Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Just Be Yourself
“Just Be Yourself”
If you are a standup comic, others probably have given you this vague advice. During my career, over 100 people have offered me this guidance, including agents, managers, and plumbers, and I have never had a clue what it meant..
“Just be yourself.” What self? The self that gets so tongue tied in meeting new people that I stutter. That self? That would go over great in Vegas. This suggestion is almost as stupid as the “Just have fun,” advice. This was the advice someone gave to me before I went on to do a set at Gotham Comedy Club to a crowd that was so drunk, a woman actually projectile vomited on the comic before me. If I was to be myself and just have fun that night, I have been home in bed.
The truth of it is that when I am being myself, I am having fun. When I am pretending to be something that I’m not, i.e. confident, in charge, and sure of myself, I’m not having fun at all. It takes a lot of energy to put on a mask of what I think I should be like onstage. But how do we get to that place of authenticity?
After 25 years of doing standup I got a comedy coach, Steve North. All these years of coaching others, I never had one myself and it was time. My act was stagnant and my new material was hit and miss. Steve watched some videos of me and identified my “funny part.” It was something I was doing 50% of the time, and I needed to do it 100% of the time. The funny part of me is when I catch myself being phony and self criticize. It sounds like – “It’s hard out there when you’re working full time, it’s hard when you’re raising a family, and apparently, it’s hard out there for a pimp.” After doing so many gigs, I knew where the “funny” was and I was “hitting” it hard. This new way, I catch myself being so serious and mutter the funny part. The less I work the funny part, the bigger my laughs have been. Once identifying my “funny thing that’s me” I found 20 other places in my act that I could add it. My laughs became denser and the response has been incredible – bigger reactions during the show and more referrals after the show.
“Being myself onstage” makes performing so much easier. I don’t feel that I have to go out there and “Wow” an audience. I just have to talk to them – but funny. It’s made me more relaxed and in the moment. And because I’m more relaxed, I am creating new material right onstage. I’m sure this will work for a few months and then I’m going to have to dig deeper still. The great thing about standup is that we’re never done learning stuff. The plumber was right.
If you are a standup comic, others probably have given you this vague advice. During my career, over 100 people have offered me this guidance, including agents, managers, and plumbers, and I have never had a clue what it meant..
“Just be yourself.” What self? The self that gets so tongue tied in meeting new people that I stutter. That self? That would go over great in Vegas. This suggestion is almost as stupid as the “Just have fun,” advice. This was the advice someone gave to me before I went on to do a set at Gotham Comedy Club to a crowd that was so drunk, a woman actually projectile vomited on the comic before me. If I was to be myself and just have fun that night, I have been home in bed.
The truth of it is that when I am being myself, I am having fun. When I am pretending to be something that I’m not, i.e. confident, in charge, and sure of myself, I’m not having fun at all. It takes a lot of energy to put on a mask of what I think I should be like onstage. But how do we get to that place of authenticity?
After 25 years of doing standup I got a comedy coach, Steve North. All these years of coaching others, I never had one myself and it was time. My act was stagnant and my new material was hit and miss. Steve watched some videos of me and identified my “funny part.” It was something I was doing 50% of the time, and I needed to do it 100% of the time. The funny part of me is when I catch myself being phony and self criticize. It sounds like – “It’s hard out there when you’re working full time, it’s hard when you’re raising a family, and apparently, it’s hard out there for a pimp.” After doing so many gigs, I knew where the “funny” was and I was “hitting” it hard. This new way, I catch myself being so serious and mutter the funny part. The less I work the funny part, the bigger my laughs have been. Once identifying my “funny thing that’s me” I found 20 other places in my act that I could add it. My laughs became denser and the response has been incredible – bigger reactions during the show and more referrals after the show.
“Being myself onstage” makes performing so much easier. I don’t feel that I have to go out there and “Wow” an audience. I just have to talk to them – but funny. It’s made me more relaxed and in the moment. And because I’m more relaxed, I am creating new material right onstage. I’m sure this will work for a few months and then I’m going to have to dig deeper still. The great thing about standup is that we’re never done learning stuff. The plumber was right.
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Great observation. One question...what did you mean by this:
"This new way, I catch myself being so serious and mutter the funny part. The less I work the funny part, the bigger my laughs have been."
Would you mind giving us an example?
Thanks,
Stephen
"This new way, I catch myself being so serious and mutter the funny part. The less I work the funny part, the bigger my laughs have been."
Would you mind giving us an example?
Thanks,
Stephen
I think she meant that she's now stating quite seriously the, "It’s hard out there when you’re working full time, it’s hard when you’re raising a family..."
And then softly muttering, "...and apparently, it’s hard out there for a pimp."
