I work in the internal tools department of an online retailer. It's actually pretty fun! At the moment, I would like to work full time on Hubski, because that would be pretty darn cool, and I am itching for APIs. I would also like to work full time on comedy, which right now I do 4-5 days a week anyways. Busy busy busy!
The last couple months it's only been improv and sketch. I perform at ImprovBoston. I also do some video sketch, but I'm not super proud of that yet. I have done stand up, and keep meaning to get back into it, but like I said, busy! I did more stand up during college, and while I miss it, I hate open mics. Nothing is more depressing than performing for people who just want you to shut up so they can take their turn. It's soul-crushing.
I'm on the other side, have been doing stand-up for a while but want (need?) to get into improv instead, for similar reasons. In Chicago it's fairly welcoming, though. My perception of Boston is a bit more 'macho' and dense - for every three comedians aping Louis CK's worst traits in Chicago, I imagine that in Boston there are dozens. That said, my biggest issue with open mic's is the limited time. I know it's necessary to start this way, but I always wish I just had a minute more to prattle on.
Yeah, I'm planning on moving to Chicago or New York within a year, just for comedy reasons. I like Boston, but it's not gonna happen here, and now is the time to find out if it's going to happen anywhere! I also know a few people at UCB/Second City and really wanna get in on that, because they are such great places to do comedy.
I think its pretty cool that you and hiss are aspiring comedians. I am a musician and I've played many shows with bands and I've also done some solo. I HATE performing by myself, at least when I'm with the band there are others I can connect with, sharing the experience with me and also helping to shoulder the burden of any mistakes or bad performances. I can't imagine doing standup and being the only person up there. No guitar in front of me to hide behind, just me and my material. Truly a brave thing to do. Good luck guys. Like Stephen, I too would like to work on Hubski full-time. Someday 0/
That's what I love about improv! The feeling of being on the same wavelength as teammates/members is hard to get from anything else. That moment when you're turn away from eachother but reacting appropriately, when an audience knows that you can't have practiced this and you cannot know what the other person is doing is pure magic. Stand up, though, has its own benefits. Sure, when things get ugly you have nowhere to hide, but when it goes right and people are laughing even when you're not talking, laughing at the way you move or just your persona on stage, that's a pretty dang cool feeling. That's what I hate about open mics (below). Even when everyone is laughing, they're always also hating you because if you're making them laugh they want to be you and if you're not they hate you for sucking and taking up their time. It's just a sinkhole for comedy. That said, I have some good friends who love open mics, and the community, once you're a part of it, can be pretty darn supportive. And he hosted Jim Gaffigan a few nights ago, so he could definitely be doing worse!
Thanks for the insight. I really wish I was in your area, I'd be glad to come out and be one of the guys at the open mic that has no agenda other than to laugh. My friend cW once asked me, have you ever heard Jim Gaffigan and I replied, I didn't hear him gaff the first time.
Hahaha. Ah... You and my dad would get along like a house with a solid foundation and its mortgage paid off. I actually have an improv show at 7:30 tonight! I wish Hubski was bigger so I could reasonably expect anyone to come to it!
Have fun man.I actually have an improv show at 7:30 tonight!
That's awesome, enjoy it!I wish Hubski was bigger so I could reasonably expect anyone to come to it!
Then maybe you should spread the word and finish each set with "brought to you by Hubski dot com".