned the hard way on this one. Living with a significant other seems like a really good idea because you save on rent, you get to always sleep together, blah blah blah. Living with a lover out of necessity is baaaaad juju. YOU WILL FIGHT AND HATE EACH OTHER. Only live with someone you are dating once you love them and you really want to take that step. Until then, live with friends and don't act like some know-it-all dick that thinks you are special and it will different. You aren't special, it will be the same forever.
This is my first of many Grown-up lessons posts, so don't be sad, more is still to come!!!! :D
I will share with you some of the things I have learned this year because even though we rarely listen to other's advice and usually find out things the hard way, sometimes it's good to know whats coming :)
1. Bills are more daunting than you could ever think possible.
Moving out I realized that your apartment doesn't just come set up and ready to go. It's up to you to call all the companies and set up all your bills and utilities yourself. You need electricity, gas, internet, TV, phone, etc. You also have to pay these every month (I don't think you guys are dumb and don't know that, but it is a good reminder hahah) Something relieving to know though, is that you can pay a bill late and no one freaks out or ruins your credit. Most companies give you 2 months of lateness before they shut you down and the late fee isn't so bad. Not a GOOD idea to pay too late BUT it is a relief to know if you are a bit late, no one is coming to break your knee caps. You also have to call and notify the companies that you are moving out at certain date and then re-setup your utilities at the new location. Fun times, am I right?!
2. Animals REALLY Aren't Accessories
When I hear people talk about moving out they always want a cat or a dog. A lot of them assume you just buy your furry friend and they love you and happily ever after. It really upsets me because it ends in a lot of pets being given up. Before you move out and buy your animal pal, REAAAALLY think about it. I got my dog a few years ago and learned that yes, they are a great companion for when you miss your family. BUT. But they need constant love and attention. They need to be walked, fed, taken to the vet for shots, etc. I know, most of you are thinking "YEAH YEAH, I already KNOW that ALYSA." but you aren't REALLY thinking about it. I spent 60 bucks on groceries this week and 20 of it was for dog food. When you live on your own at such a young age, that's A LOT. That's gas to see your family one weekend, that's a trip to the movies, that's an electricity bill. Also, my dog got sick and the vet visit was 100 dollars. Not to mention getting her fixed was around 500. I love my dog to death but she IS an expense you need to be ready for. She isn't just something cute to add to your new adult life.
Sidenote: A lot of apartments wont even accept pets and if they do, you have to pay an additional pet deposit that can range from 200-400
3. Laundry Sucks.
Ahhhhhh how I hate the complimentary laundry facilities in apartment complexes. Coin operated, need a key to get in, and all your thieving neighbors have access to it. Maybe I just have bad experiences like my sheets being stolen or nasty notes from neighbors because I'm washing my dog's bed. Being a grown-up you have a few options for this whole laundry business. You can use your apartment's laundry room (if there is one). You can go to the laundromat (They scare me). You can do laundry at your parents house when you visit (YAY MOM AND DAD!). Or, you can hope you are lucky enough to find an apartment with a washer and dryer hook up and enough money to buy the machines. Anyway you roll it, it's a pain. Also, never really thought about it before but now that you are on your own, that laundry gets dirty FAST. One second you have plenty of underwear then, BOOM! You're wearing the same pair of granny panties for a day too long. GROSS.
4. Don't Live With Your Significant Other Until You Are Both Ready
I learned the hard way on this one. Living with a significant other seems like a really good idea because you save on rent, you get to always sleep together, blah blah blah. Living with a lover out of necessity is baaaaad juju. YOU WILL FIGHT AND HATE EACH OTHER. Only live with someone you are dating once you love them and you really want to take that step. Until then, live with friends and don't act like some know-it-all dick that thinks you are special and it will different. You aren't special, it will be the same forever.
This is my first of many Grown-up lessons posts, so don't be sad, more is still to come!!!! :D
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Life Post #2
Once again I have failed you, my friends. I have been out of commission for a few months due to having MRSA (Evil flesh-eating cyst disease....) and just generally being really busy with life. I need to stop letting the few stressful things in my life stop me from being a productive human being though. I will continue to try and not let you all down again! Since I am sick with a cold (never-ending sicknesses in this apartment, I swear), here are just some fun pictures from my life.
