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this trip so far and finally my video with an appearance from Doug Stanhope
Back in October I was invited to tag along for a few days with one of my favorite comics Doug Stanhope. The show was in Brattleboro, VT at the Weathervane Music Hall. It was a free show put on by Stanhope so that he could finally say he has performed in all 50 states. Doug gave me the idea of performing outside of the show for people smoking which I did. Crazy things happen outside of bars at night with drunk people. This video is evidence of the “Homeless Comic” identity taking shape. Now I just need more celebrity types to do shows with…
Now, lets think about this for a second and assess the magnitude of impact this had on me, an upstart comic getting to perform with one of today’s comedy icons. Think about someone you look up to or that is doing something you love to do in a way that you would love to be able to do it and then think about getting to work with them and crash on their hotel room floor. My first “rock star” moment.
In my opinion Stanhope is one of the greatest comics working today. He is an incredible writer and is able to deliver material that examines the dark recesses of his psyche which in turn causes us to examine our own. He does so in a way that he can do and abortion joke or a kitten killing bit and still stay likable on stage. It’s not dark for the sake of dark but dark humor, that if you listen with the non-conformist part of you brain, has a point. I didn’t get to talk one on one with him as much as I would have liked to but was rewarded by getting to hang out on the road with him for 4 days and watch a master craftsman craft a new act right before my eyes. Stanhope’s Showtime special “No Refunds” just came out a few months ago and already he has an hour of new stuff not on that special! AMAZING!
As you may or may not know I am back in Tucson at the moment. I’m crashing on my friends couch trying not to wear out my welcome. I needed a recharge. I had some great shows at Laffs with my good friend and mentor Scotty Goff. It’s been good to back in the old stomping grounds for little bit.
I’ve been traveling for 3 months now and had and incredible amount of learning/growth experiences. I started this with a little more than a good idea and a lot of inspiration. Only 3 months at it and I feel like I’ve grown a bit as a comic and maybe a as person too. I feel as though I’m building a puzzle that is my future and everyone I meet gives me a new piece to try and fit into the bigger picture. Call it luck, coincidence, synchronicity, or whatever you like but it is these little “freak” occurrences with random people that give me more incentive to keep going and to find out if I will end up broke, lonely, and desperate in a ditch somewhere or will actually be able to carve out a career niche that combines everything I love to do. Here a few things I’ve learned from some better known comics that I have met and interacted with on this journey so far:
Doug Stanhope - “keep writing, you’re forcing life experience down your throat. Just keep writing!”
Zach Galifianakis - “just be yourself and have fun.”
Kyle Cease - “think about going on stage like a 5th grader going to the playground or horny old man going to the Playboy Mansion, just change how your mental association with the stage.”
As in life if you listen to the people that are willing to share information you can only learn. Not everything is golden but you take what you want and leave the rest. If you pay attention certain things will resonate with you more than others and you may not realize its significance until later but just keep an open mind.
I will hit the road again on the 10th and go pick up my car in Connecticut, which is probably covered in snow by now, at my friend Stephanie’s house. Being homeless in the northeast may not be easy this time of year. I think I’m gonna head south for the winter. If anyone reading this knows people on the east coast between CT and FL that would be good candidates to host a Homeless Comic pass my info along or put us in touch somehow. On this leg of the trip I am going to focus on doing more shows in more homes and really network my ass off. I spent the first 3 months getting a grip on what it is I really want to do. I have clearer picture and now its time to work on making it happen.
Thanks to all who read for your belief and support I hope sleep on your couch someday!
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
[…] look at it. Even though nothing in the past 5 months has catapulted my career to new heights and Doug Stanhope doesn’t think I’m incredibly funny at least he said he appreciates what I’m […]
June 26th, 2008 at 5:22 am
[…] and not bad like shitty, bad like you can’t say that on television edgy yet profound Stanhope type of […]
January 19th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
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