I got a last second call for a cancer benefit show recently. I walked in and realized of the 35 or so attendees, about 9 were children ranging from newborn to age 9. I planned a “clean” set, as you are supposed to do at benefit shows. My brain started working, though, and I realized my version of clean isn’t necessarily good enough with six year olds listening.
First, it’s hard to be funny for kids. Am I going to do all my school lunch humor? Perhaps a well thought out bit on recess? Of course not. That is why kids aren’t allowed to most shows. Second, I have clean jokes that reference drinking…those are out. How about my thoughts on race or sexual orientation that are clean…probably should cut those also. At least I have family jokes, like my grandma material…oh wait, it’s about her cursing. Long story short, I did three minutes of jokes and felt like I had a straight jacket on. Maybe for next time, I’ll learn some magic tricks. Or just never do comedy with kids in the room. That sounds better.