"DO YOU GET NERVOUS?"

People often ask me if I get nervous before I go on stage. The truth is, I really don't anymore except in a few situations. And even in those situations, the nerves go away, usually after receiving the first laugh.

The first situation is when there are a lot of other comedians in the room. The fear of peers judging and "imposter syndrome" is real for me, especially when there are seasoned comedians or comedians I look up to, watching my set.

Secondly, when I am trying new material. New jokes are the most stressful and nerve-wracking, especially the first time I try them. You are still forming the words and the order of the jokes, so the nerves take over, but sometimes, the failures on stage lead to goldmines in comedy. For me, when a joke fails, the stress of trying to get a laugh sometimes leads to new punchlines.

Lastly, I always have anxiety and nerves when I am performing for the first time at a new venue. There is something about a new room, especially when its a prestigious one, that causes me anxiety.  #comedyshow #careerchange #formerlawyer #chicagolawyer #standupcomedian