Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Tuesday with Laurie

I am so excited tonight I am hosting at NYCC and my role model and idol Laurie Kilmartin is performing. I can die now. I feel like I am really a comedian. Wow. When I started this thing I used to troll the web looking to learn anything I could from anyone. I found Laurie had a web site with a weekly blog she had kept for over 5 years. Like a nut that I am I read the entire thing over the course of that first summer in comedy. I learned so much from her. Firstly I love her as a comedian. I dont see her as a woman comic I see her as just a top notch comic....everything I would hope to be.

The second thing I loved about her is that she always seem grounded to the truth. She told the truth about the realities of this business she was truthful about all aspects of navigating he life in comedy. She gave me the closest sense of a road map when I was getting started.

I love her humor it is real and smart and has a sarcasum I adore.Laurie traveled and did the road for over a decade...then she came to NYC and had to start right where all of us do, she hit the open mic's. In her blog she talks about going from doing 40 minute sets to doing 5 minutes at a Village open mic. She was so talented that in two years time she had worked her way into the top clubs in NYC. Her first club to give her a break was the NYCC. I met Miss Kilmartin in front of the Improv 3 months ago and she was warm and approachable. It is a dream come true that I will be hosting a show she will be on. I have a respiratory infection and am feeling like shit but I don't have time to be sick. This is just so great.

I have small goals in comedy and this is a goal I didn't even know I had. My favorit quote is Her's " ALL we have control of is to try to get funnier" It is my mantra.

Comments are below
Nice!
Posted on 12/14/2005 at 07:03 AM by Greg Manuel

By any chance did she do the joke about how she could never marry Charlie Sheen? I saw her at an open mic some two or three years ago, and I always liked that one...wordplay just gets me, you know?




Posted on 12/14/2005 at 10:50 AM by Raquel D'Apice

Congrats! Hope it went well!



Congrats
Posted on 12/14/2005 at 06:16 PM by April Brucker

She is one funny lady (you are too). I saw her act a while ago I believe when I first came to nyc. I nearly wet my pants



Im Sick
Posted on 12/14/2005 at 08:10 PM by Robin Fox

I guess its been to much excitement and late nights for this old lady. Last night was really a tough night. We had a million comics to put up. Lorrie was gonna perform at half past nine but came back around ten fourty five. She remembered me from infront of the Improv where I met her a few months ago. I intorduced her and as I did half the room walked. Oh my.She asked the room to give ME a hand for hosting which was really nice. Only one other comic did that last night. She did too long a set and it was my fault. No one told me how long she was to do. I figured 8 minutes. I felt awful. She was wonderful but she struggled the room was really tough. The show went on till the we we hours.

There were a few standouts last night. Chriss Souflee went on right after Larie and killed it was a spectacular set. A black woman named Georgette was also very strong. Alex Rubar was a total nut as the "Angry Lumber Jack" Kiesha Zoalar ,and Katie McKenna all were real stand out stand ups last night. I got home at 3 am and I am so sick with a respritory infection and cold.



Really?
Posted on 12/14/2005 at 08:48 PM by Harris Bloom

SHE can't even do eight minutes?

And to think,I get pissed when I can only do five.

Feel better.





I was there
Posted on 12/15/2005 at 11:33 AM by Jeanne Noll

and Robin did a great job and I was watching when Laurie got up - she did great considering the fact that so many people got up right as she was getting on the stage. And - yes it was a long long night!



Still sick
Posted on 12/15/2005 at 04:42 PM by Robin Fox

Thanks Jeany (NOLLL) As I wrote you even though you performed for 8 people you could see that the writing is there. You were really kind to stay till we locked the doors. Also I have to mention Grace Clayton she was a 3rd time on stager and she was very good.

I so wanted to go out to the Lantern tonight but Im sick still

Monday, December 12, 2005

Come back an wow me in another six months

That is what Starla told me to do after my last audition. She was really positive until she found out it was my first audition and said that if that's the case comeback in 6 months and wow me again. Tonight I will audition again. I am not feeling sharp. I feel tiered all day and depressed. I don't know if I should do other material or the same stuff I did last time but with my better timing and new tags. I will go with the latter. I had a great audition at NYCC for industry and did well. I did the best at this point in time that I am capable of doing. One agent passed on me and the other liked me and wants to see more in 6 months.

That all said.... I feel like someone let all the air out of my head. I had an argument with Mr Fox yesterday and my life is at an all time stress high. I am a pro. I have a 6 minute set for a 5 min audition. I need to see the room before I figure out what to cut. Go know. I am writing this to remind myself that this is all I work for. I sometimes wonder why I am so full of angst and second guessing myself so much. I am really a good comedian. If it was baseball and they kept stats... Mine are good. It just is I am an approval junkie and this entire process takes a lot out of me. I just want to get booked more on better shows. It is not the fame it is the undying need to perform in good rooms and to make people laugh...which I can do.

