Am I a Stand-up Comedian or a Comedy Variety Artist?
Lately, I’ve been wondering what to call myself professionally, how to sum up the things I do onstage in some sort of title. Over the last twenty-five years, I have referred to myself as a clown (when I actually wore the make-up and performed mostly comedy magic, prop comedy, and vaudeville style physical comedy), a children’s entertainer (when I added balloon artistry and comedic dancing to my list of entertainment elements), a comedian (after I began to write perform stand-up comedy separate from the aforementioned comedy pieces), a family-style (sounds like a description of a quaint, little mom and pop restaurant that serves the world’s best roast beef and mashed potatoes) entertainer, then, finally as an entertainer.
The problem with calling myself an entertainer is it always leads to the obvious question, “What kind of entertainer are you?” Or worse, leaves the answer open to conjecture. The word “entertainer” may sound grand, but, it’s far to broad to really offer any insight into what I really do, which has changed many times and will continue to do so. All of the previous titles/occupations tend to “pigeon-hole” me as a “one trick pony” – - A specialty artist with only one talent to offer up to audiences and potential clients.
Recently, I seem to have stumbled upon the title, “Comedy Variety Artist.” That appears to describe most of what I do now. I say “now” because I have been working on some new presentation material that, while it has elements of humor, is much more in the area of educational humor or, even motivational humor. I also intend to write material that is not necessarily meant to be either performed or presented from a stage, but would be intended for publication in books and articles for magazines and newspapers, etc.
Maybe, I will start thinking of myself, and calling myself a humorous communicator. However, I don’t think even that will fully describe what I want (and believe I am called) to do. And, once again, it’s such a broad term that it leads to inevitable questions or assumptions.
The lesson here, I suppose, is not to be so concerned with what to call myself, but be open to all the ways in which I can positively impact others with my gift for seeing the world from a different point of view (observational humorist, perhaps?) than most of my peers here on Planet Earth. When we attach labels to our talents, we impose limitations on what others can expect from us. But, don’t we also impose those same limitations on what we can expect from ourselves? I will try to adhere to the immortal words of Dick Clark and “Keep an open mind and a closed refrigerator.”
Read MoreShameless Self-Promotion
For a side-splitting event, you can’t beat Bob Simpson (although his first wife certainly did) and his hilarious original material with his signature high energy and interactive delivery style. Bob’s stand-up comedy is available in sets ranging in length from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the duration of your event and the number of performances you wish to offer your attendees.
As a physical and verbal improvisation “artiste” Bob blends a variety of comedic elements into every stand-up performance. A few examples include:
- Comedy Magic: While it’s more amusing than amazing, Bob’s comedy magic takes full advantage of props and stunts. You may not ask how he does what he does, but you probably will ask why!
- Prop & Balloon Comedy: Combining high energy visual antics with comedic storytelling, improvisation, and audience participation, Bob’s prop & balloon comedy crafts a zany good time for all.
- Pantomime: “Stapling” Bob’s mouth shut produces a delightful look at The World According to Bob through his devilishly curious eyes.
- Original Stand-up Material: With themes such as aging, why you should never argue with your wife (or any other woman for that matter), finding the fun in dysfunctional families, the joys of being a clown, the absurdity of the English language, exercise. weight loss, fast food, etc.
- Vaudeville Style Variety Show: A delightfully seamless blend of stand-up comedy, prop comedy, comedy magic, physical and verbal improvisation, and audience participation.
From Clown to Comedian to Smart Alec In One Easy Lesson
I started out in the entertainment business in 1986 – - As a clown – - I’ve sure come a long way, haven’t I? From clown to clean comedian in only 25 years – - Yes sir! – - It has been a meteoric rise – - Maybe, in another 25 years I can be a cruise ship feature act, or a corporate comedian. When I was still doing the clown thing, I used to pick up extra money by going to central Ohio restaurants and making balloon animals for tips – - I always wore a large sign that said, “I work solely for tips.” – - Now, there’s a quiet, dignified way to earn a living! – - I was doing my balloon thing in a restaurant one day – - I won’t mention the name of the restaurant – - But their mascot is called, “Chuck E. Cheese” – - When a very well-dressed, dignified looking woman called me over to her birthday party table and asked me to make balloon animals for her daughter and her 17 little friends – - Well, about 45 minutes and 18 exotic balloon creations later, this very same woman presented me with a shiny, new dime – - – I was speechless – - – which is most unusual for me – - – The clever, sarcastic humorist in me wanted to get down on my knees, take off my little clown hat and placed it over my heart, look the birthday mom right in the eyes and I say, “Oh, thank you ever so much kind lady – - Now my little brother can finally have the operation he so desperately needs – - – My entire family has been scrimping and saving for many years, so my little brother, Timmy can have an operation – - – And we were exactly ten cents short – - Thank you for putting us over the top – - You’re gonna walk, Timmy – - You’re gonna go to school – - and play baseball and everything – - This kind, generous, benevolent lady just gave me a dime! – - That’s right, Timmy – - You heard me right – - A whole dime!” – - Never give a performer a straight line.
Read MoreGetting Married is Out of the Question
When I was a teenager, I was very skinny. But, I made up for it by being really clumsy and goofy-looking. When I was 14, I was 5 feet tall and I weighed a whopping ninety pounds. That would have been bad enough. But 50 of those 90 pounds were my feet. And my ears made up another 20 pounds. As you can imagine, my appearance made for a very interesting social life (or lack thereof)
Read MoreClown Signs
I once performed as a clown, but I don’t do that anymore – - – Not dressed as one anyway – - - I always said I would continue to perform as a clown until I saw a clear sign to stop – - – Well, a few years ago I was in a building supply store – - – And there were signs everywhere that said, “Danger!! – - – Keep away from children”
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