I am happy to be able to say I was in a show on
12/20/12 and did well. I needed
that. I made conscious improvements, and
I just was more comfortable partly because I had been there before. When I got down from the stage, other comics
gave me knuckles (the pound, I believe is what it’s called). Later, the comics and some audience members complimented
me. Things felt good again in this
arena.
I stayed and watched the whole show. That is always my preference. I like to step back and look at the whole
canvas. Some people create a work of art
when putting a show together; others may slop it together more but it can still
come out well. Many make room to put
comics in who drop by unexpectedly while others have their show planned and
that’s that. I understand both choices.
When I had shows, I gave lots of thought to who I
booked and the order of the line-up from the viewpoint of the audience. I charged and wanted people leaving feeling happy
with their evening out. So I didn’t book
anyone I’d never heard perform, I made programs, and I wasn’t open to surprise
performers and especially if I’d never heard them perform. Sometimes that led to uncomfortable moments
where a comic heard about my show, came, introduced himself to me, but didn’t
expect to pay as a guest and would ask to be put on the show. No to being on the show – it was not an open
mic. (Lisa Harmon’s mom paid, for goodness sake.
And she’d eat and drink and enjoy the show.) I’d let the comic stay for free, but the
place expected everyone to buy something.
Hearing, “I’m a comic” did nothing for the small bar/restaurants trying
to keep their place in existence. These
were not comedy clubs but were open to me having shows in their establishments.
When going over everything in my mind, I come to the
same conclusion much of the time. I like
my material. I need to work on my
comfort up there. Some audiences are
easier than others for different types of comedy, but I want to be able to do
my best in all kinds of scenarios.
When I was up there, I caught myself doing what my
friend pointed out at the show where I did not do well. I stopped and consciously planted myself and
didn’t move around without a reason.
That helped me feel centered, and I even felt comfortable enough to
address the noisy people in the back who may have been waiting for the music
show that would follow. I didn’t bring notes up there; no writing on
my hand either. I relaxed my brain
enough to trust myself to remember.
Another interesting thing for me to note for myself
was that a comic in the show where I didn’t do so well was in both shows, and while
he did well in the one I didn’t, he did not as well in the one where I did do
well. It can all change from one show to
the next. He’s funny. But he had to work harder in the latter. Seeing that helped me feel normal in terms of
the journey. We each have our
night. Sometimes in that circle, it is
my turn.
The next day, 12/21, was my birthday which was good
in the important ways, and the world did not end. I’m glad.
I wasn’t afraid, but I would’ve felt further gypped.
Twenty-one years ago today, 12/25, I was going home from
the hospital with my 2-day-old baby boy.
Merry
Christmas. More importantly, be Christmas.
…
After writing this, I learned my oldest aunt passed
away on my birthday.
Selma, may you be in real peace and know the
love of my mother and God. Thank you, in
spite of many feelings, for helping to keep me out of the foster care system
when I was seven. It was the right thing
to do.
Hi, Happy Belated Birthday to you. Great blog and hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Also sorry to hear about your Aunt passing on your birthday. At least she is in peace now.
Thanks for reading and commenting, CA. I miss your musical comedy.
Mindy, happy belated birthday. I really was planning on coming by your show at GBM but I was out with back problems (first time) for about ten days. So sorry I missed it! Sorry to hear about your Aunt. I loved the shows you produced - always a great vibe and lineup. Thank you Mindy! All the best in 2013! And hope to see you soon!
Lisa! I didn't know it was your intention to go to GBM. How nice. Sorry about your back. Thanks for the good wishes. Same to you. 2013 awaits.