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 Well I hate saying that I'm funny but all my friends say that I could do stand up and that I have good jokes. The only problem that I can see is that when I think of like a joke to say or a funny story to tell with out like some one saying something for me to spin off of I kinda draw blanks. I can think of somethings but is it alright to like use different comedians as like a kinda guide to mu jokes?
Answer Matt --
I can identify with your situation. I think that using other comedians as a guide to your jokes is a good idea, as long as you do it in a way that lets your material really be yours. That's not just about being fair to other comedians; it's about you being able to really use the sense of humor that your friends admire.
So, let's start with the very important problem you have already identified: You're usually funny when you can say something in reaction to what someone else has said, but in stand-up, it's just you alone in front of an audience. I'd suggest that you find one or two comedians who you admire and listen to a *lot* of their routines, over and over, paying attention to how they handle this particular problem. I think you'll find that there's actually an effective method (probably even more than one) that you can figure out by close observation and then use in constructing your own material.
When I started making this same transition (funny guy to performance), I did a lot of listening, trying to figure out how the experts make things work. I think it worked out well for me, and a key part was doing the homework myself.
