"Did That Really Happen?"

I am often asked if what I said on stage really happened, especially when I tell a story. The answer is usually yes or "mostly yes." All of the jokes I tell about myself are based in truth.

I was taught years ago during my improv training at Second City about the mantra "truth in comedy." Comedy comes from a place of truth, especially for me. Some comedians tell jokes that are not personal; Set up a joke and hit them with a punchline. My jokes are often stories of real life situations, based on my life. It is very personal. Is it 100% true, no. For example, if I am talking about an experience I had, it may be a combination of two or three experiences. Or if I am talking about a conversation or a friend, it is a combination of a few conversations or a few friends.

Certain additions will be added for comedic punches sometimes. I am working on a new story about when I first started comedy and the story is 100% true, until the punchline. I will also exaggerate some facts or take out a nuanced detail, mostly to adjust so it "works" for all crowds. For example, I say I graduated 203 out of 204 students in law school. That's not true but I did graduate in the bottom third (My law school only told us thirds of class rankings). But yes, the story and joke is mostly true.
Find out what my fellow comedians say about this on Thursday at the premiere of my show Stand Up Sit Down at The Lincoln Lodge where I interview them after their stand up set (ticket link below).
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