I love doing Adams room. Every time I go there I really do kill. The high from that lasts for days. I love doing Don't tell Mamas for the same reasons. I know this is what I should be doing with my life. I have known I'm a comic all my life. I feel like shit ...But I'm going and I am gonna Wow that woman if it kills me.

Comments are below
so how good did you do?
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 12:16 AM by Josh Homer





As an artist
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 12:37 AM by H. P.

The artist is always critical of the art they paint. never realizing the art in itself is inspiring and the ARTIST IS the masterpiece. So I hoped you riped them all a new one.

Remember the Pearl Necklace.

Peace



no soap radio
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 02:30 AM by Robin Fox

I am sad to report that I did not wow her tonight. I miss read the room. I was the first up after the passed pros. Vinnie Brand was up before me and had an excellent set the room loved. I should have taken notice of the age of the room. I had planned my strong KY opener and it was wrong for the room. It was filled with people even older than myself and I am older than dirt. The first joke that more than usually kills hit soft. I pertended that it was fine. I moved into my second joke and it landed a bit stronger but still softer than expected. Then I hit into my stride and things went well. I did this very same set last week at an industry showcase at NYCC and it killed. It is a 5 minute set that took at NYCC 6 minutes so I was fearfull and cut out a few jokes and timed it for 4 mins 30 seconds leaving room for my imagined applause breaks and laughter. I was done at 4min 30 seconds and ended short. I was underwhelmed. Not to make excuses...but I was having an off day the entire day at home. I quit smoking and was irritable more than normal. Im off them 3 weeks one day.

I also like an ass asked Vinne to stay and watch my set so it was a double audition....more pressure. Lastly the Comical Mag. was there to photograph me for an upcoming feature story....what am I high?? I only wish it would have at least been enjoyable.

Starla came out to talk to me. She didnt remember me at all. I refreshed her with a comment she gave me about a joke that I had changed. She said first off I ran short...not good. Then she said I had really good punch lines but my set ups were too long. This is the same set that last time she complimented me in the set up punch ratio. So I dont know what to do with that. She didnt think my opener was strong enough and I told her it was wrong for the room tonight and she agreed. She also told me I should have been in the balcony watching the sets before me to get a sence if things needed changing. I told her Im new and I dont know how to zig and zag under pressure yet and that I could have saved it with replacing the joke with another and then told it to her ...making her laugh.

She told me I am going to get this right eventually and she looks forward to seeing me in 6 months. I know this I have no choice but to continue to work my butt off and just ghet funnier. I find this comedy thing is getting harder and harder yet I really feel like I am developing comedy some stronger comedy abs. So my 6 pack is 6 months away. She lead me to believe that she is sure that I will nail this and its a matter of time and timing.

Lastly the comedy planets werent in line tonight...I wasnt in the zone but I know I will get there somehow.

Tonight Tuesday I am hosting at NYCC. This was just a dream a year ago. I am thrilled because my idol...Laurie Kilmartin is on the bill. She is my inspiration...and the woman who taught me my mantra, All we have control of is to try to get funnier. Im trying and then some.

I left the audition tonight and went to the Holiday party at NYCC. I had such a great time and I have to say it was wonderful to be with so many friends and people I just enjoy so much. I also feel that I have gained the respect of people who I never dreamed I could ever deserve to share a stage with just a few years ago. So I guess it is a good ending to this year. I am just finishing my 3rd year and I am futher than I thought Id be and have so much more to learn and grow. I dont want a sitcom....I dont want to be Ellen. I just want to be a working comic who is booked on shows and gets the chance to perform in shows with other good comics and hold my own. I am too hard on myself most of the time....but despite the outcome tonight I am truly proud of the work I am doing and Im a glutton for punishment...this wont stop me. Im stubborn, Im married 23 years I can handle ups and downs with the best of them.



Oh well...as they say...
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 07:24 AM by Harris Bloom

Whatever doesn't kill ya postpones the inevitable.

Better luck next time (and I love Kilmartin too - she did a set at a show I was on last night).





Congrats on Quitting Smoking....
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 09:51 AM by Al Wagner

Soon, very soon, you will stop thinking about it...You are certainly tough, talented and determined, so I know you can beat the habit and the audition process eventually.

And if I ever get an audition at the Comic Strip, of course I won't pass but I am going to say it is my fiftieth audition so she tells me to pack it in...no hope for me. ;)



You can do it!
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 10:33 AM by Jeanne Noll

Hi Robin. I quit smoking about 13 years ago. Haven't had one since. If I could do it - you definitely can. When I used to crave a cigarette I'd go outside and take a giant breath of fresh air into my lungs - it did help. Also, each time you would normally buy a pack, put the money in a jar - at the price they are today - you'll have enough for a small vacation before ya know it. And sorry about your audition last night. If this helps - I know people who've been doing it much longer than 3 years and aren't auditioning yet - so you have come far.



