This has been a weird year for comedy. It's been a weird year for everything, really. This time last year, I was excited because I had a bunch of shows coming up, I just created my website, and the world was my oyster. 2020 was my year to make at least $100 doing comedy. But then...the shut down happened.
I remember I had two shows booked on St. Patrick's Day. They both got canceled. Then slowly, but surely all my other shows got canceled. A two week lock down turned into a month, then 6 months and then a year. Comedy took a hit. So much for all my dreams and aspirations.
So what have I been doing? Well, I've taken this time to grow as a person and as a comedian. I've branched out and started doing things I wouldn't normally do. I've had the opportunity to collaborate with other comedians and create online content, I started my own show that let's me give comedians stage time, and I've worked on other creative outlets.
Yeah, this year has sucked, but it's also helped me realize that sometimes you have to adjust and adapt to the curveballs life throws your way. One thing I've enjoyed doing is working with other comedians to create skits and videos. I didn't think that was my forte, because I'm no actor, but it's been a lot of fun. I've also done a few podcasts which is great even though I still don't think anyone wants to hear me talk that long.
A big thing that changed was now I'm hosting a show. I always said that I probably would never do that because I felt like I didn't have the right personality or it was too much pressure or too much work. But I've got to say, I've really been enjoying it. It's fun to book people and run a show. So I'm thankful that the opportunity came my way and that I'm doing my small part in trying to keep comedy alive, baby!
Hopefully 2021 will be better. I'm looking forward to doing shows again. I'm looking forward to staying out late and hanging out with my friends again. But until then, I'm just going to keep adapting. Keep pushing.
But if you're sick of being locked in your house and you want to see some comedy. Come hang out every third Friday at the Jittery Joe's Barrow location. Show starts at 6pm. I bring my favorite comedians out and we have a good time. The comedy train can't be stopped! See you at a show.
