I’m An Actress And A Stand Up Comedian…Sort Of

Summary

An aspiring actress and comedian recounts her experiences in acting and attempting stand-up comedy, highlighting her determination to try new things and the humorous outcomes of her endeavors.

Abstract

In early 2023, the author, who identifies as an actress and a stand-up comedian, reflects on her journey of personal growth through acting and comedy. She reminisces about her role as an extra in a horror film, where she performed stunts like falling and screaming, and her amusing attempts at stand-up comedy. Despite moments of doubt and panic, she embraces the challenge of trying new things, such as applying for roles she's unsure about and writing her own comedy material. Although she hasn't officially performed stand-up, she considers herself part of the comedy community after getting her photo taken with comedians at an open mic night. The author is also committed to sharing her experiences of self-improvement, travel, and financial management through her writing.

Opinions

The author views her acting and comedy experiences as personal achievements, emphasizing the importance of saying "I have done it."
She expresses self-doubt about her ability to scream and act, yet she takes on the challenge with humor, acknowledging her own performance as "good" despite the difficulty.
The author has a casual and humorous attitude towards her potential stand-up comedy career, downplaying her preparedness and the quality of her material.
She reveals a sense of imposter syndrome, questioning why she feels the need to prove herself and to whom, yet she takes pride in being associated with the comedy scene.
The author seems to value the experience and community aspect of stand-up comedy as much as, if not more than, the actual performance.
She is optimistic and open about her journey, inviting others to follow her as she navigates through self-improvement, travel, and financial goals.

Trying new things

There I am...getting ready for my death scene

In the early weeks of 2023, I began to feel like this was going to be a big year for me. I remembered that one time, in 2021, when I flew to New York to be an extra in a short film. It was one of those, “I need to say I have done it” sort of moments. So, I did it. By the end of January, 2023, I began to think…I should do it again.

I jumped on Backstage, dusted off the ol’ account, and applied to a role I felt certain I did not qualify for. “Must be able to scream.” Yea, right. I am not one of those women who can belt out a scream on the fly. I don’t think I ever even scream, well…not in the scary way if you know what I mean. ;) Not sure why I hit apply, but I did it. A few days later, I got the notice to show up on set.

It turned out to be a great day. Us extras mostly just hung out on the beach, waiting for our chosen moments. I had three small sections to “act” out. This was a horror movie, so I felt pretty comfortable in the fact I had never acted a day in my life. Perfect.

Action! I proceeded to fall to my face out of shear panic. Totally pulled that off. That was my scene…panicking and falling on my face. The first time was easy. The six takes after may have caused a minor concussion. Man, I was good.

Next, I had to be “struck by lighting” which I really hope they just edit out. It was horribly bad.

Finally! The piece de resistance. Being dragged to my death! Once they started dragging me to my fake death, I began to scream. Beautiful, terrifying screams. I was so proud.

Take after take I screamed for my life. One would have thought I was ACTUALLY being murdered on the beach. Passers by all looked on with curiosity. This is when it occurred to me that you could murder someone in public if you point a big camera at it. “Oh, it is just a movie, keep walking my dear.”

I bet you thought this story was about my acting career. Gotchya! This is about something even better. My super existent, stand up comedy career. Another “I need to say I have done it” moment. Why do I have that need? Is it just me? Who am I even telling this stuff to?

I dreamed of being a stand up comedian for years. Especially at night after a few drinks and watching a comedy special. “You knooww what?! I could do that! THese MeN, think they’re so funny. Talkin’ bout bein’ fat. I know how to be fat!” I don’t drink anymore….

I wrote down a “bit” and read it to some friends. They laughed. Must be funny. I cannot say if it really was, and I won’t go into detail here…but a portion of it had to do with ghosts and their unfinished business and how in modern days your house would be FULL of people who never lived up to their Pinterest pins…it’s all in the delivery.

I looked up a comedy club that had an open mic night and made sure it was at least an hour from my house. I never wanted to see those people again, if and when, it went downhill fast. After a nice and unnecessarily long scenic drive, thanks a lot google, I arrived.

First I introduced myself to the hosts of the show and managed to make them laugh a couple times during my ramblings. This was good. Making comedians laugh is where the true gold is. I then settled in back and watched the show unfold, waiting for my turn at bat.

As it drew closer to my turn, I began to panic. I hadn’t really rehearsed. I would forget my lines and stammer and then possibly puke or pass out or puke AND pass out. I needed to get out of this. It wasn’t the night. These were not the jokes. I began to casually ease my way towards the exit. Nobody would notice. Everyone seemed to notice. Everyone in the know, that is.

I’m afraid this is a little anti-climatic. The hosts were more than understanding. They told me, “next time”. I thought to myself…I am leaving this state, they will never find me! I have still not got on a stage. However, let me tell you something I DID do. I got my picture taken with all of the comedians that night. Which means, I am technically a stand up comedian. Why else would I be in the picture? Not like you can get in the picture for just showing up and panicking in the back of the room. That is silly.

Me, throwing up my peace sign in the front/center

I am writing about improving myself, traveling, making money, paying off debts, figuring out how to help others, and all the thoughts and questions I have along the way. Consider following me to see what happens next!