If you’re rather skip the philosophy and cut right to The List, then just scroll down…
Having been a part of the local comedy scene for a handful of years now, I have always found it frustrating that it can so difficult to build local support for Boise comics. I am only now making a concentrated effort to understand why other local artists — musicians/bands, painters, etc… — seem to find more dedicated groups of followers, while our comedians are rarely able to build a fan base.
Without question, groups like Go Listen Boise and others that actively promote local talent have a huge role in this. I hope that one day, BoiseFunny! will fill a similar role for comics. But I also think that there is a mistaken impression that comedic talent is a “gift” that a person either has, or doesn’t have. I don’t think people are aware of the sheer amount of WORK that is involved in developing funny material.
When people watch professional comedians on TV, they aren’t aware that they’re watching the fruits of a decade — or more — of practice and refinement. Many comics, and our locals are no exception, hated the “reality” show “Last Comic Standing” because it gave a very false impression about comics — namely, that the majority of the comics on the show were amateurs. In fact, the vast majority of the comics on the show were already well-recognized names in the business, and in fact many were touring professional comics already. Comedy is hard work, and it relies on people coming out and watching shows.
But to the point of this article:
WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT LOCAL COMEDY?
1. BECAUSE THERE ARE FUNNY PEOPLE IN BOISE.
It’s easy to think of comics as being “famous” people who live in Hollywood or New York. But, there are comics in Boise who are funnier than some of the ones you’ll find on Letterman or O’Brien. There are comics in Boise who regularly travel to other places to spread laughter. All comics, including the ones you see selling out arenas full of people all over the world, started as amateurs, and they struggled and fought to develop their voice and their talent. We have in Boise right now performers who are starting to make a name for themselves nationally, and who one day you may be seeing on TV.
2. BECAUSE BOISE HAS A UNIQUE VOICE.
Hollywood comics are very different from New York comics, who are very different from Austin comics, and so on…. Comedy is a reflection and commentary on real life. Every community has a unique voice based on its history and culture, and as a result, comedy that develops in each unique environment has its own special flavor. You are in a unique position to appreciate the Boise comedy voice because you’re a part of this community, and your life is shaped by it, just as the comics that work here are shaped by it.
3. BECAUSE THE BOISE VOICE OF COMEDY DESERVES TO BE RECOGNIZED.
I believe strongly that we have a unique and wonderful comedic voice here in Boise. As much as I love the New York, California, Austin, and other comics, I think it’s time for something fresh. I think it’s time we shared our uniquely funny perspectives with the rest of the world. I take it as a matter of pride that Boise has produced some very funny people. I love knowing that there are comics from other areas of the country who look forward coming to Boise and working with Boise comics because they recognize the unique talent we have here. On the other hand, it frustrates me that people living and working (and laughing) right here in Boise are often unaware of the talent that lies so close at hand….
4. BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T SHOW UP, IT WON’T WORK.
Stand-up comedy is show business — it can only develop with live audiences. Comedy is a live, personal interaction that relies on live people. It relies on YOU. If you’re not there, if there are no audiences, then the Boise voice cannot grow and develop.
5. BECAUSE IT’S AMAZINGLY EASY FOR YOU TO HELP.
Honestly, all you have to do is show up. Here’s the thing: Getting up in front of a crowd with nothing but a microphone, and talking into trying to keep strangers laughing for 5, 10, even 15 or more minutes, is INSANELY DIFFICULT. The only thing that makes it harder is small audiences. You can help tremendously by simply showing up. It’s honestly that easy.
6. BECAUSE IS SUPPORTS YOUR ECONOMY.
Yes, there is money in comedy, even in local amateur-level comedy. Bars and venues that host comedy do it for the drink revenues. Corporate event organizers sometimes pay comics to Emcee or perform at their events, and that money can be kept in town by utilizing local talent instead of hiring outside the community. Furthermore, it’s often much cheaper to hire local talent who don’t have travel and lodging expenses. And of course, local comics are active members of the local economy themselves, which means the money you invest in local talent gets spent locally as well.
And so it is our hope that you — yes, YOU — will come out & watch your local artists perform, and develop, and grow, knowing that just by sitting there with a drink in hand, you are really, truly helping.
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