AboutTom Expertise I can answer questions about The Capitol Steps, a political (mostly musical) satire group based in Washington, DC which performs in Washington, around the U.S., and four times a year on public radio. I can answer questions about who is performing which role in Capitol Steps sketches and songs on albumns and can help identify a routine (and which albumn or radio show includes it) based on partial lyrics. I can also provide tips and suggestions for those interested in writing and performing spoonerism-based comedy similar to the Steps` "Lirty Dies."
Experience I have been a Capitol Steps fan since about 1995. I own all the albumns and have listened to each dozens of times. I have particularly studied (and particularly admire) the "Lirty Dies" routines and I have written and performed material of this sort. Despite the fact that I live halfway across the U.S. from Washington, I've attended many live Capitol Steps performances, including several at their permanent locations in the DC area.
Question I've had dozens of people tell me I should do stand up I have written 100 pages of material, I wrote a bit about a YES MAN before Carrey did his movie. I have wrote other bits that I have seen comics do but I have alot they have not did. I do at least 50 impressions, I have seen stand ups on myspace do a sad Matt Foley on stage and my material blows there's away in many peoples opinion not just mine. I am very critical of myself. Would that be a good route. I am great in bar or at a party people seem to ask me to do jokes. I would like to do a video on DVD and send it to clubs or agents is this a good route??
Ed
Answer Ed --
Thanks for the great question. It certainly sounds like you've been approaching this whole thing very systematically, which is good.
I don't have experience myself with getting a "professional" gig (i.e., at least being asked by somebody who doesn't know me personally, whether they're going to pay or not!), so I think one thing you're going to want to do is keep looking to find someone who does have this experience, especially in your home market.
You don't mention doing open-mic performances. If your experience so far is just among friends, that's good, but I think it would make sense to do some open-mic work as well. These performances would also be the ones to record for your demo DVD, if you decide to go that route -- something with an actual live audience of strangers would be good. (But this is probably something to check, again, with someone who's got experience selling him/herself in your area.)
Good luck. It sounds like you've put a lot of work into this already, so I hope you can find a way to make your break into the types of performances you want to do.