Noll
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 04:13 PM by Kelly Shannon

yeah, she quit smoking but now she's drinking (see previous blog) :)



I'm sorry Robin.
Posted on 12/13/2005 at 07:14 PM by Dave O'Gara

I'm really shocked and surprised. You are really talented, hell you know that. I'm sure you'll get it next time. Shit happens kid, you will make it happen. Stay strong.



coming from you Dave
Posted on 12/14/2005 at 02:16 AM by Robin Fox

Thats a rave. You know how wonderful I and talented I think you are. Im really not to upset Starla was very positive and feels strongly that I will pass eventualy. I forgot to mention when I walked into the Club The woman who beat me at the Ladies of Laughter was there. I got jolted by it. She is another mom comic and I paniced that Id have to follow her and it would be bad. She in the end went on after me. I know that if I dont give up and god I dont know why I am so determined in the face of all thats up against me I will make it. Its a living thing this comedy thing and I just have to hope that next time I will be on my A game.

Friday, December 9, 2005

Shut the fuck up.

Wed. night I did an Industry Showcase at NYCC, Buddy Flip had produced. It was my night to shine and I had a really strong set. I was in the zone, the audience was in the zone the planets were all in line and best of all It was in front of industry and being taped.

I was nervous because I hadn't performed in over 2 weeks the longest I have taken a break since beginning. After the show I headed downtown to Sal's and he offered to put me up....love him... I followed Rick Shapiro who is god to me and did very well....thank-you planets.

The next night I had 2 spots at the NYCC one in the big room at 9:30 and the second at 11:30. The room was late to fill up and they were a loud group of folks. As the show began it was a bringer I had a booked spot on.... Mary Domino who is cute and hysterical took to the stage to MC. Cell phones were ringing every few minutes people were still being seated. There was a group of people in the front of the room closest to the door....who wouldn't shut up. I was standing by the booth and people all around them were getting annoyed that they were talking. The mic the night before was really hot...you had to hold it away...this night it was running very soft. With talkers it helps somewhat for me if the mic is loud because I can focus on my own voice.

I am pumped up from the night before. I dressed up both nights and felt very confident. Mary introduced me and I took to the stage. As I am walking to the stage the guy in the front says to his group ( I was told this later by a comic sitting near them and heard some of it myself) Great another woman comic I hate them. I hit the stage and I'm off to a strong start. I have them, then the talkers all turn their backs and are in a huddle talking louder than I am on stage. I say " Feel free to ignore me I'm married 23 years I'm used to it" They keep talking I continue with my set and the room is laughing and I pause before the next set up and the Guy in the group shouts out "Maybe if you were funny I would be talking". I continue.... I'm like George Costanza in Sienfeld "Hey George the ocean called their running out of shrimp" ALL I can think about is a comeback and I have none. I begin the next joke and get the light. I start the set up wrong and am so angry they are still talking people around them are all annoyed. I say " I got the light so I just have a few more seconds up hear and instead of finishing this joke Id much rather say some thing else.....SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!! pause........................no really I mean it SHUT THE FUCK UP!!! I'm Robin Fox." As I walk by their table I say to them.... I hope when your friend goes up they get treated the same way you treated me...what goes around. " I walk to get my coat and everyone is high fiving me comics and some audience. I am told I was good. I am thanked for shutting them up. I go into the hall and obsess with what I could have done or said. I wanted to say something like this isn't the movies I can actually hear you. I didn't want to sound like an ass...or cross a line. Mary the MC runs out and says wow that hardly every happens during a showcase. I lost my Heckel virginity. Hell I'm in my third year what did I expect....but just like the real thing It is the next day and I'm still sore. I was standing by the bar and was telling a friend what happened. The pro comics and people at this much longer than me were wondering what the big deal was. I was a being such a girl.... I was really upset by how cold they were to it. Then again..... if you do this its as much a part of the business as the gum under the tables. To them it wasn't a big deal. One comic said.... I love a good ass hole. I love fucking with them back. I don't.

I felt like I was back in 5th grade and being picked on....the reason I became funny in the first place. What was I gonna say....your not coming to my birthday party. The good news is they were quiet the rest of the night.I was waiting in the hall to do my next set and so many comics and audience people said something nice to me. Mostly things like...Im glad you told them off...they were ruining the night. Others just said I was funny and wish they could have heard more. I have been in rooms where people were really chatty sometimes after I have gone up. I have gone up to them and said can you be quiet...Id like to hear. If your at a bringer and your a comic maybe you could do something to help a comic out before it comes to getting nasty. I don't know if that's the answer.

What is it with people that they don't know how to act during live entertainment. Is it that they don't go out of the house and just don't know how to behave?? Turn your cell phone off. ...and if you have to talk leave the room or don't sit in front of the stage at least. To the comics bringging these people ...please if you see your firends ackting like ass holes say something to them....the set you save may be your own. And to myself.....Grow a thicker skin.

Later in the night their comic went up she was so bad it was a train wreck. She looked like she was high and was incoherent. Her group not only talked during her set one got up and walked out shouting "I don't know her'. In the hallway after another woman was from the group and she was talking so loudly as was the entire area by the bathroom.... The manager walked by and asked them to keep it down. I then said...".Yea just Shut the fuck up" The woman recognized my voice and looked right at me I stared her down.... she looked away.