I recall Richard Jeni does this quite nicely, too.
And then softly muttering, "...and apparently, it’s hard out there for a pimp."
I recall Richard Jeni does this quite nicely, too.
Have fun. Be yourself.
Somewhere on one of the comedy stages I forgot how to do both of these. I'm trying to relearn, having as much fun as I can being the closest approximation to me as I can estimate.
Somewhere on one of the comedy stages I forgot how to do both of these. I'm trying to relearn, having as much fun as I can being the closest approximation to me as I can estimate.
Judy Judy Judy (as Cary Grant said) you should do a DIY podcast(like the blog). Put it on iTunes and you'll get heaps of followers.
Run it with the great book of yours and use it to promote your workshops. You can also incorporate takes of your students' work like the Comedy 365ers do in Great Britain.
Run it with the great book of yours and use it to promote your workshops. You can also incorporate takes of your students' work like the Comedy 365ers do in Great Britain.
Glad you wrote about this subject because it is a problem I have yet to conquer!
I do exactly as you stated in trying to appear confident and oh-so-cool, because afterall I am the driving force on stage at the time.
I also hate the advice, "Just Be Yourself." I have a Master's in Philosophy and I continually ask myself, Who the fuck am I? The answers are not funny.
Thanks for the encouragement. I wish I had signed up for Steve North's workshop at the Comedy Conferene,(he gave me very good comments by the way). Next time!
UBU(you be YOU!) Zurub
Actor/Stand Up Comedian/Professional Speaker/Writer/RN
I do exactly as you stated in trying to appear confident and oh-so-cool, because afterall I am the driving force on stage at the time.
I also hate the advice, "Just Be Yourself." I have a Master's in Philosophy and I continually ask myself, Who the fuck am I? The answers are not funny.
Thanks for the encouragement. I wish I had signed up for Steve North's workshop at the Comedy Conferene,(he gave me very good comments by the way). Next time!
UBU(you be YOU!) Zurub
Actor/Stand Up Comedian/Professional Speaker/Writer/RN
A former student here; I remember Judy saying Dave Letterman is very shy in person and I read about lots of stand ups being insecure people with fragile egos.
How about if I'm a secure, head-on-shoulders kind of guy (no one's all together 100% of the time, but I wouldn't describe myself as insecure), does that mean I should quit comedy and find another job as say self help guru? :)
How about if I'm a secure, head-on-shoulders kind of guy (no one's all together 100% of the time, but I wouldn't describe myself as insecure), does that mean I should quit comedy and find another job as say self help guru? :)
I went to the Steve North website link, there was nothing about him being a comedy coach but THAT Steve North sure got around and did some pretty amazing things! Or IS it the same one.
p.s. I did a phone session with Steve...it was for comedy!! Not that other kind! :)
p.s. I did a phone session with Steve...it was for comedy!! Not that other kind! :)
I think it's amazing that you realized that you needed a coach. I've read the Comedy Bible from cover to cover and it's the best book I've seen so far on stand-up. I was blow away when you said, "how do we get to that place of authenticity?" I totally agree. I know so many comics that are still doing the same material they did ten years ago. It really confused me, because as life changes new things become hilarious - our lives change. I know about the mask and really want to find that "funny thing that's me." It's come out, from time to time. Anyway, your revelation was amazing and so helpful. You're great! I live in the Boston area and have tried to get out to your comedy workshop in Palm Springs for years. Someday, I'm getting there. Great idea for you to do a blog!!!
Also, the idea of DIY podcast is a really great idea - very hot! What I do for a living is produce tv and videos and Podcasting is amazing!
Also, the idea of DIY podcast is a really great idea - very hot! What I do for a living is produce tv and videos and Podcasting is amazing!
Being yourself. Ain't it the truth. I've been struggling with the same issue and have to work hard at bringing my authentic self up there. I've got good jokes but the attitude with the "real me" has been elusive. God, it's so hard to play yourself isn't it? I suppose we shouldn't be "playing" anything. Kudos to Judy for being willing to explore this after having so much success. Great tip.
Clarification: The funny part is almost an aside. During the setup I'm very serious... For instance - "It's important to have a lot of laughter in your life... it's healthy and it'll help you live longer. Phyllis Diller is still kickin... (and now under my breathe)and Dr. Atkins is dead.
Judy,
Thanks for the instruction and for sharing your insights. I find it hard but possible to memorize a whole shtick. Any suggestions?
Also, I find it really useful to get to know the audience first, and for the audience to know the performers.
I have been a masters of ceremonies many times. Any suggestions?
Finally, and most importantly, I find you to be a superb teacher and very, very funny.