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| My birthday dinner with my family |
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| 11th Doctor costume for Halloween |
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| Turning 21 at Harbor House. First beer was a Newcastle! |
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| Sending in our contract for our movie |
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| Green room at The Comedy Store |
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| Paid or Pain show at The Comedy Store |
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| This..... this is phenomenal |
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| A wrestling skirt I found while thrifting |
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| Hanging up Christmas lights |
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| Halloween Zombie Walk |
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| Connor with my toilet (Steve) |
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| Westside Comedy Theatre |
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Making Comedian Friends
It's very hard to follow that last post but here I go...
Since I started comedy I have pretty much alienated every friend I had and replaced them with comedians. It wasn't because they were bad friends and they weren't fun, it was because every night I'm doing comedy and there was no time for others. When you finish a show at 1 AM, regular people are going to sleep or don't want to make the drive to see you but the other comedians are always there and down to go to Denny's or go back to your apartment and drink. The only people I see on a regular basis are comedians. It was just a natural transition.
Something I learned early on is that to have comedians as friends you have to grow a thick skin. A lot of comedians believe that to be a part of the group you have to be able to endure teasing and be able to retaliate too. For the first month or so I had a lot of hurt feelings and resentment but I learned to deal with it and move on. It was hard to get used to but after you do it can actually be fun. Sometimes I still get my feelings hurt and I know other comedians do too but it's all about just being honest when things go to far. You can have a thick skin but we aren't all made out of stone.
Something else I learned is that you will talk about comedy almost constantly. Whenever I hang out with comedians we are either talking about a famous comedian, our most recent set, the community, what shows are coming up.... etc. Sometimes music will come up or movies but it always ends with comedy.
Also, be ready for the puns. Maybe this doesn't happen with every comedian friend but it happens a lot. If I had a nickle for every groan inducing pun that I have heard, I'd have a butt-ton of nickles.
Comedians are like wild cats. They scratch and bite and are skittish and will eat garbage to survive but they are still kitties. I dunno, that was a weird metaphor. Better summary, I wouldn't exchange my comedian friends for any other human being in the world. They are the bees knees.
Since I started comedy I have pretty much alienated every friend I had and replaced them with comedians. It wasn't because they were bad friends and they weren't fun, it was because every night I'm doing comedy and there was no time for others. When you finish a show at 1 AM, regular people are going to sleep or don't want to make the drive to see you but the other comedians are always there and down to go to Denny's or go back to your apartment and drink. The only people I see on a regular basis are comedians. It was just a natural transition.
Something I learned early on is that to have comedians as friends you have to grow a thick skin. A lot of comedians believe that to be a part of the group you have to be able to endure teasing and be able to retaliate too. For the first month or so I had a lot of hurt feelings and resentment but I learned to deal with it and move on. It was hard to get used to but after you do it can actually be fun. Sometimes I still get my feelings hurt and I know other comedians do too but it's all about just being honest when things go to far. You can have a thick skin but we aren't all made out of stone.
Something else I learned is that you will talk about comedy almost constantly. Whenever I hang out with comedians we are either talking about a famous comedian, our most recent set, the community, what shows are coming up.... etc. Sometimes music will come up or movies but it always ends with comedy.
Also, be ready for the puns. Maybe this doesn't happen with every comedian friend but it happens a lot. If I had a nickle for every groan inducing pun that I have heard, I'd have a butt-ton of nickles.
Comedians are like wild cats. They scratch and bite and are skittish and will eat garbage to survive but they are still kitties. I dunno, that was a weird metaphor. Better summary, I wouldn't exchange my comedian friends for any other human being in the world. They are the bees knees.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sex Object
By no means am I inferring with this title that I am the Marilyn Monroe of the comedy community. I am not that conceited. And people wanted to date Marilyn (Bitter woman throw in line!). Let me explain why I am calling myself a "Sex Object"...
Being one of the only consistent female comedians in the Orange County area (that is over 18) really wasn't a good start to me being taken seriously. I was doomed from the beginning. It also didn't help that most of my material is about my sex life, my vagina, and men from my past. Because of what I talk about onstage, I am immediately dismissed as a "whore" or just looked at as "public domain." It's almost like the mindset is, "Hey, you talk about sex a lot so you must be DTF for everyone." Another thing that doesn't help my case is I had sex with a male comedian. Just another addition to the pile of reasons everyone assumes I am going to fuck them all. These are all horrible assumptions that do not bode true in the slightest. I have had my ass grabbed, men have said vulgar comments to me; I have even had people tell me to my face that since I already fucked a comedian, why won't I fuck them?