I went to do my second set in the small room their were 8 people left I had a good set. It is never a done deal with this thing. Two days ago I felt on top of the world..... today I feel like I've just started.

Comments are below
congrats
Posted on 12/09/2005 at 04:17 PM by Josh Homer

everyone gets heckled. once a woman heckled me because I am half white and half black, and she 'don't like halfbreeds'. I always follow the Patrick Swayze road house rule, be nice, if they talk, be nice, if they call you names, be nice. Be nice until it's time not to be nice, that way the audience is on your side when you rip them a new one, you don't get people thinking 'man that comic is an asshole' instead they think 'i am glad someone said something to that jerk'.

some clubs ask talkers to be quiet, and if they keep it up to leave (see the IMPROV) but NYCC pretty much leaves you to your own devices up there. i did a show there last monday with ssome english people who talked the whole show, no matter how many comics told them to STFU, or made fun of them. some people just want to be part of the show.




Posted on 12/09/2005 at 04:38 PM by Chris McDevitt

I like to ask everyone in the audience who paid good money to hear a comedy show and not to listen to a drunken douchebage to raise their hand. Then I ask them to extend their middle finger. Then I ask them to wave it at said drunken douchebag.
I like doing that.
P.S., it doesn't work so good on the Train.



Robin...
Posted on 12/09/2005 at 08:15 PM by Adrienne

That room was terrible. They were so chatty, that and I thought the mic was really low. I wish I would have told them to shut the fuck up, I would have felt better about the set then too.



You were great dispite them
Posted on 12/09/2005 at 10:24 PM by Robin Fox

I was so angry I wanted to spit. Its a bringger show you jerk. I only wish I was sucking really tanking and it happened because then I would have felt I deserved it. It was a clear case of someone just not wanting any female to do good. Adrienne you were fantastic all the same even with the talking... Loved the new material. I was so proud of you.



Bringers...
Posted on 12/10/2005 at 09:47 AM by Al Wagner

Seem to bring out the novices...the people who would never be in the club if it weren't for their friends...so without excusing bad behavior it just seems to happen more often at bringers.

At least you got your wish, not only was their friend treated poorly, but by her own group!

Sorry for the difficult experience. I once had a bringer turn out badly since my own group were the idiots, but I won't dwell since I don't want anyone to hear my plaintive roar...

Glad the industry show went well!

-A Fan



Robin, you can't trust the planets!
Posted on 12/10/2005 at 09:58 AM by Kantad Svendsgaard

Seriously, if I've learned anything in the couple of years I've been doing comedy, it is typical to feel very high in the stratosphere one night only to plumb a new low the very next night. I've gotta think the comedians who don't quit and keep plugging along and don't let the last show affect the next show are the ones who make it big. I wish I had your courage - I would have told the Apollo crowd to shut the fuck up. On second thought...

By the way, you were great at Buddy Flip's show. Other comics asked me if I was going up that night, and I was proud to say "no, I'm here to see Robin Fox!"



I feel your pain
Posted on 12/10/2005 at 10:02 AM by Jeanne Noll

Robin, a few years ago I did a show - it was my first real show (not a bringer or open mike). I was doing a guest spot (five minutes at the front). The MC was also the booker and a regular MC at this show so he knew everyone and had inside jokes and they loved him... I was right after him to do my 5 minute guest spot. Right before he went up he told me "Make me look good - you're a professional!" No Pressure There! There was a really drunk lady in front and she wasn't exactly heckeling me - just totally incoherent and making funny loud noises. But she was a regular audience member and had a lot of friends there. I wouldn't dare say anything to her at that point anyway because I very seldom strayed from my totally memorized set. I think I ended up doing 2 1/2 minutes and forgot half of my punchlines - I was extremely flustered! Anyway, when I got down, the pro comics who were there came up to me and said things like, "You get used to that kid..." Like stuff that really left me feeling like everyone knew (thought) that I had no business being there. I came across like it was my first time being on stage and it really hurt. I just remember not being able to get that horrible feeling that I could have said something to save myself, put her in her place and make it funny, out of my mind. I haven't encountered anything like that since so I don't know if I've learned anything from it or if I would react any better if it happened today - but I think from experience I may not get so flustered - at least! I'm doing a bringer at NYCC next week (first time) so hopefully the mike will be loud and those people won't be there or they will have learned something from you. Anyway - good for you for maintaining your composure and saying something to them later on and congrats on your first heckling experience!!!



rule of bringing
Posted on 12/10/2005 at 12:33 PM by Alan Schwartz

If I have doubts as to whether my friend can behave themselves in a comedy club, I wouldn't bring them to see me. That being said, I saw the girl in the hallway being noisy, and while I didn't see her behavior in the room itself, her behavior outside it gave me the picture of what you had to go through. While that may have sucked, eventually it will be a distant memory while it's another night and you're killing uninterrupted.