Your student,
George Lee
Thanks for the instruction and for sharing your insights. I find it hard but possible to memorize a whole shtick. Any suggestions?
Also, I find it really useful to get to know the audience first, and for the audience to know the performers.
I have been a masters of ceremonies many times. Any suggestions?
Finally, and most importantly, I find you to be a superb teacher and very, very funny.
Your student,
George Lee
Awesome, I need daily insight. No pressure... How about spreading some of that comedic training love a little more in the big apple. More workshops please.
Clarification: The funny part is almost an aside.
You're your own Greek Chorus?
Excellent . ..
Nice start on the blog, I look forward to reading more of it.
You're your own Greek Chorus?
Excellent . ..
Nice start on the blog, I look forward to reading more of it.
When I find myself struggling to be authentic, it's usually because I am trying to market at the same I time as I perform..."gee what do these people want...they won't like this joke...let me use this one.." It seems like there is a fine line between customizing your act for an audience and pandering too much.
Another aspect of this is finding your audience. No one's comedy is everyone's metaphorical cup of tea; but there are a whole lot of folks out there, enough for each of us to have a sizable following. Going to an Eddie Izzard show really confirmed this for me. There is no way he is catering to the average person (what? a transvestite comic who draws much of his material from history books?)yet he fills concert halls.
So maybe part of being authentic is finding your people...people who can appreciate your comedy and you.
Just my two cents or so.
Another aspect of this is finding your audience. No one's comedy is everyone's metaphorical cup of tea; but there are a whole lot of folks out there, enough for each of us to have a sizable following. Going to an Eddie Izzard show really confirmed this for me. There is no way he is catering to the average person (what? a transvestite comic who draws much of his material from history books?)yet he fills concert halls.
So maybe part of being authentic is finding your people...people who can appreciate your comedy and you.
Just my two cents or so.
Finally, there is a blog for Standup comedy! What kind of classes should I attend be a standup comic? My joke delivery is very good (that's what I have been told) but have very few jokes. Comedians seem to have very good quick wit. How do you develop that?
Thank you in advance for any information and advice.
Thank you in advance for any information and advice.
I can't figure out who I am. I have very little confidence in myself, get intimidated too easily, I am my worst enemy, and I love to procrastinate. Sounds like the perfect qualifications to be a stand-up comic but lately I can’t seem to get past it all.
I have performed stand-up for many years but nothing consistent or serious. I have invested time and money (Steve North, Neil Leiberman) into writing had some successes but mostly failures. I am a proud owner of The Comedy Bible to which I refer to on occasion. I have notebooks, pads of paper, note cards, and computer files full of jokes that I have tried to write over the years.
I will get up the nerve and go to an open-mike night for a few weeks/months, feel humiliated and intimidated, and then take a year off. I have not been on stage in over a year or so but I continue to write various bits or bits will come in my head and I will say to myself “I bet that would work on stage” only never to try it on stage.
I am the king of excuses on why I can’t go to the open-mike. (I am 45, married, and have a 5 yr old son) However, there is this voice in my head that keeps telling me to not give up and to get back on stage.
I have performed stand-up for many years but nothing consistent or serious. I have invested time and money (Steve North, Neil Leiberman) into writing had some successes but mostly failures. I am a proud owner of The Comedy Bible to which I refer to on occasion. I have notebooks, pads of paper, note cards, and computer files full of jokes that I have tried to write over the years.
I will get up the nerve and go to an open-mike night for a few weeks/months, feel humiliated and intimidated, and then take a year off. I have not been on stage in over a year or so but I continue to write various bits or bits will come in my head and I will say to myself “I bet that would work on stage” only never to try it on stage.
I am the king of excuses on why I can’t go to the open-mike. (I am 45, married, and have a 5 yr old son) However, there is this voice in my head that keeps telling me to not give up and to get back on stage.
Judy, you should be yourself. But there are too many people out there who are truly being themselves - and it's not working.
Judy Judy Judy-
I am at work and have been laughing my ass off --I think you should just read them this blog---the only funny thing about the Midwest is talking about it from a distance. a far distance....Good luck..
Rob Tjader
I am at work and have been laughing my ass off --I think you should just read them this blog---the only funny thing about the Midwest is talking about it from a distance. a far distance....Good luck..
Rob Tjader
Judy!
From reading about your landing in Missouri/Ozarks and the drive,I wondered how that gig was going to go? It became like the 'Mystery Gig.'
SILLY ME! You are the PRO! Wow! Great connection comments and things for me...us to learn.
Your observations and the handling of seemingly difficult situations serve to help me with my Corporate Speaking (which has started thanks to your Corporate Workshop and me joining NSAOhio!).
This blog of yours is very instructive and funny reading.
