Contests and Confidence
From the desk of Steve Marek:
I am not a winner.
I think most of us who get into comedy aren't winners, otherwise we would have succeeded at the dreams we set out for (unless your dream was to be in comedy).
I participated in the finals for a comedy contest this Monday. I never intended to make it into the finals. My philosophy was simply to get stage time, and if I can make people laugh, I win--and I win regardless of actually placing. By some strange twist of fate I took second and advanced to the finals. I competed this past Monday and did horrible, at least in my own eyes.
The problem with competition is that I take it too seriously, not to mention comedy is subjective, so to have a constest is a ridiculous idea in some regards. I'm not knocking this particular contest, its just the reality of any competition involving art. Instead of focusing on doing something that was enjoyable to both myself and the crowd, I spent my time trying to figure out the best way to win, not realizing that both are the same. Ultimately, a comedy contest is just another show. Whether we are performing for $500 or for free we should still be peforming to the best of our ability.
I spent part of Monday night questioning my own existence, but a bad show doesn't signify the end, nor should it signify the end for any of us. I'm always grateful for the opportunity to make people laugh and will continue to do my best in that area.
From the desk of Jamie Sanderson:
I didn't even place in the contest, so fuck that whiny bitch Steve Marek.
Upcoming shows for us: Jamie Sanderson is at Dillon's on Central and Hidden House on 10/19, and at Firestage on 10/21. Steve Marek is at Joe's Grotto on 10/19.
This week at Monkey Pants, come celebrate Charlie Spies' first headlining gig, and be shocked and awed by Amy Donohue, Chris Felix, Dave Schnier, David Mendelsohn, Elliot Kitchens, John Henry, John Kennedy, Kon Stamadianos, Matt Anderson and Stu Baker! Special guests from Los Angeles Ron Babcock, Sean Green, and Cornell Reid will join us to help blow your mind and race your fish!
Thanks for reading; keep coming our and supporting the Live, Local, Non-Day Job Conducive PHX Comedy Scene!
I am not a winner.
I think most of us who get into comedy aren't winners, otherwise we would have succeeded at the dreams we set out for (unless your dream was to be in comedy).
I participated in the finals for a comedy contest this Monday. I never intended to make it into the finals. My philosophy was simply to get stage time, and if I can make people laugh, I win--and I win regardless of actually placing. By some strange twist of fate I took second and advanced to the finals. I competed this past Monday and did horrible, at least in my own eyes.
The problem with competition is that I take it too seriously, not to mention comedy is subjective, so to have a constest is a ridiculous idea in some regards. I'm not knocking this particular contest, its just the reality of any competition involving art. Instead of focusing on doing something that was enjoyable to both myself and the crowd, I spent my time trying to figure out the best way to win, not realizing that both are the same. Ultimately, a comedy contest is just another show. Whether we are performing for $500 or for free we should still be peforming to the best of our ability.
I spent part of Monday night questioning my own existence, but a bad show doesn't signify the end, nor should it signify the end for any of us. I'm always grateful for the opportunity to make people laugh and will continue to do my best in that area.
From the desk of Jamie Sanderson:
I didn't even place in the contest, so fuck that whiny bitch Steve Marek.
Upcoming shows for us: Jamie Sanderson is at Dillon's on Central and Hidden House on 10/19, and at Firestage on 10/21. Steve Marek is at Joe's Grotto on 10/19.
This week at Monkey Pants, come celebrate Charlie Spies' first headlining gig, and be shocked and awed by Amy Donohue, Chris Felix, Dave Schnier, David Mendelsohn, Elliot Kitchens, John Henry, John Kennedy, Kon Stamadianos, Matt Anderson and Stu Baker! Special guests from Los Angeles Ron Babcock, Sean Green, and Cornell Reid will join us to help blow your mind and race your fish!
Thanks for reading; keep coming our and supporting the Live, Local, Non-Day Job Conducive PHX Comedy Scene!
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