What Makes You Uncomfortable On Stage?

I love being on stage; more as a comedian than I did as a musician. I feel comfortable most of the times but the things that make me uncomfortable are comedians I respect watching me and people talking loudly. 

When comedians I am not friends but with I looked up or respect are watching my set, I get nervous and in my head.  As a person with impostor syndrome, I feel like the comedian will be able to see the fraud that I am.  Comedians I am friends with or familiar with, I am okay with watching, unless it’s a group of them, all watching and judging.  I wish I could be a comedian that other comedians loved but it’s just not in the cards.  I am happy to do comedy" for the masses" or my mass, or well the small handful of people that like my comedy. I remember years ago I hated when the other comedians on the show would watch my set. It felt like junior high and high school again where I was certain they were talking about me. As I am now a more experienced comedians, the number of comedians who started before me are few and far between on my shows. They have either gone on to much bigger things or just not doing comedy anymore.  Maybe I am the comedian that makes other comedians uncomfortable?

I also hate when people are talking loudly during my show. If they are having a conversation and i can hear their voices during my jokes, I get very uncomfortable and sometimes lose my place in a joke. I am thinking of ways to get them to shut up, especially when I see they are ruining the show for others (the small handful) who are trying to enjoy my set.  I don’t like the traditional heckler who yells out to “try to help” the show but usually if I hear what they say, I can respond and in some ways, I like to prove that I am in the moment and can be sharp witted and quick on my feet. That is one of the few gifts of being a former trial lawyer. That being said, don’t heckle! But more importantly, don’t come to a show to have a conversation. That’s why I always found it hard to understand why people don’t like to go to comedy shows alone. You are not gonna be talking during the show, so why do you need to go with someone? 

Finally, if you are comedian and you are talking during a show in the showroom, you are the worst.  That is one of my biggest pet peeves in comedy. If the comedian on stage can hear you that means others can hear you as well. Whether you are in the back talking loud or by the side of the stage, be quiet.  And you are a fellow comedian so you know this is irksome for yourself.

Keep the questions coming and please keep sharing my dates on the road and my social media. I don’t have management or an agent for comedy, so it really helps me gain possible supporters. Hope to see you in DC, Florida and Boston this month #standup #comedy #formerlawyer #washingtonDC #boston #westpalmbeach