Last week, I went to an “industry showcase” at the Hollywood Improv put on by Next Round Entertainment, which is a company that manages comedians. An industry showcase is when the management company invites producers, network execs, agents, etc. to a live comedy show, to showcase the comedians they represent.
I’m not “industry” so I have never been to one of these things before. I enjoy my live comedy with common folks. But I went to this show because my girlfriend happened to go to high school with 2 of the comedians.
An industry showcase has to be the most nerve racking experiences for a comedian. Think of a job interview…think about doing that job interview in front of 200 people…now make sure you know that all of those people are there to judge everything you do. Oh…and it doesn’t matter if you are a hell of a nice guy…or have a ton of experience…if you don’t make them laugh…you’re out. Damn! That’s tough. The audience was so tough that the host Steve Hoffstetter had to warn them that the comedians were going to swear…and they still said “ooohhh” at least 6 times during the show. I’ve never seen that happen before among adults.
I give all 9 comedians a ton of credit for getting up there and delivering the goods. Steve Hofstetter, Phil Mazo, Kerri Louise, Mike Trainor, Brandt Tobler, Matt Baetz, Bryan Bruner, Rob Gleeson, and Denis Donohue were all funny.
One comedian I would like to recognize specifically is Matt Baetz. He is a polished, big time comedian. He has a ton of potential and I really look forward to seeing what comes from his career. I’ve seen Matt a bunch of times and he’s just flat out funny. He is about to pursue comedy full time and I think it’s a great decision. Ballsy…but necessary to make things happen.
Phil Mazo and Mike Trainor were also excellent. Phil has an unassuming, dirty style that is well crafted. Trainor has a ton of energy and great material. Everyone else did a solid job, especially in that environment.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
An industry showcase crowd has got to be the hardest crowd to perform in front of. Make it at the Hollywood Improv and you’ve made it even harder.
you know, the best way to deal with all that stress is to let it build up in the crowd you know make it like your bombing and just turn the whole shit upside down. play withe emotions of the crowd it’s a beautifull art to master..
almost like puppeteering but less gay.
no fideos? can we see the shows.. plz put youtube links in the blog maaaaan.