The Insides of a New Comic

I wish there was a support group for comics.

Sure there is AA and NA, for which a lot of comics qualify. I'm wanting one where I could go and hear and share about the highs and lows of Comedians pursuing their craft,

Last night I performed in a talent contest as part of a fund-raising event. I did a 10 minute stand-up set, combining my regular set with some cause-specific bits I came up with for the event. The material really landed and I commanded the stage. It wasn't a perfect set- I could have edited a few jokes better- but I killed. I placed third for a prize of $25, which is awesome. But the real prize was the rolling laughter from the audience.

 And today comes the back-lash, feelings of shame like I pulled my dress over my head at the company Christmas party and tried to shoot gherkins from my goody-bag.

What is that?

Performer's remorse I guess.

There are more than a few artists I can call to talk about this with. I felt more like lead as the day wore on and couldn't stomach going to an open mic tonight that I promised myself I would go to. I've been trying to hit more open mics, or do several in a row and see shows. All I managed to do for my comedy career today was catch up on "Last Comic Standing", which I learn a lot from. The best part of the show for me sometimes are the little spots between bits when the comics say how they have been doing comedy for so long and have wanted to quit and are broke and have been kicked in the teeth and eat bowls of rejection.

I have been performing various forms of comedy for 13 years, but Stand- Up,  just a year. I hope to get kicked in the teeth by it for many years to come.

I am not basking in other peoples misery. I am comforted by commiseration.

That's what I try to bring to my audience I suppose. I did last night. It felt wonderful!  Now I am back down here in the dumps, where I collect most of my material. Hey look over there! I see a few Comics I know.