I am not my jokes. I am a human being. Sure, my jokes are things that really happened to me and things I think about. Sure, I give off a sexual vibe and talk about sex a lot. I don't mind that. The thing is, no one seems to want to get to know me past that. No one cares about the rest of my life. I have had very deep, personal conversations with my close comedian friends where I found out a lot about their past and who they are as a person. I have these conversations with them because I consider them my best friends and I want to know everything about them. BECAUSE THEY ARE MY CLOSEST FRIENDS AND THAT'S WHAT YOU DO IN A LEGITIMATE FRIENDSHIP. But the second that I reveal anything more personal than "My vagina blah blah sex story" everyone shuts off and ignores me. No one wants to ask me what my favorite color is or what I do besides comedy. I am the sex object. Someone that they dismiss with, "Oh yeah, I could fuck her. Whatever though." It's not just me either.
The men in this community are incredibly misogynistic. I have heard fellow male comedians call women "fat", "ugly", "a stupid, giant whore".... etc. Anything that is revealed by a woman that isn't completely shallow is immediately turned into a flaw that they have. Say that a certain woman cries a lot, then she is just a stupid bitch that needs to shut up and stop whining. There is no empathy here. There is no REAL caring for others. I have rarely heard the men talk about a woman nicely. And I'm not talking about on a shallow level where they say "Oh, she was nice. She was good-looking." I'm talking about on a deeper level. Every man seems incredibly damaged by women but being cruel to EVERY woman doesn't make the pain go away. We aren't all evil, some of us are actually really good people. Some of us actually have feelings and they get hurt. You aren't the only ones who have been hurt, A LOT. Maybe if some of you talked to me, you would know that. Go to fucking therapy. It actually helps. It doesn't make you weak, it makes you a better human being.
Being one of the only consistent female comedians in the Orange County area (that is over 18) really wasn't a good start to me being taken seriously. I was doomed from the beginning. It also didn't help that most of my material is about my sex life, my vagina, and men from my past. Because of what I talk about onstage, I am immediately dismissed as a "whore" or just looked at as "public domain." It's almost like the mindset is, "Hey, you talk about sex a lot so you must be DTF for everyone." Another thing that doesn't help my case is I had sex with a male comedian. Just another addition to the pile of reasons everyone assumes I am going to fuck them all. These are all horrible assumptions that do not bode true in the slightest. I have had my ass grabbed, men have said vulgar comments to me; I have even had people tell me to my face that since I already fucked a comedian, why won't I fuck them?
I am not my jokes. I am a human being. Sure, my jokes are things that really happened to me and things I think about. Sure, I give off a sexual vibe and talk about sex a lot. I don't mind that. The thing is, no one seems to want to get to know me past that. No one cares about the rest of my life. I have had very deep, personal conversations with my close comedian friends where I found out a lot about their past and who they are as a person. I have these conversations with them because I consider them my best friends and I want to know everything about them. BECAUSE THEY ARE MY CLOSEST FRIENDS AND THAT'S WHAT YOU DO IN A LEGITIMATE FRIENDSHIP. But the second that I reveal anything more personal than "My vagina blah blah sex story" everyone shuts off and ignores me. No one wants to ask me what my favorite color is or what I do besides comedy. I am the sex object. Someone that they dismiss with, "Oh yeah, I could fuck her. Whatever though." It's not just me either.
