Standup comedy …and comfort zones – Pt1

Every now and again I agree to be part of something and when I sit back to think about why I start to question my judgement. So when Karen Birch proposed that I be part of a group of 6 women who would be trained in standup comedy techniques and then put on a gig a few days later I should maybe have held on for a wee bit longer than I did before agreeing. The fact is that I trust Karen ( yes I still do) and I did not have a good excuse/reason to say “no”.

So – after sharing what I was going to do with friends and family and being greeted with either “you are very brave” or “you must be mad” from them all it was with much trepidation that I went to my first training session on Monday.

Five of the six participants arrived at Assembly 3 – which is actually a current Edinburgh Fringe venue – and from the start we were performing. The lovely Lynne Parker led the workshop and with her support I began to believe that actually I could be funny.

Now I will be honest here  – standing up and speaking in front of an audience does not worry me – which is a blooming good job as public speaking training is part of what I offer to clients.   So I was at a loss as to why  – as soon as comedy or being funny came into the equation  – I was a nervous wreck. Maybe it’s because I have read too many biographies of comedians that I admire and their many stories of “dying” on stage. Or maybe it’s because I can cover up most of my shortcomings with a mixture of bravado and bluff ( and skill of course) but this seemed to be a step way too far.

But as a coach I know that the best learning comes from doing something that you have not done before or doing what you do normally in a different way – and then reflecting on what happened. The reflecting part is crucial to gaining insights into what you want to do more of and how to improve things that might be better.

So overnight on Monday  – before the second ( and last!) training session the next day – I reflected on what I had learned and how I might apply that in my performance. Coming together again with my “classmates” it was clear that we had all done that to some extent and you know what – fledgling comediennes started to appear before my eyes.  In that supportive environment it was clear that each one of us had the ability to be funny.

As I write this the actual gig – which is for charity ( details here ) – is a day away. I will shortly go and practice my set.  On the advice from Lynne I will make my character bigger and more “ranty” ( ie it has a ranting theme..) so I will do it in front of a mirror to see what that might look like. I have my outfit chosen – it supports my set – and I am ready to give it a go.

Wish me luck….or whatever…

And part 2 will follow after the event!

Stand Up Comedy – and comfort zones Pt2

Travelling with Lynne Parker and Suzy Bennet – 2 Professional Funny Women – by car on the M8 towards Glasgow on what has been described as the wettest day on record I suddenly realised that I couldn’t remember any of the material for the set that I would be delivering in an hour or so. Reminding myself of the advice I give in my public speaking workshops and coaching  I decided that not thinking about it would mean that it would all come back to me. After all it is my material, based on my experiences written and prepared by me!

We got to the Dram in Woodlands Road and the room was buzzing with anticipation from the already assembled audience and with only a few spare places there was nowhere to go for a quiet preparation. We were on!

Watching the amazing Janey Godley - our MC for the night – hold the fort while some technical issues were tackled  it was all becoming very real and before we knew it the first of our Funny Women for the night  Michelle Roger ( aka @tartancat) was called to the mic ( except she wasn’t because it wasn’t working – and wouldn’t  for the rest of the night). Thankfully the 1st  time Funny Women were able to raise their voices ( it all helps to even out nervous wobbles believe me).

When it came to my turn I had had the benefit of watching both Michelle and Ruth and I realised that the only difference between doing what I was doing last night and what I regularly do in front of audiences in workshops and other events was that I was supposed to make this audience laugh. How hard would that be?  – OK I’m kidding here . The BIG issue for this gig was that exactly – would I be able to make the audience laugh?

The funny thing about humour is that we all laugh at different things. Personally I am left cold by comedy that uses making unsuspecting folk look stupid to get a laughs but I will a laugh out loud at good “slapstick” falling about stuff. I prefer a comedian who talks about something that I can relate to rather than one that tells jokes or relies on punchlines but can be equally entertained by both styles. I love it when a comedian is political and ranty and makes me think through their humour ( Janey is wonderful at this). I don’t have to agree with them to laugh. Sometimes  I think sometimes it’s about the mood I’m in.

I am happy with how my set went. The audience would only know what I changed, forgot or left out if I told them so what I delivered was what they got. I did get a laugh in the middle that sticks in my mind because I had to pause to let them finish  – and BOY did that feel good.

Last night’s audience was of couse fully supportive and behind us all regardless if they knew us or not.  There was something really wonderful about looking out into a sea of faces of folk willing us to do well.

So that’s it done. On the night £1100 was raised for a mobile health clinic through Good Shepherd Healthcare and it’s not too late to donate. Follow this link if you would like to do that now.

A recording of the event was made and I should get the dvd soon.  I have never been happy to watch myself on film but for a good cause I might hold some private showings ( oooer missus).

Would I do it again?  You know something….I could probably be persuaded!

Now off to nab a Fringe Venue for 2012