Stand-Up
Weeks before the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, I signed up to do stand-up, beating out 40 other interested attendees. During the workshop weekend, I attended Stand-Up Comedy Boot Camp Session for performers only. I always wanted to try stand-up but wasn’t comfortable being booed off the stage at my local Tommy T’s Comedy Club. This would be the perfect venue, a supportive group of 350 funny ladies (and a few gents). Yep, you read that right, 350 in the audience, including Bruce Ferber, Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated comedy writer and producer whose credits include Bosom buddies, Growing Pains, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, Coach, Home Improvement.
Pressure on.
Comedy Boot Camp by Leighann Lord
Stacey Gustafson, Elaine Ambrose, Leighann Lord, Anne Bardsley, Ivy Eisenberg, Rae Ellen Lee
Our instructor at the boot camp was the very lovely, Leighann Lord, know by her weekly humor blog, The Urban Erma, the longest-running column on Stage-TimeMag.com. At her workshop she promised to prepare us for the last event of the weekend, Stand-Up Comedy.
After the workshop ended, I started to get nervous. Really nervous.“This is for real. She put me on the roster, too late to back out,” I thought to myself. I rehearsed my five minute routine over and over. Worst fear: completely freezing on stage.
Time for My Stand-Up Routine
My routine, “To the Woman Who Fondled My Breast,” described my mammogram experience. When it was my turn, Leighann said, “I want to introduce you to your next comedian. She is a survivor of 70s playground equipment, cars without seat belts and Spam.” I gave Leighann a hug for good luck before I walked on stage, took a big breath and got started. I think it went over well with the women of a certain age. The younger crowd was finding it painful to listen.
Leighann Lord said, “See, why did you worry? You didn’t suck.” Ha, I’ll take that as a compliment.
Leighann Lord
Leighann Lord
Leighann Lord is smart, sexy, savvy, funny! If comedy was music, she’d be jazz. Stand-up comedian Leighann Lord – named one of New York’s 10 Hottest Comics – has appeared on numerous TV stand-up comedy shows including Lifetime’s Girls Night Out, The Original HBO Def Comedy All Star Jam, ABC’s The View, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen. She’s performed in the Caribbean, Europe, and for U. S. troops stationed in the South Pacific, Afghanistan and Iraq. Her comedy album “I’ve Got Connections” is played heavily on Sirius satellite radio and she is a popular guest co-host on Neil de Grasse Tyson’s Star Talk Radio. Contact her at VeryFunnyLady.com and @LeighannLord
Did you ever freeze in front of a crowd? Leave me a comment.
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I really, really, really want to do that! I probably should start a bucket list and put being a standup comedian on it!
Loved your routine. congratulations.
b+
Happy to make you laugh. Try a comedy club on amateur night, bring your friends for encouragement. And practice a lot.
I have admired your writing for awhile. I was reading this and hoping you found the comfort level you deserve – and you did! I’m actually kind of proud of you. Your fan…Susan
Thanks so much. I’m sure I would be more comfortable the second time, if there ever was a second time. On my way to check out your blog.
I think standup is HARD! Good for you for being courageous!
I think I can check it off my bucket list. I froze right at the beginning and then was on a roll. The audience support really helped.
Stacy! I’m glad you found the experience worth sharing. The question is: will you do it again?{BIG HUG.}
I would definitely do it again. I’ll start working on my material now and should be ready by 2016. Thanks for your help.
They hurt like hell! I think the smaller they are the more they hurt because the more muscle they smash. They really are awful. But you definitely weren’t. Keep at it, Stacey! I hope you will find somewhere to practice your craft.
I think I’ll keep my humor on paper where I don’t have to worry about freezing up. But I would try it again. And I think big boobs have a layer of insulation that limits the pain. Wouldn’t know for sure.
You hit everything and made me laugh at it.
I wonder why we find the mammogram so funny? Guess it’s because it’s so painful! Thanks for the confidence boost.
You. Are. Amazing. That is all. 🙂
Wow. Thanks for the compliment. Always wanted to try stand up. Now I can scratch it off the bucket list.