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It used to bother me when someone would say they want to do stand up. Whether it was a patron from a show or a friend, I would roll my eyes. But in all honesty, I sincerely think its a compliment when someone says that to me. It means I made it look so easy, when in reality its not. This coming from a person who took the LSAT, went to law school, passed the bar (first time) and played guitar and bass. Comedy is harder. That being said, my journey to comedy was not traditional at all. Comedy was not on my radar until my 30s and even then it was just a hobby to keep me sane from the trials and tribulations of being a lawyer. (and by trials I mean REAL trials) For those who are really interested in doing comedy, I tell them to go watch an open mic- a full open mic- which usually runs about 2-3 hours. Then, if you still want to try comedy, come up with 2-3 minutes of material, usually a story and a couple jokes/observations and go back to that open mic. Make sure to record your set, either audio or video. Even if its just a "bucket list" item, you can try it! If you still want to pursue comedy, more than just one time, its a grind. The common rule of stand up is do 6-10 sets a week. Other than during the pandemic, I did this and continue to do this. Record all your sets and write every day. I try to do this as well although writing everyday is difficult sometimes. Godspeed! #comedy #standup #careerchange #formerlawyer #formermusician  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). #careerchange #truthincomedy #truthoftheday #formerlawyer #standupcomedian  Ask me after this show tonight ...... Just kidding. This is what I am asked often, especially by other lawyers or comedians who are thinking about leaving their careers. I would be lying if I said I don't miss parts of practicing law, especially after a horrible show or a bad week of rejections. In times like those, I often ask myself "What was I thinking, leaving the comfort of law?" I always say, there were parts of the law I loved, like trials, arguing and drafting motions and even depositions. I miss trials, but those were few and far between, especially in my line of practice. But I was also burned out. I did what I wanted with the law, trying over 20 jury trials, attending and taking over 500 depositions, arguing and defending thousands of motions, and achieving the honor of being "40 under 40" for Illinois lawyers. I do not miss the researching of case law and client development efforts. Or being yelled at my opposing counsel or a judge. Just like with comedy, there are parts I don't love, like waiting for responses from clubs when I give them my "avails" or having pitches rejected, or being overlooked for spots. Regardless of where I am in my career now, I never regret leaving the practice to pursue what I enjoy. If anything, I wish I decided earlier to start comedy full time. I look forward to seeing you all at my new show Stand UP then Sit Down at the Lincoln Lodge April 7th! Picture by Ashley Nicole ANF Chicago #careerchange #formerlawyer #standup  It's hard not to feel snubbed when you don't get something you asked for. As comedians, that "something" is often a festival invitation, a call back for an audition or even a weekend of shows at your favorite club. I always live by the Conan O'Brien motto to work hard and be kind for amazing things to happen but sometimes that's just not enough. I look around sometimes and see peers receive accolades and chances (as they should) and wish it was me. It's hard not to let the perceived rejection cause mental anguish. But I don't let it eat me up. Sometimes when it rains, it pours. I had a string of amazing shows and opportunities followed by a string of losses and radio silence. Ups and downs in comedy, just like in life. Move forward, like a tank is what I was once told by a great mentor. I keep working hard and keeping spreading kindness in hopes of better roads ahead. It's not a race, its a marathon and everything is temporary. Looking forward to the string of great shows ahead! Photo by Sarah Larson #careerchange #formerlawyer #standupcomedy #laughs #work  People often ask what I do all day, since I work at nights and no longer practice law. Because I am a night owl, my days start way later than most people. In fact, some nights I am going to bed when people on the East Coast are getting up. Every day is different but when I am home, I usually am recording podcasts or submitting audition tapes. Otherwise, wherever I am, I will always write and watch or listen to my sets. As much as I hate it, watching my sets is part of the writing process and helps me add to or remove from my set. Also, nearly every day, I send out my emails for show dates and promote existing shows to my mailing lists and social media. That takes a ton of time. As do meetings online and in person for other projects I am involved with. When I travel, I always try to find a place to eat and write or, lately, edit clips for social media. Anyone who knows me knows I love "to do" lists and I keep them with me at all times. I love crossing off items more than anything else in life. Lastly, I work out. I have a set regiment that I strive to keep, wherever I am. My days are very busy but in a good way! #tuesdaytestimonial #careerchange #comedylife #formerlawyer  |
AuthorPaul Farahvar is a comedian hailing from Chicago, Ill. Archives
April 2022
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Paul Farahvar Comedy
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