The first post is always difficult. You're trying to identify who you are and the purpose you have for sharing your thoughts to the world. I have many thoughts. I'm a lunatic. As the great prophet Dr. Seuss said though, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" I apply that a lot to my life.
The Jester King is a domain I've owned forever. I visualize that is the best two words to describe me. Jester because I enjoy making people laugh, and King, because I'm an heir of Christ. I use a lot of professional wrestling terms in my life, mainly because I'm a big fan of it, and also I've worked behind the scenes at the matches, ring announcing, and doing video, as well as designing the program, etc. One of the terms I use a lot is "getting over..." That means the wrestler was popular with the fans. They had a natural charisma that each fan could get behind and cheer. Recently I did a comedy show where I got over. It was interesting because the crowd wasn't my normal crowd, but at the same time I was happy because not only is making strangers laugh the ultimate high, but I chose to be professional about it, and knew my audience. That's probably the biggest flaw that a lot of comedians overlook. You have to know your audience!
I did a show with a guy at the same venue last year and he demanded to be introduced with a credential, "you might have seen this guy on America's Got Talent..." Then again you might not have! That was my response. I hate being introduced with credentials. It sets the audience up to be let down, or they will hold you to a higher standard and if you can't deliver they will realize you're not as good as you depicted yourself to be. I prefer to be introduced casually, or with a joke. It sets me right up to go into my act. There are no bad audiences. Those who insist that aren't professionals.
There are tricks to making yourself look bigger than you are, but the key ingredient is just making the people laugh. One thing that bothers me is "Shock Comedy". There's a whole group of "comedians" out there trying their hardest at this. Basically they say something so offensive the audience will notice others in the crowd being offended and laugh at their reactions rather than an actual punchline. I don't like it because it alienates half the crowd, and also there's no reasoning in being edgy just for the sake of being edgy. I rarely get edgy, but if I do the joke has to be funny enough that the pay off is worth the risk.
Comedy has been my passion for the last 10 years, and it grows more each year. If you are considering trying your hand at comedy, remember to never base your success on that of others. I've opened for Tim Hawkins 5 times. The guy kills it every time he's on stage! He's also been doing it a lot longer than I have, and has a totally different style of comedy than I do. I'm happy for him to be where he is today and he's definitely the best clean comedian out there today. I'm honored that he allowed me to share the stage with him, and gave me some of my first big breaks opening in front of large crowds.
So be happy for those who have success. Don't wish them any harm and be a professional. You never know who will give you your next big break. This is always fun for me to share my thoughts and views about my experiences. I wish you nothing but the best!!
Forever In Christ,
Rich Jones
I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're going, and hook up with them later... - Mitch Hedberg
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