The men in this community are incredibly misogynistic. I have heard fellow male comedians call women "fat", "ugly", "a stupid, giant whore".... etc. Anything that is revealed by a woman that isn't completely shallow is immediately turned into a flaw that they have. Say that a certain woman cries a lot, then she is just a stupid bitch that needs to shut up and stop whining. There is no empathy here. There is no REAL caring for others. I have rarely heard the men talk about a woman nicely. And I'm not talking about on a shallow level where they say "Oh, she was nice. She was good-looking." I'm talking about on a deeper level. Every man seems incredibly damaged by women but being cruel to EVERY woman doesn't make the pain go away. We aren't all evil, some of us are actually really good people. Some of us actually have feelings and they get hurt. You aren't the only ones who have been hurt, A LOT. Maybe if some of you talked to me, you would know that. Go to fucking therapy. It actually helps. It doesn't make you weak, it makes you a better human being.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Getting on Stage When Life Is Bad
As a comedian, I'm sure I'm not the only one who had to go onstage when I was having some distressing things happening in my life. I've seen plenty of friends have a bad day and get up anyway. But when does a bad day become so bad that you DON'T go up? In my opinion, never. Recently I have had some very emotionally difficult things happen in my life. I got divorced, fellow comedians that were at the shows I was at fucked with my heart, my ex-husband landed in the burn ward with 30% of his body covered in third degree burns putting me with him at the hospital almost everyday, he went through a bunch of surgeries, my Noni and Grandma Lou are in the hospital, I can't find a job, bills became overdue, my lease is running up, etc. etc. etc... and on every one of those nights, I went onstage and told jokes anyway. Even the day I asked my husband for a divorce, I immediately went to Long Beach and got onstage. Don't get me wrong, I haven't been perfect. Most of those nights I was crying and had to be convinced by my room mate or I was sitting in the audience, knowing I was up in five and seriously considering telling the host to take me off the list. We all know as comedians though, that you NEED to get onstage, every chance you get, no matter how you feel or if you think you are going to be funny. There is no break from this life. You can't just sit at home and cry for a week every time something bad happens and expect you will get any better at this. I have seen some really good comedians become a part of the back drop of the scene because of this. We all must continue to grow and look at comedy as therapy when we are going through emotional shit. Whenever I feel sad now, I feel MORE inclined to get onstage and release everything bad in me into something amazing. Someone breaks my heart, I write a new five minutes and go find an open mic. There have even been times where that five minutes sucked and it was just horribly angry but it helped me grow and learn what is acceptable and what isn't. It also taught me that when you feel this way and get onstage, you shouldn't just shit on the audience and expect anything either. You need to always try your best. We all get sad, we all have trauma as comedians. You can either let this eat you alive or focus your energy into something great. You are the only person that controls you so don't fuck it up.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday Favorites #5
I'm getting divorced so this week my favorites will be MY FAVORITE DIVORCES!!! (Hooray...) Nobody take anything that I say in this post as facts. I have no idea what I'm talking about.
#3 ELVIS AND PRISCELLA
Awwwww hot hunk Elvis meets beautiful southern belle Priscella and they get marriedddd. HOW CUTE AND WONDERFUL. Happy forever, right?
NOOOO!!! Priscella couldn't take the circumstances of Elvis' career and all his traveling. WHAT A FUCKING CUNT. And then Elvis got fat and died on the toilet.
WRONG THEY ARE NOT HAPPY!!! Only 72 days married?! EVEN I BEAT THAT! YOU FUCKING RETARDED PISS MONKEY FILTH, I HOPE YOU GET RAPED AND DIE! The marriage ended because Kim can't keep her legs closed for fucking 2 MONTHS and got it on with Kanye West!
#3 ELVIS AND PRISCELLA
Awwwww hot hunk Elvis meets beautiful southern belle Priscella and they get marriedddd. HOW CUTE AND WONDERFUL. Happy forever, right?
NOOOO!!! Priscella couldn't take the circumstances of Elvis' career and all his traveling. WHAT A FUCKING CUNT. And then Elvis got fat and died on the toilet.
DIVORCEDED!!!!!
#2 KIM KARDASHIAN AND KRIS HUMPFUCKIDONTCARE
Stupid slut Kim falls in love. How sweet. He seems like a nice guy! They look soooo happy
DIVORCEDED!!!!
#1 O.J. SIMPSON AND NICOLE BROWN
They are an adorable couple! Met at a diner and fell in love! Had some kids, got a house, LA DI FUCKING DA
THEN BOOM! NICOLE'S DOING DRUGS! EVERYONE HATES EACHOTHER! THEY SET THE BABY ON FIRE! O.J. BEATS THE SHIT OUT OF THE DOG! THEY RAPED AN ASIAN FAMILY AND STOLE THEIR SON, THEN RAISED HIM ON CORN BREAD! THEN HE FUCKING MURDERS HER BECAUSE THIS ALL MAKES SO MUCH FUCKING SENSE!!!
