During this holiday-season I was challenged to “up my game”. I was invited to perform at multiple corporate parties that were occurring simultaneously in different rooms of a large venue. The common criterion was that all the groups wanted clean, “PG” rated shows. I was officially an emcee for the shows, but my allotted times varied from 5 to 20 minutes per room. Each slot was critical, since a minute either-way throws off the entire comedian-rotation for the other rooms. (I was the least-experienced of the comics.)
With only a few-day’s notice, I had prepared minimal group-specific humor. (Important when developing rapport with a corporate audience.) Then I arrived and found they had OTHER ideas that might be “fun to joke about” PLUS the time-slots were changed! If that doesn’t sound scary, you’ve never performed standup comedy! (Or you’ve been doing it 30 years!)
About 20% of my material qualifies as “Squeaky-Clean”, so I’m limited to begin with. Also, my shows are generally scripted, (I rarely improvise.) I rehearse at least 5 times for any upcoming performance of my standard stuff, & if I’m doing new material … (it’s embarrassing, but I rehearse A LOT!) so, when I’m told last-minute to change the length (or material) of my set, I get nervous! Not just because I have to “wing it”, but my fear of someone not seeing my absolute best, is crushing! I’ve compiled specific-jokes, in specific-order, to fill specific-time. I worry that casually removing or adding jokes, might diminish the overall product. (I’m afraid to fly!)
I admire comics who easily recall every joke they’ve ever written and insert/shuffle as needed. I can’t (and might never be able to) do that. I’m 2 – 3 years away from maybe. There are also comics that SAY they have the ability to change on the fly, but haven’t developed a quality product in the first place. (If the set sucks, it doesn’t matter how long it is.)
I got through the shows, and I’m a better comic for leaving my comfort-zone. “Flying” is awesome! (I think the corporations had fun too!) I wasn’t perfect, but I grew more as a comedian in one weekend than I had in 6-months!