I perform improv, sketch, and stand up comedy. In doing so, I’ve met many performers who define who they are and what they do differently. There are improvisors, actors, comedians, stand ups, performance artists, writer-performers, personalities, hosts, mc’s, comedic actors, character actors, creatives, and bat shit crazies.
When I started improvising I kept it secret to all but my close friends and family. When asked ‘what do you do?” I’d answer with whatever job I had at the time. I was an account executive, a media assistant, a teacher. But mostly, I was sad.I hated those jobs and the only thing I looked forward to was improv.
When I moved to Austin 3 years ago it was not for a job, but for improv. When people asked ‘what do you do?” I’d ease in, “well, I’m _______ (whatever shitty job I had at the time) BUT I do comedy.” I quickly stopped that and just answer with “I’m a comedian.” If people really want to know what dumb day job I have, I’ll tell them, but I make no confusion about how I define myself.
Oh, but you can’t be a comedian if you don’t do stand up. Waaaaaaaaaaaa I’m a judgemental comedy purist who only tells jokes in a mic.
Yes, I can. And so can you.