DIVORCEDED
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday Comedians #5
SO HUNGOVER FRIENDS!!! Never mix Gatorade and Cake Vodka.... BURF. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.
I will be reviewing BRIAN POSEHN today! Brian is a metal-tastic, giant child, high as fuck, fart-joke a plenty comedian. He has been on metal albums, collaborated with many other funny giant children, and was on (the always delightful) Sarah Silverman Show. He looks like someone you'd want to have a beer with and possible give bear hugs to too. He always gives off the most friendly, lovable vibes but his mouth is pretty filthy. His energy is fantastic as well!
ENJOY SOME BRIAN UP IN YOU!
NOW SOME LINKS ATCHA!
Website
Twitter
Facebook
AND NOW FOR KEITH CAREY INTERVIEWING MR. CONOR MCSPADDEN!!!!!
You might not know Conor McSpadden's name yet, but you're going to soon, because he's fucking amazing. In his short time tearing up the Orange County scene, he's asserted himself as one of the funniest, most inventive comics working today. With his blend of childish whimsy and blunt-force honesty, Conor is well on his way to making other comics jealous as shit.
Q #1: How did you get into comedy?
A: I did a top ten list a la David Letterman in 4th grade for the talent show. My closer was a story about when I swallowed a bunch of air, then farted really loud. It killed. I really started when I was 16, and I drove to a comedy club for a closed audition thingy because I didn't really know about open mics or how comedy worked in general. I lied about my age to sign up. There were seven people there, the booker, two comedians, two friends of one of the comedians, the booker's daughter and the sound girl. I did my three minutes of material I'd never done before and I got exactly one laugh. It was the sound girl. I still remember how she sounded, and I think about it almost every day. I was hooked after that, standup was everything I wanted it to be. I did standup off and on after that through high school, but I was mostly too young and too broke to drive out to open mics all the time. I got fully back into it about six months ago and I love it immensely.
Q #2: What has been your best experience doing stand-up?
A: I did a showcase at the Starlight Theater in Costa Mesa. It was my first real booked show, and my good friend recommended me to the booker and got me on. The booker had never seen me do standup and was just taking my friend on his word. I really put a lot of effort into my material, because I was finally getting to do a big boy comedy show with/for many of my peers and friends (I also didn’t want to make my friend look dumb for recommending me). I did really well, and it was cool to get to show people that I was actually capable of doing standup, as well as being assuring to myself to know that I could actually pull of this thing I’ve fantasized about since I was 10.
Q #3: How do you deal with a bad set?
A: I do another one as quickly as possible to cancel it out! I don't get too bothered by it, the thing I dislike about doing poorly on stage is when people sort of tiptoe around me afterwards. I just want to wear a sandwich board that says “I know I did bad, I'm ok with it, it happens.” I also force myself to listen to the recording of the set, like rubbing a dog's nose in its poop to show it that it did a bad thing. Then I just learn what I can and try to move on. Also I get a personal pan pizza from the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut by my house if I did really bad. It feels good to drown one’s feelings in a wash bucket of carbs sometimes.
Q #4: What inspires your material?
A: I was at a sleepover when I was a kid and “The Comedians of Comedy” came on, which is a road documentary about Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, Brian Posehn and Zach Galifanakis. It was during Patton Oswalt's clean filth joke. All my friends wanted to change the channel but I made them keep watching. I took the batteries out of the remote and threw them outside at one point, and they all left me in the living room. That movie changed my life. Patton Oswalt is still the guy I admittedly am trying to be. I had the pleasure of seeing him live recently and he still makes me smile like a little kid and laugh so hard my stomach hurts. Besides Patton and the other Comedians of Comedy, I enjoy Pete Holmes, Chelsea Peretti, Bill Burr, and of course Louis CK to name a few more. The people that influence me the most now are probably my friends to be honest. I’m always honored to be a part of the little comedy cell that I’m in, and I try to appreciate it because I know it’ll be gone someday.
Q #5: Who are your favorite comedians?
