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.
I'm concerned about coming off having multiple persona's and confusing the crowd (i'm black, I'll get into why i said this later). Let me describe my sense of humor:
Observational: Sienfeld & Ellen
Attitude/Delivery: Mike Epps, Kevin Hart, Katt Williams, Danny R Mcbride
Character: Will Farell, Dave Chapelle, Zach Galifianakis, Steve Carell
I think i fit into these genres: Observational, Cringe, Character, Topical and Physical.
My dream is to have a sketch comedy show, movies and Improv as well.
Honestly i dont think conventional standup will be a goal of mine in the long run but maybe something i do on ocassion. I would probably be a better "One Man Show" or a High Performance Standup (maybe too early to call it ya think).
Because i'm black i don't want to be expected to fit into stereotypical "african-american" comedy but i don't want to alienate myself from that scene as well. My sense of humor is very mixed. Is this common?
I like that about myself and i want to stay as true to myself as possible.
I asked some people that know me to describe me in their own words and this is what I got:
UNEXPECTED
OUTRAGEOUS
RANDOM
CRAZY
INSANE
RIDICULOUS
OUT THERE
UNPREDICTABLE
OVER THE TOP
EGOCENTRIC
SILLY
HONEST
BLUNT
OPTIMISTIC
ENERGETIC
POSITIVE
SWEET
YOUR THOUGHTS, PLEASE.
Answer Jarel Jimmy --
Thanks for the interesting questions. I'll tell you right away that I am personally more comfortable with a performer who has some sort of predictable pattern, even if he would also be described as "out there." One could even be "unpredictable" in a predictable way (or have an unpredictable plot line going in parallel or in alternation with some recurring pattern). Somebody who's *completely* unpredictable would make me uneasy! (Like, is he going to jump off the stage and come sit next to me and put me on the spot???)
You've also picked an interesting challenge which I'll summarize as embracing black-comic stereotypes when it suits you and avoiding them at other times. (I'm guessing, since you're referring to stereotypes, that you're not talking about Bill Cosby as your role model.)
I think that all humor proceeds from taking risks in communication. One reason that a legal brief or physics textbook is not funny is that this material emphasizes precise, unambiguous communication. When we use humor, we necessarily communicate in a way that risks being misunderstood (ranging from "not comprehended" to "seriously offended"). If we don't take this risk, we don't have any humor.
I don't see anything inherently impossible in the path that you desire to follow. I do think that you've got a tricky communication challenge ahead of you, but you could at least consider some options and give them a try.
Let's take the kinda-black-but-not-too-much goal. Here are some approaches I can think of: (1) You could develop two or more different acts, some following the stereotypical path and others completely departing from it. (2) You could figure out a way to switch back and forth within a single act -- perhaps playing a little bit with your audience's own stereotypes by taking them by surprise just when they think they've got you figured out. (3) You could incorporate the stereotypical patterns as a "routine within a routine," treating them as something that you are knowingly acting out, rather than seriously embracing. (4) Like #3, but reversed.
You'll no doubt do better coming up with your own options, but my advice would be to think of *several* ideas for how to handle this and then try constructing sample routines around these various ideas. Ultimately, you will probably want your routine to sound spontaneous, but I truly believe the best way to achieve that impression is by carefully constructing it in a completely non-spontaneous way -- more of a scientific way. The appearance of spontaneity is merely an illusion, but that's where your skill comes in!
I am impressed that you are giving this some serious thought and seem prepared to do some work to get where you want to go. I wish you well, both in your eventual outcome and in having fun along the way!
