Adding Another One To The Books: Camp Out's Holding Court Comedy Contest
This post is also a sage reminder to "know thy audience"
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(3) 17 Comedy Contests To Try Your Luck In - by Jess Delfino (substack.com)
This past weekend, I had the absolute delight and pleasure of participating in a “Gong Show” style comedy contest at a gay campground in the middle of the Pennsylvania woods. When I was invited to be part of it a few months ago, I admit to feeling apprehensive. It’s been some time since I’ve been in a contest, and based on my hit and miss response history from conservative-leaning, God-loving purple Pennsylvania audiences, I wasn’t sure what the night would bring.
Dear reader, when I tell you I crushed this audience into oblivion, I am not even exaggerating 1%. I have proof—a video recording, and a group of 9 other comedians who witnessed the slay.
As I mentioned in a recent post, contests are an amazing way to get opportunities, build an audience or camaraderie with other comics, book gigs, win cash and prizes, and more.
In this particular instance, I won a cash prize, a paid future gig at the venue, plus I was paid for my participation. and I had a really fun and fantastic night. I also got to meet some great new comedians and fans, and maybe best of all, I was exposed to the delicious Carol Ann Carol Ann “and her sister Sharron Ann Husbands,” the emcees of the show who were beyond extra, hilarious, sharp and so much fun to watch.
Most interestingly, the experience helped me to remember my dirty folk rock roots. I am currently writing a new show about being middle aged, and it’s not quite moving along as easily as I’d like it to, or getting the audience love that I wish it would. Writing an entire new show can take a minute, especially one outside of the comfort zone, but it is leaving me wondering if I’m wasting time trying something new when I should be sticking to what works. It’s an internal battle that is always stewing within.
What do you think? Is it better to find the people who love what you do? Or leave your comfort zone in search of bigger, greener pastures?
Daily musings:
Carol Ann Carol Ann and Sharon Ann Husbands | Website
Camp Out Poconos | Website
The Gong Show | Wikipedia
List of comedy contests | Museletter
Ladies of Laughter contest | Website
Etc.:
My first album Dirty Folk Rock won multiple awards | Spotify
6/8 is the next Poconos Underground Comedy, Stroudsburg, PA | EventBrite
Your ad to 8k+ comedy lovers here; $40/wk | jess delfino at gmail dot com
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dear jess,
re: "What do you think? Is it better to find the people who love what you do? Or leave your comfort zone in search of bigger, greener pastures?"
does it have to be either/or?
sometimes i like to think of it as EXPANDING the comfort zone, rather than LEAVING it.
and sometimes expanding the comfort zone might help find more people who love what we do.
thanks for asking!
love
myq
Thanks for this, Myq. I think this makes good sense!