A: I've been an avid daydreamer since I was a kid. I still spend honestly about 2-4 hours a day just thinking about stuff and imagining things. I have a very repetitive job and I end up zoning out for long stretches of time, which is my haphazard way of starting to write material. One thing I think about a lot is hypothetical situations, and consequently many of my bits are just simple premises that get really silly. I’ll just notice something or have a little thought, jot it down (often in between customers on a scrap of receipt paper), then just chew it over in my head. My favorite little brain game has always been “if I suddenly switched bodies with person x, how would I deal with it?” So if you ever see me chewing the side of my cheek and looking off in the distance there’s a good chance that that’s what I’m doing. Also many of my jokes revolve around outlandish analogies, which are something that I’ve always enjoyed since I found out that my teachers in middle school would give me better grades for using “figurative language.” It also really helps me understand things if I compare them to other things. So basically I guess I just take a simple observation, then add lots of similes, funny voices, and mythical creatures.
Q #6: Got any shows coming up you'd like to let people know about?
A: I'm doing a contest in Costa Mesa at Westside Bar and Grill on July 11th. The last one was tons of fun and this time I'm competing with some of my dearest and funniest friends.
Next Show Event Page!
Facebook
Twitter
iTunes Campfire Podcast
Campfire Podcast Official Page
I will be reviewing BRIAN POSEHN today! Brian is a metal-tastic, giant child, high as fuck, fart-joke a plenty comedian. He has been on metal albums, collaborated with many other funny giant children, and was on (the always delightful) Sarah Silverman Show. He looks like someone you'd want to have a beer with and possible give bear hugs to too. He always gives off the most friendly, lovable vibes but his mouth is pretty filthy. His energy is fantastic as well!
ENJOY SOME BRIAN UP IN YOU!
NOW SOME LINKS ATCHA!
Website
AND NOW FOR KEITH CAREY INTERVIEWING MR. CONOR MCSPADDEN!!!!!
Q #1: How did you get into comedy?
A: I did a top ten list a la David Letterman in 4th grade for the talent show. My closer was a story about when I swallowed a bunch of air, then farted really loud. It killed. I really started when I was 16, and I drove to a comedy club for a closed audition thingy because I didn't really know about open mics or how comedy worked in general. I lied about my age to sign up. There were seven people there, the booker, two comedians, two friends of one of the comedians, the booker's daughter and the sound girl. I did my three minutes of material I'd never done before and I got exactly one laugh. It was the sound girl. I still remember how she sounded, and I think about it almost every day. I was hooked after that, standup was everything I wanted it to be. I did standup off and on after that through high school, but I was mostly too young and too broke to drive out to open mics all the time. I got fully back into it about six months ago and I love it immensely.
Q #2: What has been your best experience doing stand-up?
A: I did a showcase at the Starlight Theater in Costa Mesa. It was my first real booked show, and my good friend recommended me to the booker and got me on. The booker had never seen me do standup and was just taking my friend on his word. I really put a lot of effort into my material, because I was finally getting to do a big boy comedy show with/for many of my peers and friends (I also didn’t want to make my friend look dumb for recommending me). I did really well, and it was cool to get to show people that I was actually capable of doing standup, as well as being assuring to myself to know that I could actually pull of this thing I’ve fantasized about since I was 10.
Q #3: How do you deal with a bad set?
A: I do another one as quickly as possible to cancel it out! I don't get too bothered by it, the thing I dislike about doing poorly on stage is when people sort of tiptoe around me afterwards. I just want to wear a sandwich board that says “I know I did bad, I'm ok with it, it happens.” I also force myself to listen to the recording of the set, like rubbing a dog's nose in its poop to show it that it did a bad thing. Then I just learn what I can and try to move on. Also I get a personal pan pizza from the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut by my house if I did really bad. It feels good to drown one’s feelings in a wash bucket of carbs sometimes.
Q #4: What inspires your material?
A: I was at a sleepover when I was a kid and “The Comedians of Comedy” came on, which is a road documentary about Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, Brian Posehn and Zach Galifanakis. It was during Patton Oswalt's clean filth joke. All my friends wanted to change the channel but I made them keep watching. I took the batteries out of the remote and threw them outside at one point, and they all left me in the living room. That movie changed my life. Patton Oswalt is still the guy I admittedly am trying to be. I had the pleasure of seeing him live recently and he still makes me smile like a little kid and laugh so hard my stomach hurts. Besides Patton and the other Comedians of Comedy, I enjoy Pete Holmes, Chelsea Peretti, Bill Burr, and of course Louis CK to name a few more. The people that influence me the most now are probably my friends to be honest. I’m always honored to be a part of the little comedy cell that I’m in, and I try to appreciate it because I know it’ll be gone someday.
