This is my set from the comedy showcase that I was practicing for all week. The audience was smaller than I expected (about 25-30 people) and half of them were comics because comics got a free comp to this show.
0m26s I shouldn’t make the “what? you don’t think I should be a model face” until after the audience stops laughing at the actual words. That will lead to a second round of laughter.
0m37s The reason it seems that I’m looking down with my eyes most of the show is because the camera is in the second level, but only the first level was filled with audience, so I choose to make eye contact with them. I’m not sure if I should’ve done this, as the club owner was in the second level.
0m45s I looked down after a punch line. Don’t move a muscle after I deliver a punch line until the audience is done laughing.
1m52s The audience member started listing 5 presents she got for her dog. I could’ve made fun of her for this (“I bet you didn’t get your kids 5 presents”) but didn’t think to on the spot. Instead I just remembered one and cut her off.
2m23s The audience member said her dog wasn’t castrated. I can’t ignore interaction if I start it and everyone hears it.
2m54s I think I would’ve gotten more laughs if I didn’t drop my eyes.
3m33s Wait an extra second after “a dog was hit by a bus” before calling someone “a sweater loving bastard” because being hit by a bus is also a punch line.
4m03s The hearing aid part is forced. I should stop doing it and only do it as a callback to the crowd if a joke bombs.
4m56s I didn’t have as much outraged emphasis on each word of “It. Costs. Money.” as I usually do. I could’ve also paused and given a “what the hell” look to draw out the laugh.
5m01s This is the first time my jdate joke didn’t get a huge laugh. I didn’t even realize this until watching the video for the 6th time right now and writing about it. (Yes I know I’m behind on my analysis of my sets, I was too busy actually performing to write this down every night, but I had enough time to just watch my set myself.)
5m21s I looked down after the punch line again. I do this to remember what joke comes next but need to stop. It weakens the confidence in my punch line.
5m50s Have a more theatrical voice when I say “The Snuggle Slut”. Try to make it like I’m presenting the title of a movie.
6m34s Perfect 180 degree pan while talking the whole time. I didn’t watch my first set of the night before doing this show so I must’ve just known or done it by complete accident.
Overall: When I got off stage I felt like I bombed. This was due to hearing how much laughter some of the other comics got. Viewing the videotape, it’s not as bad as I thought, at least not in context of seeing how everyone else did. I didn’t make any major mistakes, and while I could’ve slowed down in a few places, I’m pretty proud of how my set went. I doubt I’m gonna get passed at the club, but I feel I prepared as well as I could’ve and am looking forward to some feedback from the owner.
Update 2/2/09: I spoke with the club owner today and his main feedback was to be more lively and animated on stage. He was impressed with the fact that I’m trying to get on stage 5-6 times a week and thinks barking will help me tighten my material. He also said not to write material so much as write down the key words and to make it more personal to me. His question was, “What’s your angle? What about your act is unique? Why should someone give you a TV show (or Movie, or stand up special)?” I’m not an expert in marketing (yet!) but I think he was referring to branding and having a certain consistent persona that is obvious throughout all my material. He said he was hoping he’d see me in a three to four months to assess my progress.
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