David Angelo's Rules For Stand-Up
Chicago stand-up comic David Angelo, who enjoys goofing around on his web site Ridiculous Paradigm, will be performing in The People Under the Stares stand-up show on Tuesday, August 29 at 9, along with Saturday Night Live star Fred Armisen, Elizabeth England, TJ Miller, and host Rian Murphy.
David also operates on a few clearly-defined rules of comedy that he swears he will "defend without mercy to anyone who challenges them." Yes, folks, in case you were wondering, them's are fightin' words. Those rules after the jump, if you dare.
RULE #1
There are limits. I don't think there is anything quite so pathetic as a comic using handicapped people as fodder for "material." If I hear one more hack reference a "short bus," I will seriously consider buying an uzi to use on both comic and giggly audience until someone takes me out or I run out of ammo. Mentally retarded or disabled individuals are OFF LIMITS in standup. They are not misfortunate, they are reality. As a standup comic, you are incredibly lucky to have the ability to communicate your thoughts and express yourself. All that separates a comic from someone on a "short bus" are a few mutations in the DNA that neither has any control over. Comics have the faculties to satirize and entertain audiences, abilities one should be thankful for. I do not agree with any of the bullshit excuses that defend the degradation of the handicapped. A comic that ridicules them is begging for cheap laughs at the cost of common decency. You tell me which is the human tragedy: a biological deformity or squandering the talents you make fun of others for lacking.
The same argument can be generally applied to homeless people. Making fun of them is slimy because it's behind closed doors and to an audience of well-off individuals who can afford a night of entertainment. Homeless people jokes are, consequentially, cowardly. I doubt anyone with homeless jokes in their set would have enough courage to mock the demographic seated directly in front of them with the same mean-spirited tone.
Generally, if a joke makes you sound like an asshole, then you are being an asshole.
RULE #2
If you are bombing at an open mic, GET OFF THE STAGE. You won't win them back in the next 2 minutes. Going an extra 4 minutes will not help either. No one will mind if you skip out early.
RULE #3
Don't be sad you bombed. It betrays your arrogance to get upset over a poorly received performance. When comics get upset over lousy sets it is because they expected (or assumed) they would do well. Hubris ruins as many sets as poor material.
RULE #4
There is always someone funnier than you.
Comments
Stand-up is an art form and is generally not bound by rules. David has however made me discover the only "rule" that I have ever found.
Rule #1: Never take anything David Angelo says seriously.
He's a funny comic, but he's out of his mind. I'm not even sure if rule 4 can be considered a rule. It's true, but it's more like a fact than a rule. Unless he's trying to tell us that we should always make sure there is someone funnier than us.
Posted by: Fojas | August 24, 2006 2:11 PM
Don't start invoking the "art form" defense unless you are prepared to back it up with a high degree of educated insight. Contrary to popular belief, “art” isn’t just a catch-all word for things you don’t understand. Your rule is a good one, but it is a Rule of David Angelo, not a Rule of Standup.
Posted by: David Angelo | August 24, 2006 4:55 PM