Look at it from this viewpoint
Posted on 12/10/2005 at 12:42 PM by Shaun Eli

You said that the comedian they came to see was horrible. Clearly they did NOT want to be there. I'm not defending their behavior, but knowing that their friend was so bad, they obviously came into the room with a negative attitude.



Thanks for all the kindness
Posted on 12/10/2005 at 03:37 PM by Robin Fox

People think Im nice but I am really not. I would have paid someone big money to beat that guy up and given me pictures. I dont care why he was there... Keep your mouth shut. I chatt at a whisper and feel guilty when I talk during a show. The other night I had to move my seat because a comic keept talking to me and wouldnt get the hint...that I wanted to hear the show. Gina the manager asked me if she needed to go into the room and handle them, after my letting them have it they were quiet. Its good to know that the club stands behind you.



You go girlfriend!
Posted on 12/11/2005 at 01:11 PM by April Brucker

I think more comics should tell hecklers to shut the fuck up. I mean, you are a very nice lady off stage but I gotta hand it to you, you don't take shit from anyone!

Saturday, November 19, 2005

I have so so much to learn

I just want to say that I am so sick of my set I could barf. I do a set that is basically a decent set. In a good room it kills...but what wouldn't. In an average room and if I go on before the check spot I hold my own...I do a good set. In a small room late at night after 25 comics I don't bomb but it's hit and miss.

I did a show the other night at Sal's very late into the night. All that was left in the audience were stragglers and people too drunk to leave. I followed the brilliant Rodney Laney....Montreal, Comedy Central, all the good stuff. I did my best material and I just did ok.

Tonight I did a show at a church... I thought is was going to be at a firehouse for the past few weeks and found out differently yesterday. I knew this meant PG so I went threw my sets and picked out a few thing dropped out a few others. When I got to the church I was told no "F "word.... I assumed that included no "C" words either. I use the word cunt and cock sucker in a few of my bits. I take to the stage and I knew I had to replace a "Fuck you" with a "Bite Me". I get to the stage and I cant remember what the word I'm gonna use instead of Fuck . I start with my set and out of no where I jump 3 jokes ahead. Now I back track.. I do the "Bite me" joke ...it hits. I totally leave out my Trophy wife bit, by mistake. Now I'm moving on and thinking ..."Can I go back to it?" I am thinking ahead and performing and for a short second loose my place. This has not happened to me on stage in a long long time. I trudge along and now "I got them" there laughing at all of it. I decide its a really easy room. I am planning on doing 10 minutes I want to do longer... I could have gone on because I see its going really well. I think what to do what to do.... I cant remember what other clean stuff I have. All the time I'm worried about cursing... I curse an often don't know it. I have my censor on full blast in my head. I say the word "Bitch" on purpose then I pause and say "I'm going to Hell but you guys already know that.... I'm Jewish" Off the top of my head they love it. I figure okay riff Robin riff. I go on to say something about my brother who is married to an Italian girl.... I say yeah he's not Jewish anymore he's Italian.... I know this cause he calls it gravy not sauce anymore. THUD THUD THUD. Now that is a joke I never did on stage but in real life i.e.. supermarket lines, with friends at Dunkin Donuts it kills. I feel thrown, from the car. I finish up and end on a big note.

The woman who ran the room tells me I killed...Thanks ( you don't know good) The other comics all complement me. The ladies in the bathroom ask for my email. The woman who paid me says she loved me.

I don't know if I had PMS or I am just in my 3rd year phase of feeling...I WANT TO BE A REAL COMIC GOD DAM IT . I wasn't happy, I forgot 3-4 different tags. I left out 2 jokes. I talked to fast. I hate my material.

I think the real problem was I was doing well enough but I wasn't in my zone. I developed a nasty habit of doing the same set over and over because I feel every show (especially ones with over 150 people) I have to do my A set. By the way my A set is really only a B-. I am getting more shows for paying audiences and out of fear I stay in my safety zone. So what has changed???? I think this is it.. I have been doing less and less open mic's. I used to do 4 a week and sometimes 3 in one night. You can work the kinks out of a joke and become comfortable with your material when you do it often in a room where your doing it mostly for yourself. I got Lazy that's it in a nut shell. The second I had to adjust my set to fit a format of a Church I wasn't as good as I could have been. I thought I was prepared but at the end of the day I should have done more. Its getting cold and the mic's in the Village have gotten spread out. I used to do 3 shows on a Tuesday... now I can only do 2. The real road block has been getting weekend work. I don't feel good about being out Friday night and Saturday night and then doing a booked show during the week and then going out another 2 nights. My husband who I call Mr Wonderful in my act is just that wonderful... but I cant be out 6 nights a week.

In the beginning I would do my sets into a tape recorder over and over...at home. I would listen to the sets and see which way a joke sounded better. I have a friend who videos herself at home....doing her new material and watching them to see what works. I don't know. Maybe that's a way to go.

