DJ Hexadecibel
New Member
Greetings and Hallucinations! I've gotten some great tips from you guys and gals, and for my first post, I thought I'd put up ideas for alternative dates. Our first installment:
"The Comic"
Comedy clubs make great first dates, there's social lubricant and someone else making the funny. Though, if you don't want to be picked on, don't sit up front.
Amateur nights are a lot of fun, 'cause you're guaranteed at least one train wreck of an act, and, if you're lucky, a mainstream comic will show up to try out some new material. I once saw Frank Santorelli at the Laff House in Philly. He even did his "you can't look tough whilst drinking through a straw" gag. Left me in tears.
Imagine you're sitting there with your date, laughing, having a good time, when the next guy totally bombs. It's obvious he really doesn't know what he's doing, prolly signed up on a dare or bet. You politely applaud his act, but turn to your date and whisper, "Hell, I'm so much funnier than THAT guy!"
She laughs, "Maybe, but I'd have to see your act first."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome a very funny man, Don Juan!"
During the applause, you turn to your wide eyed date and slyly comment, "Now a good time for you?" You then take the mic and proceed to slay 'em in the aisles...
Now, this is a good idea if you've got a decent act, AND the balls to get up front and risk looking like an ass. This also requires substantial preperation to look spontaneous, but if you're successful, you'll reap major IL rewards.
First, check out your local scene. Most amateur nights are in the middle of the week, Wed. and Thurs. You'll also prolly have to sign up at least an hour in advance, and get a line-up if possible, or at least find out who you're following, that will allow you to time your comments. Go to a few open mics to get a feel for the atmosphere and the emcee. Avoid heckling the amateurs, just don't be that guy.
Next, your act! You've got no more than five minutes, so make the most of them. Read up on doing good stand-up, time and hone your act until you can do it from memory. Try it out for friends and family, and use their suggestions to fine-tune it. A word of warning, don't use your date, or the fact that you surprised her in your act, obvious, I know, but I figured a fair warning wouldn't hurt. Rehearse until it becomes second nature. Trust me, it'll look totally spontaneous. Afterwards, plop down next to your date and casually ask, "So, when can I see YOUR act?" :crackup:
Here are a few ideas to get your mind rolling on an act. Feel free to steal them, everyone does.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is ......, and I will be your comic for the ... moment."
"Anyone on MySpace? Okay, ladies, I gotta ask you a question...do you HAVE to list "shopping" as an interest? I mean, do you see "Watching Porn, Scratching My Sack" listed as ours? Those interests are pretty much given, aren't they?"
Welp, hope you can use this, I just thought of it, so I haven't used it in the field yet. Any ideas for alternative dates? Lemme know, I could use some!
"The Comic"
Comedy clubs make great first dates, there's social lubricant and someone else making the funny. Though, if you don't want to be picked on, don't sit up front.
Amateur nights are a lot of fun, 'cause you're guaranteed at least one train wreck of an act, and, if you're lucky, a mainstream comic will show up to try out some new material. I once saw Frank Santorelli at the Laff House in Philly. He even did his "you can't look tough whilst drinking through a straw" gag. Left me in tears.Imagine you're sitting there with your date, laughing, having a good time, when the next guy totally bombs. It's obvious he really doesn't know what he's doing, prolly signed up on a dare or bet. You politely applaud his act, but turn to your date and whisper, "Hell, I'm so much funnier than THAT guy!"
She laughs, "Maybe, but I'd have to see your act first."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome a very funny man, Don Juan!"
During the applause, you turn to your wide eyed date and slyly comment, "Now a good time for you?" You then take the mic and proceed to slay 'em in the aisles...
Now, this is a good idea if you've got a decent act, AND the balls to get up front and risk looking like an ass. This also requires substantial preperation to look spontaneous, but if you're successful, you'll reap major IL rewards.
First, check out your local scene. Most amateur nights are in the middle of the week, Wed. and Thurs. You'll also prolly have to sign up at least an hour in advance, and get a line-up if possible, or at least find out who you're following, that will allow you to time your comments. Go to a few open mics to get a feel for the atmosphere and the emcee. Avoid heckling the amateurs, just don't be that guy.
Next, your act! You've got no more than five minutes, so make the most of them. Read up on doing good stand-up, time and hone your act until you can do it from memory. Try it out for friends and family, and use their suggestions to fine-tune it. A word of warning, don't use your date, or the fact that you surprised her in your act, obvious, I know, but I figured a fair warning wouldn't hurt.
Rehearse until it becomes second nature. Trust me, it'll look totally spontaneous. Afterwards, plop down next to your date and casually ask, "So, when can I see YOUR act?" :crackup: Here are a few ideas to get your mind rolling on an act. Feel free to steal them, everyone does.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is ......, and I will be your comic for the ... moment."
"Anyone on MySpace? Okay, ladies, I gotta ask you a question...do you HAVE to list "shopping" as an interest? I mean, do you see "Watching Porn, Scratching My Sack" listed as ours? Those interests are pretty much given, aren't they?"
Welp, hope you can use this, I just thought of it, so I haven't used it in the field yet. Any ideas for alternative dates? Lemme know, I could use some!