Last Comic Stranded

Comedy Competition

     This Saturday (08/18/18 - what a sweet date), I'm participating in the 'Last Comic Stranded' comedy competition at Side Splitters Comedy Club in Tampa, Fla. 20 comics (10 in one show, 10 in another) will compete for 4 spots in the final round. And the winner gets to go on a cruise (!) and more importantly, open for Robert Kelly, on said cruise. 

     Comedy competitions are weird. Basically, ya gotta just view them as stage time and stage time is cool. With 10 people doing 5 minutes time, it's anyone frikkin game. Which is exciting and irritating at the same time. Sometimes these contests favor newer comics because more established comedians are used to having 20+ minutes to ease in and get comfy. I've seen some headliners take 5 minutes just to introduce themselves and say their name (and others crush for 5). Whereas newer comics may only have 5 minutes of material, so it's jokey joke time right from the get.

     Then, there's the whole 'bringer' aspect. How many people can you get to come see you.. Some people get upset about this part. But, it's def part of the comedy game. From this point on.. bookers want to know how big your base is (it's all about that base, bout that base), how many facebook fans and twitter followers and blog readers you gots. [Yup I'm lookin at all three of ya. ;)] This also means that most audience members are there to watch someone and your job is to get their other vote.

     There's different strategies, too. My delivery is usually slow and snarky. It seems like faster and shorter jokes seem to do better. So, do I compromise who I am and my craft for the W?! Of course, of course I do. Maybe. I like to think that funny will always win. But sometimes, ish just don't work and they just stare at you like a big loser face... so I've heard.

     And finally, there's your number in the lineup. I try not to let it affect me but it definitely affects the audience, those peeps get sleepy and weary. But, the best can overcome it. I remember being bummed about pulling 16th for a contest but number 15, moments before me, crushed it (and wildly went over their time but, that is a story for another blogpost, children).

     What does all this mean for ya gurl? Nobody knows. It means that I will be on stage for 5 min next Saturday. That's what it means.