The Improv Comedy Competition

So, I did the competition at the San Jose Improv this past Tuesday. At first we weren't sure the show was going to happen due to lack of audience. But we managed to get 50 people or so in there.

I didn't place, but I wasn't worried about that. I like the stage time.... Or do I?

I've never been a fan of competitions, but I've done a few over the last couple of months. They are, of course, a popularity contest despite voting rules that try to make up for that. But two of the top 3 will always be the guys who brought the big crowd, funny or not.

But I always went for the stage time in front of a good crowd. What I increasingly find is an audience that mostly laughs at who they came to see. Incidentally, my fans laughed at everyone. But my sure-fire material never works as well a the competitions. And even though I don't really care if I win or not, I still kinda hope to hear my name called at the end of the night. I don't have much of a competitive streak, but it does pop up a little at these things.

So, I don't think I'm going to do too many more of these right now. I'm booked for two more this summer and I'll see how those go. But I'd rather play a regular show where everyone in the room can enjoy each other. Just my thoughts.