PLAY NICE WITH OTHERS

Stand Up Comedy is a one man show. You are alone on stage and, as a road comic, mostly off too. It works great for people who, like me, don't like to work for others or may have authority issues. And also those of us who like to work and be alone. But of course, sometimes, you have to work with others.

Obviously when you are on a show, you are working with the host, feature or headliner, depending on your role. That interaction can be minimal if you want it to be or if the headliner wants it to be. I have worked with headliners who won't share the green room with the openers or talk to us. I have also been a headliner trying to minimize my interactions with a host for a variety of reasons.

When you produce or write a show, whether live, network or for media, you have to work with others again. For me, I was in an office setting for a majority of my life and before that, I was in social clubs and fraternities. I am used to taking criticism and giving it. I also did improv at Second City where you learn the art of "yes, and" to others. I feel like I work well with others. I am often reminded, however that my intents are not always perceived amicably.

In comedy, I am constantly reminded that most of my peers did not have this same background and, being older, I also need to reminded of the generation gap and how certain comments like "I don't think that will work" can be construed as belittling someone. I pride myself of being kind and working hard and I expert the same of others, maybe too much. It sometimes comes off as aggressive I think or overtly ambitious. For me, comedy is a career path, not a fun little ride. That being said there are other egos involved, large and small. You have to play nice.