One lonely person standing behind a microphone is the basis for one of the better forms of entertainment today. I am not speaking of music, though. I am speaking of the world of stand-up comedy. This is the old school in making people laugh. This is where many people come to try their hand at speaking into a microphone and getting people to pay you to do it.
Comedy truly is an art, a skill that people either have or they don't. One of the great things about it is that it is an area of work where most everyone has to work their way to the top. Comedians who are multimillionaires today, such as Jerry Seinfeld and Jeff Foxworthy, will attest to stories of getting paid a pittance for their work when they were younger. Comics would work a nightclub and get paid in change for a full nights work. In an era where most athletes go from full athletic rides in college to an exorbitant pro contract, this is one area where most everyone has to start from the bottom.
Comedy has found a segment of the television world to call home in recent years. Television stations such as Comedy Central have found way to give comics a chance at stardom. But for every comic that makes it to the big time and becomes successful, there are countless other comics who never make the big money but work just as hard. Comedy Central also shows another direction comedians can take. This is where they get into the world of improvisation, sketch comedy and sitcoms. For many comics, though, comedy clubs are as far as they'll get.
Visiting a local comedy club is truly a wonderful way to let off some steam after a long week. There are clubs all over the country that offer a great night of entertainment - usually at a price comparable to movie tickets. Most comedy clubs also give a rating for their shows that relates to how mature the humor is. This helps because it lets you know what you're getting into.
This summer, NBC has been running one reality show that seems in my personal opinion to be one of the more entertaining shows available. "Last Comic Standing" sets out to bring forward the best amateur comics in the country and give them a chance to show the world what they can do. It gives the comics of the world a little faster way to go from a no-name comic to a level of stardom fairly rapidly.
The Internet has also become a great way to discover the great comics of years past, such as Richard Pryor and George Carlin, as well as the new comedians coming into their success, such as Josh Blue and Jim Gaffigan. YouTube is a wonderful source for all of the stand up videos you could ever want.
Stand up comedy truly is an art to be cherished. Take some time out of your busy day and relax while having a good laugh. A great comedian once said that if you take a look at the world around us, and you aren't laughing, you aren't paying attention. These comedians will help you take a little closer look at the world around us.
That's quite a feat for some lonely person standing behind a microphone stand.
Write to Alex at apcarroll@bsu.edu
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