To those of you who are saying Robin you were probably great your being really hard on yourself I say YES!!! I have to be. If you think I did well here's the litnes test. The headliner was Rodney Laney the same comic I followed at Sal's the other night. He was awesome so funny and they loved him. I was in the back of the room after the show. Anyone who walked by shook his hand, hugged him stayed and chatted. Every now and then Id get a you were funny too. In the kitchen with smokers I got a few you were funny's. I don't expect to get the accolades of a headliner. I just think being able to truly assess what we have on stage is critical to getting better. I have so much more to learn.

I think its about levels. I was really good at my last level. Now I've gotten better at the same time I am performing with better comics and I am at the bottom looking up again. I feel like I'm starting all over again. I have been writing everyday for at least a half hour for a few weeks now. I cant wait to have something really great come out of the process. So far I have struck no gold. I sometimes feel that all I care about is this obsession to get funnier. I have to believe I will as long as I don't give up. My mantra is from Dr Phil (I'm Pathetic I know) Winners do what the losers wont. I hope its true.

Comments are below
Dr. Phil can do many things...but...
Posted on 11/19/2005 at 04:40 AM by Peter Greyy

Dr. Phil can't help you like material that you're sick of...

What's worse is...if you're sick of your material, it probably shows--maybe not consciously, but in a subconcious way...and that may be why your A-set isn't always getting A-level responses.

Phil would point out that you KNOW the things you need to do...you just aren't doing them. You're writing--but you're not taking that material to as many open mics as you had before...and you're feeling like you have to do your A-set in most every setting...

You KNOW what you need to do. You need to take that stuff you've been writing--even if it isn't the absolute flat-out perfect guaranteed-to-kill material that you wish it was--and you need to put it out there...to see what it does in front of an audience--an open mic audience, sure...but you need to get it off of the page and into your head.

You do that stuff in front of people...you hear what THEY find funny about it, maybe it leads you into new directions...maybe it just allows you to drop the parts that just aren't funny--but you get back into the process of building new material...material that you're not sick of...material that, at some point, you're going to be excited to try in front of weekend audiences...to replace some of the bits from your A-set that annoy you the most...

Allow yourself the excitement of WORKING on something--something that may or may not work right off the bat... Let the WORK be the goal--because if you want it to be perfect right out of the gate, you'll never allow yourself the chance to TRY something and SEE if it works... Chances are, if you need it to be perfect right from the start--you'll never do ANYTHING new.

Another thing...do you HAVE to run at your top speed at all times? No. Give your self the opportunity to catch your breath--to really take a look at what you're doing and how it's working out for you... It sounds like you need to recharge your batteries--and it might be that you're in need of a slightly new perspective, to rethink what you're doing...and what you want to do.

Just get out of your comfort zone (especially because it is making you uncomfortable)--and concentrate on the process of doing something that you DO want to do...and focus on the things that you CAN'T WAIT to get up on that stage and tell other people.

The things that interest you the most--are the things that you will share with the most passion...and that passion will translate on stage...and you will connect with others, perhaps in a way you haven't been connnecting lately...

If you hate your material...if you're tired of it...if it no longer interests you the way it once did...you need to set that material aside... Revisit it with fresh eyes and ears, perhaps...or pull it out when you absolutely need to do material that is time tested and true...but CONCENTRATE on FRESH, NEW and PERSONALLY INVOLVING ideas that make you excited for your chance to take 'em around the block for a spin (so all the neighbors can see...)

Oh, and put down the god damned fork. I don't know why, but Dr. Phil always seems to say that, doesn't he?

pg--seattle



Just what the Dr. Ordered.
Posted on 11/19/2005 at 08:16 AM by Robin Fox

Thanks Peter, I hear you. All the things your saying are just what I must do. I also need to be in the moment more. The real pitfall of last night was that I was consantly editing in my head and watching out to stay clean. I lost my focus and the only reason the set came off to the audience as a good set was that I am so well rehearsed that I was able to pull it off. I need a well rehersed clean set that I know just what Im doing down to the last line before hitting the stage. Then I can zig or zag but I will be able to be more in the moment.

As for burn out ... I am going on vacation this week for the first time in 2 years. Its with the kids so for this mom its not a total rest. I cant wait to get away.

I am MCing more and more lately and have developed on stage alot of one liners for that kind of job. That has been my writing focus before this past 3 weeks of writing everyday. I will one by one start to take the new material to the open mics and see how it looks coming out of my mouth instead of on paper. I thank you so much for all your imput. The work is in the doing.





Thanks for the stream of consciousness
Posted on 11/20/2005 at 04:53 PM by

It's nice to see a little female agony so well displayed. Keep up the good work.



Strong Stand Up is like Fine Wine...it can't be rushed.
Posted on 12/02/2005 at 10:11 PM by Luchia

I honestly don't read blogs but Robin I find you so interesting a comic, that I just had to stop by and check yours out. I can so identify with everything you're saying and trust me you aren't the only one who is hard on yourself--I beat myself up nightly LOL! But then I take a breath and remember that what we're doing is literally one of the most difficult things in the world to do and there are many aspects of it that just can not be rushed. No matter how talented the comic, it takes TIME a lot of TIME to totally tap into that talent. All we can do is enjoy the ride on the way.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

A New York Bargin

Sal's Comdey Hole has opened his new club on 87 Macdougal underneath cafe del Marre. The Weds. open mic will kick off at 6PM today....no cover! The new club is great you got to see it. Best of all Sal is a comic himself and brings that feel to the club.