Q #5: Who are your favorite comedians?
A: I've been an avid daydreamer since I was a kid. I still spend honestly about 2-4 hours a day just thinking about stuff and imagining things. I have a very repetitive job and I end up zoning out for long stretches of time, which is my haphazard way of starting to write material. One thing I think about a lot is hypothetical situations, and consequently many of my bits are just simple premises that get really silly. I’ll just notice something or have a little thought, jot it down (often in between customers on a scrap of receipt paper), then just chew it over in my head. My favorite little brain game has always been “if I suddenly switched bodies with person x, how would I deal with it?” So if you ever see me chewing the side of my cheek and looking off in the distance there’s a good chance that that’s what I’m doing. Also many of my jokes revolve around outlandish analogies, which are something that I’ve always enjoyed since I found out that my teachers in middle school would give me better grades for using “figurative language.” It also really helps me understand things if I compare them to other things. So basically I guess I just take a simple observation, then add lots of similes, funny voices, and mythical creatures.
Q #6: Got any shows coming up you'd like to let people know about?
A: I'm doing a contest in Costa Mesa at Westside Bar and Grill on July 11th. The last one was tons of fun and this time I'm competing with some of my dearest and funniest friends.
Next Show Event Page!
iTunes Campfire Podcast
Campfire Podcast Official Page
HAVE A GOOD DAY MUTHAFUCKAS!!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Sunday Comedians #4
Hello funny friends!! It's been a very slow weekend but let us end it on a bang with SUNDAY COMEDIAAAAAANS!! (woop woop!)
I am reviewing Jim Gaffigan today. Mr. Gaffigan is one of my absolute FAVORITE comedians of all time. I fell in love with his funny when my dad bought "Beyond the Pale" a couple years ago. We would watch it over and over, laughing uncontrollably everytime. I basically had it memorized at one point. Jim Gaffigan's comedy is very observational (most of those observations being food and places that serve this food.) He starts off analyzing minutia and goes on to make very big statements about who we are as people. And nobody cannot laugh when he does that special high pitched voice that is supposed to be "the audience". He repeats alot of callbacks but you never get sick of it. Overall I want to give him many hugs and be friends with him.
HERE ARE THINGS YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING OR LISTENING TO!
Gaffigan Links:
And now for the INETRVIEW!!! Today we have a guest interviewer, Keith Carey. He will be interviewing Omid Singh, a comic AND a booker!
Omid Singh is one of the hottest comedy voices in Orange County right now. He's all over the Improvs, performing with national headliners, and destroying crowds on a nightly basis with his lightning-fast wit and exceptional storytelling skills. Poking fun at anything and everything, from America's perception of his middle-eastern descent to the agony of shitty airline pilots, Omid is a face you can expect to see much, much more from in the very near future. Without further delay, here's Omid...
Q #1: Describe your comedy in your own words.
A: I have no idea actually what my comedy is like. Still on the path to discovering what it all means.
Q #2: How did you start doing stand-up?
A: I started in my junior year of high school. I was on an improv team all 4 years at Irvine High and stand up just seemed to be the next step to making people laugh after we all graduated.
Q #3: How do you handle a bad set?
A: I go for an extra long drive after a bad set and try and analyze everything that went wrong. Then when I get home, I look up the open mic schedule for the next day and plan a completely different set.
Q #4: What's the best experience you've had in comedy?
A: Meeting Dane Cook was pretty surreal. I looked up to him a lot when I first started out and to actually meet him is something I could never imagine happening when I was 16.
Q #5: You also produce a lot of shows. What do you look for in a comic before you book them?
A: Someone who is funny and has a real passion to help the show. Also honesty with how many people you can bring!!
Q #6: Who is your comedy idol?
A: Robin Williams. I've watched Robin Williams Live on Broadway over 50 times and every time I watch it I discover a whole new bit or joke that I never caught before. Timeless.
A: Elton and I have a Night of Comedy on July 7th at the Irvine Improv so just
want to get the word out there on that one. We have a great lineup that
includes Sean Parker, Friendly Frank and a few special surprise guests.
Saturday, July 7th at 11pm.
LINKS AND JAZZ:
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