Last night I really wasn't sure how the open mic at the Funny Bone was going to go. I've been told repeatedly that I need to relax and be more conversational on stage; and sound less like I'm telling jokes. I was scheduled 11th to go up; and while I was waiting "on deck", Dano came up to me and said that I was getting the check-drop1. I said I liked a challenge. Dano went up, did one or two jokes and brought me up. I did both of my 'pay attention to me' jokes, the first, my make a wish, hit alright. The second, which I'm trying to tighten up did ok. I think I need to review some audio from last month so I can figure out exactly how I did at Laughs. Anyway. My set went alright, I did my Halloween joke, Ferrari, Sports and sex (which I finally did how I've been wanting to), and closed with my two porn jokes. I just now realized I forgot to work with my zoo/bestiality joke. I kind of want to pull that from one bit and put it in another. I'll loose some overall time doing that, but I think I could really turn up the power of my porn jokes.
After the show, Gabriel Kea came up to me and said I was no longer a clean comic. I said "Huh?" And he said my set was on the internet now, he was referring to the taping which Andi Smith and some guy are putting up on an open mic broadcasting website called Rooftop Comedy. I told Gabe he was wrong because 1) my porn jokes are done in a clean/semi-clean manner, and B) I'm sure I've posted those jokes online on my media page. After that, Dano complimented me and said I did pretty well for a check drop. He also said my porn jokes were good, they just needed a little tightening up. I told him how I wanted to do more dirty material in a clean way and see what I can get away with. He said that doing that would be like a double negative. As for my tone on stage, it was better, I asked a couple of comics if I seemed more conversational, but apparently it wasn't a HUGE, noticeable change because I had to ask is I seemed more conversational. Baby steps. Anyway I feel like I made progress last night and I wasn't expecting too. It feels nice.
My name plate medallion, says 'Never Trust a Hal 9000'
1. Check drop: The point in a show when the waitstaff brings the audience their bill. Generally, the audience is too busy concentrating on dividing up and paying the tab to pay much attention.