#jason groce

[standupcharleston]

Saturday you can catch the Comedy! Live! variety show at Black Bear Studios in West Ashley with host Lain Healey, comedians Jeremy McLellan, Jason Groce, Tim Hoeckel, David Lee Nelson, and sketch group Nameless Numberheads. Show starts at 8pm and only cost $5.

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Stand-Up Competitions Do's and Don'ts

My friend Jessica Mickey wrote this and I got quoted in it a few times along with my friends Michael Clayton and Jason Groce.  Good times. 

http://metronomecharleston.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-charleston-stand-up-competitions/

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                                       Q&A With Tami Ross!

I first met Tami in an Improv Practice Group.  She was completely fearless about getting on stage regardless of who was playing with her and she always had a definite point of view.  A few months later she attended an open mic and actually looked nervous on stage...and then she killed.  Some people change intricately and slowly over time, but Tami continued to get noticeably better each and every time.  Which is why it was sad when she announced that she and her husband would be moving to Pittsburgh.  Looking on the bright side though, she's still doing comedy and was nice enough to answer my questions on doing comedy in a new city and a different culture. 

1. What made you want to try stand-up?

I had been doing improv for a while before I did my first stand up set. It was actually the famous Sarah Porter that convinced me to do it. I had gone to a lot of her open mics, and even though I was scared out of my mind, I knew I wanted to be up there. I have been making people laugh my whole life... why not do it on stage?

2. What influences your writing and performance?

Everyday life. I've always been a little awkward, and felt like I was the only one with "issues." I started telling embarrassing stories of myself to my friends. It made me feel better to hear them laugh. I don’t know why, but putting my insecurities on the table for everyone to see, seemed to be therapeutic. So now, whenever I'm doing something stupid in life, or feel ashamed about something... I write it down, and try to find a way to turn it into a joke.

3. What was your first time on stage like and how has it changed since then?

My first time on stage was at the Tin Roof in West Ashley. I was so scared. I could hear my voice trembling while I was up there. Thankfully, Jason put me in the middle of the line up so people were just drunk enough to laugh... but not drunk enough to heckle. After I got my first laugh, it gave me confidence to finish my set. It felt like an eternity, but I think it only ended up being about 3 minutes. I've definitely gotten more confident on stage (even when the crowd is silent.) I'm able to joke with the crowd more, and laugh at my mistakes. It's not as "rehearsed."

4. What are some differences you noticed between the Charleston scene and the Philadelphia scene?

Oh my, Pittsburgh is waaay different than Charleston. I think I may be the only female comedian here. I've only done a couple open mics, but both times, it was in a sports bar with The Pirates playing in the background. Pittsburgh is all about sports and drinking, and so are the jokes.

5. Do you find that your jokes work differently as a result of different people, culture, etc?

It's been an adjustment coming to Pittsburgh for sure. My jokes have a very strong female voice to them. The first open mic that I did here was to a crowd full of men. I'm not joking. There was not a single female in the bar. The men just looked at me like I was from another planet. But I've been wanting to come up with a new set for a while. So this move is the perfect opportunity. I've been spending a lot of time in bars and restaurants just getting to know the people and the culture here. I feel that once I know more about the people.... It will be a lot easier to make them laugh.

6. In writing your new set how do you find that you're adapting to the new culture while still staying true to the strong female voice you have?

By sticking with what I know. I write about awkward girl things. I'm the same geeky girl, just in a new city. Now, I have to write about how this place and its people affect me. It will take time... but I'm ready for the challenge!

7. What's something you wish you'd known about comedy before you started performing?

I wish I would have watched more comedians before I started. I really didn't do any comedy research before I started. I just started telling jokes. Now that I've been doing it for a little while, I've started watching other comedians. I like seeing how much variety there is in comedy. When I watch others, it helps me know what I like and don't like about the way jokes are told.

8. Do you think because you didn't do a lot of comedy research it enabled you to find your voice quicker or is it something that hindered you?

I think I found my voice quicker. In my opinion, finding your voice is something you have to work out one stage. You find what’s comfortable to you, and what gets the best reaction. But, I found my "voice" needed a little more structure. Studying comedy helped me get more of the structure.