Sal told me shortly he will be doing an open mic 7 days a week how cool will that be!

Comments are below
That is very cool......
Posted on 11/17/2005 at 03:18 AM by Adrienne

Saturday, November 12, 2005

There once was a host from NJ....hosting Limerick

This week I will be hosting the Tuesday Night Morrison Motel at the Limerick House. It is a tremendous honor to me because the Motel was the first regular open mic I did when I ventured out of my Comfort Zone of the Stress Factory in NJ. I have a huge affection for this room that John Morrison has put together. It is one of the best of its kind. I have once a month Big shoes to fill. Matt O' Brian did a fantastic job and I still miss him. The other 3 hosts of the month are all talented and lovely people. Ed,Lorrie and Guy are all great.

I still remember the first night I went to the Motel I was so scared and in awe. We had our own group in NJ and we all week after week learned and grew at our craft. Coming to NYC was an entirely different experience. The host my first night in was Lori Chase. Lori is a wonderful comedian and host. I remember thinking.....will I ever be able to do that? Look how at ease she is. That night and during the first few shows I did there I saw Rick Shapiro, Bill Burr, Jason Good, Sue Costello, Carmen Lynch, and Michelle Bateau....... the bar had been raised . Week after week I watched and would all week long drive myself nuts to come up with anything new to bring to the Motel and see if it flew. Slowly I got to know so many talented and dedicated people. It was like that song...NY NY if I can make it there Ill make it anywhere.

So even though I have been fortunate to be hosting at NYCC lately... I feel a different pressure at the Motel. At NYCC the audience is always different. At the Morrison it is a core group that comes in each week and I want to have something new and fresh each time. I was originally thinking of asking each person to answer a dumb question once they finishes.... Like I don't know Paper or Plastic. But that's really dumb. I was thinking of reading passages from one of the 2 women I hate most on this earths auto biography..... Kathy Lee. ( Star Jones being the second) But what I think I will do is just write a short bit to begin the show and just try to explore my funny self on stage here and there.... I promise more there than here. I think this is a good idea because it is an open mic for me too. I am learning how to bring the real Robin to the stage and just be funny from the core and not so much from staged material. We will see it will be a work in progress. I would love to have music but I don't own an I Pod and wouldn't know how to work it if I did..... I just figured out how to text message on my cell after 3 years.

I am performing later tonight at Ramapo College. It is my first college gig so far. Every time I get onstage there is something new to be afraid of and overcome or learn from. Hey its college lets see what I can learn.

Lastly the comic who used my bio as a template changed hers at long last. I had to send her 2 letters but she changed it. It might have been nice If she ever answered my emails at all ...or said sorry....but no. Call me catty or another word that begins with "C" I took her out of my circle. Her new bio is good because its her own and she has quite an unique resume.

Comments are below
I'll see you there
Posted on 11/12/2005 at 08:34 AM by Alan Schwartz

I've been Morrison's sign-up guy on tuesdays, I guess he feels a Jew should collect the money. Anyway, I'm sure you'll do a great job hosting, and I'm looking forward to seeing it. I also took that lady out of my circle. She's still trying to get in my square and rectangle, but I won't let her into those either.



Great
Posted on 11/12/2005 at 11:29 AM by H. P.

Hope to see ya there.

Peace



The Motel
Posted on 11/12/2005 at 08:04 PM by Amy Patrick

I still miss O'Brien too. He was so great. Also, I have read Kathy Lee's bio. It's tremendous. Does Star have one I'll check it out. Have you seen her website?



Yes I have seen Stars web site
Posted on 11/13/2005 at 12:30 AM by Robin Fox

SHe doenst have a book. But here wedding web site is so sick. She paid for nothing. Everyone was told to do it for free since she was selling the photos to all the rags. What a ass. Even if she lost all that weight.



Good Luck Hosting!
Posted on 11/13/2005 at 04:55 PM by Adrienne





great
Posted on 11/13/2005 at 06:36 PM by Sean O'Connor

you did awesome, colleges are so fun and easy.



Glad she changed her bio
Posted on 11/14/2005 at 11:17 AM by Kelly Shannon

quite a unique resume? Are you sure it's hers? Just because she changed from yours doesn't mean she didn't steal somebody elses. I took her out of my circle also.

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Bio-hazard.....some one liked my bio too much

I was invited to join someone's comedy circle the other day..... I didn't know this comic at all. Not to act like the cool kids at the cool kids lunch table I accepted the invite. I don't want to make someone feel rejected the more the merrier. Curiosity hit me and I wondered if I knew her so after about a week I hit her photo and go to her profile page. She is not from the NYC area. So she might know me just from here on the Soapbox. Then I read her profile and oh my she has lifted my bio. Not that it is a big thing but in someway's its huge. I spent a long time putting that together. I think it reflects who and what I am about. I worked in advertising and really never had to write about myself before and it really bothers me. Now I am going to write to her and nicely ask her to change her bio. Here Judge for yourself....

