I have a theory. Everyone has an Art, even if they don’t know what it is yet. It’s that one thing you’d do whether you got paid for it or not, it’s your outlet, the thing that lets you create something purely for the sake of creation. It could be very traditional, like drawing or music, or completely off-the-wall like balloon animal sculptures. (Of course, if you can make it pay, then so much the better, no?)
One of the great things about DC is that between all the various educational institutions, non-profits, networking organizations, and just generally well-connected people, you can find a way to pursue your Art no matter what it is. My Art became clear to me a few months ago- stand-up comedy. Fortunately, DC happens to have a world-class comedy club right downtown, and they offer classes! (Longtime readers will remember that Trudi Jo Davis took a similar class about a year ago.)
I’ll let the Metrobloggers who were at the graduation show last night chime in to tell you about it themselves, but I will say that if comedy is something you’ve ever wanted to try, there’s no better place to get your feet wet than at the Improv. I took a four-week course with Matt Kazam that covered everything from writing the material to overcoming stage fright to dealing with hecklers, followed by an open-mic at SoHo off Dupont Circle, and then finally last night’s show at the Improv.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
The manager/co-owner of the Improv, Allyson Jaffe, is particularly supportive of the comedy school students, providing a lot of opportunities for students to get out to the Improv to see comedy for free or cheap, hanging out to watch in-class rehearsals, and all that good stuff.
A couple of tips if you’re considering a class-
– Take one of the several-week classes instead of a one-day seminar. The one-day classes tend to be full of That Guy Who Thinks He’s Funny.
– Go to other open mics! Like any other art, comedy is about practice, practice, practice.
– Make friends with your classmates and go to those other open mics together.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
Tiffany Baxendell Bridge is an Internet enthusiast and an incurable smartass. When not heckling the neighborhood political scene on Twitter, she can be found goofing off with her ukulele, Bollywood dancing, or obsessing about cult TV. She is That Woman With the Baby In the Bar.
Tiffany lives in Brookland with her husband Tom, son Charlie, and two high-maintenance cats. Read why Tiffany loves DC.