I like the comments too.
UBU (you be YOU!) Zurub
From reading about your landing in Missouri/Ozarks and the drive,I wondered how that gig was going to go? It became like the 'Mystery Gig.'
SILLY ME! You are the PRO! Wow! Great connection comments and things for me...us to learn.
Your observations and the handling of seemingly difficult situations serve to help me with my Corporate Speaking (which has started thanks to your Corporate Workshop and me joining NSAOhio!).
This blog of yours is very instructive and funny reading.
I like the comments too.
UBU (you be YOU!) Zurub
Let me see if I got this right, you said I should, Be myself, Be... my...self. I never thought of that.
Thanks, Judy - Your the best.
Thanks, Judy - Your the best.
Judy, why aren't you married already? It's time to have some children already. Oy-am I getting heartburn. It's enough already with the comedy schmomedy. You're a nice Jewish girl, you need to marry a nice Jewish man, who is preferably a doctor or a lawyer. Don't talk to me about being a lesbian. Lesbian, schmesbian, gay, schmay-you could still marry a nice Jewish man already. Then would you have material?! Oy, my god. Would you have material? Don't tell me no.... material, schmaterial..I am talking to you....
Judy! There are too many nice Jewish men that marry the shiksas. You marry one and it's one less Jew married to a shiksa.
Listen to me. Next time you go to some facocta town somewhere don't be afraid of the goyim. This is my advice to you. Next time we want to read about the upcoming Jewish wedding, especially the food....nice, kosher, deli food, none of this crap that the goyishas call food that only rabbits eat. Oy, Judy, don't get me started on the food. I have to go eat now. I'll get back to you later already.
Judy! There are too many nice Jewish men that marry the shiksas. You marry one and it's one less Jew married to a shiksa.
Listen to me. Next time you go to some facocta town somewhere don't be afraid of the goyim. This is my advice to you. Next time we want to read about the upcoming Jewish wedding, especially the food....nice, kosher, deli food, none of this crap that the goyishas call food that only rabbits eat. Oy, Judy, don't get me started on the food. I have to go eat now. I'll get back to you later already.
I’ve been doing stand up for almost three years and Judy’s Comedy Bible, or the tattered remains of my copy, is my constant companion. It’s an incredible resource. Recently I asked Judy’s advice and she even took the time to reply; I think she is giving a great service to comedy.
And now guess what. I’m finding my voice. Listening to my act is a bit like surfing radio channels. I’d think, “Yeah, that bit is like Hicks or that bit is like Connolly or Jack Dee.” Then suddenly I started hearing another voice, faint at first, but then stronger and I thought, “Shit, that’s me!”
Now material is pouring out, suddenly I can’t stop writing. I have an autistic daughter and she has changed my life, for the better, more than anything else I’ve ever encountered but I just couldn’t talk about it on stage. Now I’m begging to talk about life with her and, because I really do care about how autistic people are treated, attitude is just leaping out of what I do. It’s taken me a long time to get there but now I’ve arrived it’s really exciting. It is worth the grind, the half empty rooms and even those silent people who just stare at you. Remember them? They don’t seem to be around so much now, perhaps they are dieing out, my wishes must have been granted.
And now guess what. I’m finding my voice. Listening to my act is a bit like surfing radio channels. I’d think, “Yeah, that bit is like Hicks or that bit is like Connolly or Jack Dee.” Then suddenly I started hearing another voice, faint at first, but then stronger and I thought, “Shit, that’s me!”
Now material is pouring out, suddenly I can’t stop writing. I have an autistic daughter and she has changed my life, for the better, more than anything else I’ve ever encountered but I just couldn’t talk about it on stage. Now I’m begging to talk about life with her and, because I really do care about how autistic people are treated, attitude is just leaping out of what I do. It’s taken me a long time to get there but now I’ve arrived it’s really exciting. It is worth the grind, the half empty rooms and even those silent people who just stare at you. Remember them? They don’t seem to be around so much now, perhaps they are dieing out, my wishes must have been granted.
~ "In the Midwest even the gay people are straight." ~ Judy Carter
And it's even tougher for Bisexuals.
And it's even tougher for Bisexuals.
In regards to your writer's block article; waves.. big ones, small ones, middle ones and occasionally calm ones, beautiful flat water, a moment in time to see how much you have touched the world, how much an effect you have had and trust that it is enough, and you Ms. Carter have done so very much, touched so many lives, given so much of yourself,
the waves will return to you without hesitation, though they may seem like waves you have never seen before because you have gone so very far.
thank you Judy
jon aley
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the waves will return to you without hesitation, though they may seem like waves you have never seen before because you have gone so very far.
thank you Judy
jon aley
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