Tonight I’ll be performing at a venue I’ve never been to. I expect the audience to have almost nothing in common with me. From what I’ve seen of the other comics on the roster, they are are all younger, cooler, and better-looking than me. As usual, I’m over-thinking, worrying, and getting more anxious as showtime nears. I have worked hard; I’ll be doing mostly new (untested) material but I feel good about the quality. My jokes for tonight are clean, so at least I don’t have to worry about that. (When a Booker says: “Mostly-clean”, I usually push the envelop which makes the laughs easier, but increases stress about going too far.) Knowing I’m clean means I can just “Let-er-rip!” I haven’t been told exactly how much time I’ll be doing, and I don’t know the order of performers. Here’s what goes through my head: 1) Should I listen to the other comic’s sets or not? Maybe I need to adjust material based on what they say. 2) Am I adequately prepared to do varying set-lengths? 3) Are all my references relatable to this audience? 4) What should I wear? 5) Should I eat before or after? 6) Am I adequately rested? 7) Am I funny? 8) Is there adequate parking? 9) What time should I get there? 10) Will the sound system be good?
I’m sorry to bore you with the details, but I just realized I need to be vulnerable enough to show how I waste time and energy thinking about these things. You know I need to relax. I know I need to relax. EVERYONE knows that I need to relax! Writing this helps me define my weaknesses and inadequacies. I think of my comedic-heroes: Steve Martin, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Sam Kinison, Richard Pryor, Ralphie May, Bill Burr, Louis C. K., Eddy Murphy……. and think: “Would they care about any of this crap?” Of course not! (Maybe Gilda, but not the others.) I was booked on this show for a reason! The Booker knows my comedy, and trusts me to add value to the ticket however and whenever they choose! I will give these folks what Spike Yoder has prepared for them and be excited about it!!