End of the Run

Monday night the crowds were smaller since some of the weekenders had left. Tuesday was cool with a stiff breeze, so the crowds were even smaller. My final show last night had 25 people at most - a far cry from what I had been drawing. I expect tonight to go about the same since the weather really hasn't changed.

After I end at 11:00, I get to head back to the hotel, change, check out and start my overnight drive. I've got a lunchtime show in Mt. Airy, MD. After that, laundry and grocery shopping - then heading to Knoebels (a two and a half hour drive) for a one week run. There will be no more sleep until I unload my show there - should hit the bed about midnight Friday morning!

Because Knoebels has poor cell reception and no wireless Internet - I will be out of touch with the world for awhile. A good time to rest, have fun with my shows and recharge for my Michigan trip at the end of that week. (Which oddly enough, involves an overnight drive.) At least I'm working!
Tom

Street Performing

With two nights of street vent (8 shows) under my belt - I'm having fun. It is a very different type of performance. Luckily my act is playing well. On the street, you've got plenty of potential distractions, which can really change the comedic timing. I realize to get better at this style, I'll need to work harder on creating material that allows me to ad-lib, yet return to my original script seamlessly.

The fresh air and four - 45 minute shows each evening has put a slight strain on my vocals after the two nights. I'm spending most of each day in my hotel room, resting my voice and catching up on sleep. When awake, I'm working on my show.

It is the curse of being on the road alone. I'm in a great beach location, hotel right on the ocean - and I'm spending my time in a room. Being by myself I don't have as much desire to explore or participate in the activities the vacationers enjoy. Still, the shows and the laughs are worth it!

Virginia Beach Ventriloquist

Tonight I start performing at Beach Street. It should be a lot of fun - tourists are treated to free street performances by a variety of artists. It is one of the attractions that keeps Virginia Beach a family destination. I'm also looking forward to meeting the other acts - it is always great to hang with other performers.

I arrived yesterday so I wouldn't have to deal with the Friday beach traffic. They have me in an Ocean front hotel with a balcony that looks out over the Atlantic. During the evening I walked the town to look around and had dinner at a spot my wife and I enjoyed years ago when we performed at a medical convention. Even with all my recent performances in the area, this is the first time I've been to the ocean here since then.

Now it is time to grab some breakfast and enjoy a walk in the surf!