There I was just checking out some throwback posts using this mobile app and it hit me; 5 years ago today, I performed my first stand-up comedy routine at Grand Valley State University - in their campus version of Last Comic Standing. Well, damn. That was an interesting time and experience, so I thought I'd tell you about it (whether you care or not won't stop me from writing it ;). Since then, I haven't done comedy consistently. Like I mentioned in the very first blog post, I hit the stage here and there under various names (including my real one), traveled the nation with a college gameshow, and only kicked off the DeJay Patson brand in January 2014. So truthfully, DeJay Patson is technically only a year old (extra complicated, right?), but it has been 5 years since that first performance, which made me realize this could even be a thing. That first one was the gateway drug.
Well, as mentioned in my first post, comedy was always something I wanted to do. I saw an opportunity to step up to the plate and took it. You actually had to audition for this competition though, because unlike other competitions, they have no idea whether you do comedy or you're just going to get up and say some crazy shit (...or read religious text for 10 minutes straight - I've seen that at an open mic).
I was pacing outside the door to the audition room, waiting for my turn. A friend of mine walked by and saw me waiting. I hadn't told any of my friends I was going to try out, and I had no intentions to invite any friends if I advanced (the performance would be considered 'semi-finals'). It was just something personal I was doing, a challenge to myself.
My friend decided he was going to give it a shot too. He's a fairly witty guy, so why not? I went in first, did my bit. I got a few decent laughs, but I had no idea what to expect. At the end, there was a comment made by one of the judges about them trying not to laugh as much, so they don't show bias. Which I thought was weird. They told me they'd be in contact.
My friend went in next, and I waited for him. He hit them with witty one liner after one liner. The laughter was back to back, and my set didn't even compare.
I got an email a couple days later saying I didn't advance, but he got an email saying he did. The most messed up part was that my friend couldn't even make the event because of other obligations, so he emailed them, saying he had to decline. Now, it gets worse, because I got a second email saying that someone dropped out and they'd like me to perform in the event. Ain't that some shit?
Anyway, I didn't do too bad. I had no idea how to hold a microphone. I remember feeling so awkward on stage, but once I got into my groove, it was like smooth sailing. I wrote jokes on my palm because I thought an index card might be distracting - totally a better idea to stare at my sweaty and unintelligible palm, right? I got some good pops. I went over my time, and only realized because of a blonde to my far left, violently shaking a sign that read "Time's up!" I didn't even finish my joke. I wish I could tell you what it was about, but I don't even remember.
I did not advance. It was good to be a part of the event though, and give comedy a shot. I performed at my first real comedy club that following month at Dr. Grins in Grand Rapids, MI. I think I've gotten a lot better, but I'll let you all decide that.
I will be sticking with DeJay Patson as my stage name though. Recently, I purchased the www.dejaypatson.com domain, because I don't know when someone else will try to come along using the same name (if ever). It just redirects visitors to the blog for now, but in the future, it'll be a full-fledged site - no telling when though. It could be this summer, or it could be 2 years from now. I do most things on a rolling deadline. Now I can put a website on the business cards and build more promo - and that's what it's all about really. Like I've said before, I'm not scaling back for the sake of egos. There are comedians out there that are way better than me, and have been doing it consistently for years. I'm just doing what's best for me, so I'm out here on all platforms. I won't be selling any merchandise, but I will be building my name more; working open mics, competitions, and larger events.
Next month, I'll be hosting GVSU's LipSync events with about 2,000 students in attendance. It's sure to be a good time - had a great time doing it in the Fall. Thanks for all your support, and knowing how to read.
I will be sticking with DeJay Patson as my stage name though. Recently, I purchased the www.dejaypatson.com domain, because I don't know when someone else will try to come along using the same name (if ever). It just redirects visitors to the blog for now, but in the future, it'll be a full-fledged site - no telling when though. It could be this summer, or it could be 2 years from now. I do most things on a rolling deadline. Now I can put a website on the business cards and build more promo - and that's what it's all about really. Like I've said before, I'm not scaling back for the sake of egos. There are comedians out there that are way better than me, and have been doing it consistently for years. I'm just doing what's best for me, so I'm out here on all platforms. I won't be selling any merchandise, but I will be building my name more; working open mics, competitions, and larger events.
Next month, I'll be hosting GVSU's LipSync events with about 2,000 students in attendance. It's sure to be a good time - had a great time doing it in the Fall. Thanks for all your support, and knowing how to read.
All jokes aside,
DeJay Patson
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