When Bad Things Happen To Good People...

Sometimes things just go wrong. Saturday night was an excellent example of that. The set up and sound check went well. The client's dinner was on schedule. After dinner, I was introduced and suddenly the evening became a series of errors.

In any form of public speaking, if you can't be heard, the audience will quickly lose interest. The presentation then falls apart. So when the sound, which was adjusted by someone AFTER the sound check, came out muffled and tinged with feedback, the program immediately got off to a rough start. It took about 15 to 20 minutes before the "sound man" could resolve the issue. I continued, determined to entertain the guests that could actually hear the show, and hoping others would move closer.

Once the sound issues had been resolved, the guests began laughing and enjoying themselves. Within minutes of capturing the room, the hotel's emergency alarms went off. A pre-recorded voice instructed all guests to walk to the nearest exit and move safely away from the building. Turns out, it was a false alarm - but the damage was done.

Last evening, I was upset for the client, who had spent a lavish budget to make certain the guests were entertained, only to have the evening fall apart. I was angry at myself for allowing my program to be destroyed by two situations that were beyond my control. Today, I have studied the issues and learned a valuable lesson. It will never happen again.

How do I know? You'll have to hire me to find out.

After Dinner Entertainment

Having been on the road most of the summer, I collapsed when I got home. Now, after a week of rest, it is time to get back to work.

This coming weekend I have a corporate event that requires custom comedy. Weaving a client's audience into the show can be a lot of fun. Sure, you may get a joke or two that falls flat, but when the material works, it really makes the show. I absolutely love working corporate after dinner events for that reason. Well, that and the food is usually good!

perceptions...

Chris Yerlig, a fellow street performer here in Virginia Beach, had an evening off this past week. He came out to see some shows and took some pictures of one of my performances.

I remembered seeing him in the crowd, and Dangerous even said "Hi Chris!". Thing is, I do not remember the crowd being the size in the picture. I was thinking it was a rather sparse show.

My perception was from a different perspective. The pictures will give you an idea of what I have been doing here at the beach. 4 shows a night...

BTW - you can catch Chris on his web site at: http://www.mimealot.com/

Thanks Chris!

A Fun Night!

It amazes me how different each night, and each show can be. One crowd will hang back, not wanting to approach. Not sure what they are afraid of - but they miss out on the intensity of the comedy by refusing to relax and become a part of the evening.

Another crowd will swamp you, so close the air stops moving and everybody sweats! Some crowds laugh heartily, others snicker, some stare. Same material, very different responses. Why? Who knows. I certainly don't.

Luckily, tonight was: A Fun Night!

Alone

Today I am alone. While in Virginia Beach, I've been hanging with other performers, doing shows and interacting with folks - but I am still alone. A weird feeling that has somehow intensified today. Contact with home is limited to short phone calls. My wife's schedule conflicts with mine - she works when I am not, I'm performing when she is available to talk.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family again. Only another week to go!

Short Night

During my first set tonight, I saw lightening over the ocean. Following my set, I took a fifteen minute break as I watched the storm rolling in. At 8:30 I was told to shut down. One show and the rest of the evening off. It was a shame... the show was rocking and I was planning on introducing a new character at the second peformance. There is always tomorrow!

Back to Beach Street

Arrived in Virginia Beach on Aug. 1 after driving 7 hours in horrible traffic. I still can't figure out how people can justify stopping on a 65 mph highway - there were no accidents or lane closures - so it has to be stupidity.

Took the evening to watch a few acts - enjoyed what I saw, then went back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Last night, my first night of shows, I was asked if I'd prefer to work a closed street, or a corner. The last two runs I have been working the corners and was comfortable with them. Closed street acts drew large audiences. I figured it was because the closed streets acts were more visual - they are usually fire acts or jugglers, that sort of thing. I agreed to try the setting but was nervous I wouldn't get the size crowd that others pull.

Shouldn't have worried. It was a great night.