One of the big misconceptions with stand-up is that shows are only at comedy clubs or theaters. There are plenty there, but a lot of work comes from bars, assembly halls, fraternal groups and even private events. I’ve worked high school reunions, wedding anniversaries, private parties and even a bike rally. They’re great and I always appreciate any venue that is willing to have comedy, but sometimes you get some curveballs.
I worked with my pal Dan this past weekend at a small town show to raise money for an athletic team. I guess you could say we were athletic supporters! HAHAHAHAHA. I have to shower after that joke. We were told to be clean, which makes sense for the fact it was a fundraiser. We rolled in and scanned the room. Good ceiling, stage was nice, lighting looks great, seven year old girl in the crowd, sound check…wait a minute, rewind that. Son of a bitch. Clean is one thing. No F word, tone down any sex references, so on so forth. “Family friendly” is a whole other animal. No sex references at all, limited drinking jokes – forget any drug references, no F word becomes no four letter words at all. I went back the car and grabbed my old notebook and began scanning for joke ideas. For the first time since probably 2010, I had to sneak a set list onstage.
It actually went well, but I did take about ten minutes to really get them going. That may be because it was a dry show. Drinks loosen up laughs like a ticklefight. It also would’ve helped me not give a shit about doing jokes in front of a seven year old girl.