This last point brings me to an issue I had recently with another local comic. He's since apologized so this is not an attack on him. This contest is a bringer show. It has never been represented as anything else. These shows are scheduled based on the amount of people comics have committed to bring. There is really no other way to fill this room on a Wednesday. There is not many other ways for young comics to get on stage at this club. There are few other ways for a comic to show himself to management outside of this contest. This contest is a good thing for local comedy.
Two years ago, in the semi-finals, a homeless guy and a DJ who didn't get a single laugh advanced to the finals while Larry Poon, Chris White, Jeff Maurer, Larry XL and Rob Maher didn't. Will stuff like that happen this year? Probably. Will comics that actually work this club be sent home while 1st timers advance? Most likely. Will we have an absolute blast over the next 8 or 9 weeks? Certainly. I will say that on the first two shows the funniest person took first without helping fill the room. Also a bad comic has never won this competition. Either way, don't over think it. If you're in it, have fun. If you're not, don't hate.
Last week I participated in the ''Lucky 21'' showcase at the DC Improv. First off, I was flattered to be selected. I really don't know the criteria, but 8 people were asked to participate and I was among them. I am appreciative. I was very happy with my set. I didn't have the best set (Erin Jackson) and I didn't get the best crowd response (Seaton Smith), but I had fun and did exactly what I wanted to do. This was my 21st performance at the DC Improv, but it wasn't until the last week I worked there (Vos/McFarland Jan 9th - 14th) that I performed without the organization and structure of my previous performances. I was loose and segued through the crowd, which is where my best comedy comes from. That's what I did Thursday night. I can't wait to take that stage again.
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