Here is mine: Robin has spent the past 17 years being a Mom and dieting. Three years ago she gave up dieting and decided to make her life long dream of being a comic a reality. She is happier than she can ever remember and will never look back. Original and funny, she talks from her heart about the frustrations of suburban living and raising a family. No longer is she willing to just be the funniest Mom on the cul de sac.

Here is hers

Comedian xxxxxx has spent the past 14 years being a Mom and dieting. Because it became too hard to juggle both she gave up dieting and decided to take a sit down job with a local invention company. Original and funny, she talks from her heart about the frustrations of public schools, work, public transportation and raising a daughter.

Now I know there are more important things in this world to worry about ie Global warming....writing a clean 30 minute set...... but you know this really bothered me. What was she thinking....? If youll hack a bio....... what else should get nailed down and bolted to the floor???

I just sent her a short note .......

Hi Comedian XXXXX, I wanted to know if I knew you after you invited me to your circle. Tonight I checked out your profile and noticed that you used my bio as a template for your own. I know copying is the sincerest form of flattery....but No. I spent a long time working on that and it is mine. In a bussiness that prides itself on originality....you can do better I am sure. Please change it. Thank-you. Best wishes Robin.

Comments are below
Wow
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 03:22 AM by Adrienne

Sounds like Single White Female. I like the part where you say, "I know copying is the sincerest form of flattery....but No" That was great. Let me know how it turns out.



Ditto on that
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 07:56 AM by April Brucker

Single white female is one scary assed movie. And copying is a sincere form of flattery, but not copying almost directly. Wow. Scary.

And one or two comedians I didn't know asked me to join their circles. I was like cool, even though I don;t know you. But this whole circle thing is like facebook, which isfriendster for college kids basically. Next thing you know comedian XXX will be trying to poke you. (Robin, ask your daughter about facebook).



Single White Female
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 08:32 AM by Alan Schwartz

With all due respect ladies, I just don't see how you can kill somebody with a shoe.



That is just down right tacky!
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 09:22 AM by Kelly Shannon

Good thing she doesn't really know you or she would be stealing your jokes too. I think you did the right thing and with class I should add.



Just woke up
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 09:34 AM by Robin Fox

Its 9:44 and she hasnt gotten back to me. Will keep you posted.



that's a bit scary and messed up
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 10:02 AM by Josh Homer

I agree with Kelly, if someone will take a bio, I think they will take a joke.



#1 FAN
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 11:01 AM by Jud Heine

This may be an inopportune time, but Robin, will you please join my circle? I'm a huge fan. I love that joke you do about....oh, forget it.




Posted on 11/09/2005 at 11:20 AM by Robert Driemeyer

I like your "Not to act like the cool kids at the cool kids lunch table I accepted the invite." I didn't know this person but also accepted. Lucky for me she's not an overweight, bald, ex-chorus boy or I might have had similar troubles.



Hey Robin
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 11:37 AM by H. P.

That was me silly. It's just that I can't come in second, so, why not take from first. By the way, tell me when your next performance is so i could bring my recorder, last time it was difficult to write down all of your jokes to claim for my own.

Peace



you're putting comedian XXXXX in the top 10
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 11:53 AM by Josh Homer

although you never say this person's name, most know who it is, and we have all run to thier page on soap box, and guess what, now they are in the top 10!!!!!! I'm stealing your bio!



No Shit!
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 12:34 PM by Adam Sank

Bitch is ahead of ME now! I won't have it!



You go, Robin!
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 12:47 PM by Correne Kristiansen

As always, you handled yourself like a professional. Next time, though, I think we'll have to beat her up on the playground after lunch...as long as I get to sit at your lunch table.



I didn't want to tell you, but
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 01:39 PM by Ray Rivera

I've been using your mom material, I just couldn't think of jokes about being a mom, especially since I've not given birth, but you never know. What we'll do is if we are on the same show, I won't do your jokes.



Buh-bye....
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 01:38 PM by Sue Ball

Fuck, Robin, I'm WITH ya on this one, and glad you brought this shit UP, as I also accepted a comic in to my circle that I DON'T KNOW and HAVE NEVER MET because my thinking is always, "Sue, don't be an asshole..., be flattered." However, y'know, I'm thinkin' of booting her out, and she may be lovely, but, it IS a little weird....so, yeah, y'know, I'm looking forward to hearing the outcome. Robin, I don't know YOU, but right now, baby, you trailblaze....and I'm pullin for ya.....k?



as the hours go by...
Posted on 11/09/2005 at 02:48 PM by Robin Fox

I am getting more and more pissed. I emailed her last night and she hasnt gotten back to me. As for everyone saying I have acted professional....I dont know if I will still feel like this by tomorrow. Thanks all of you for your understanding and support. Oh and to show you how dense I am it took me half a day to connect Single White Female with the movie. Im on the talent search trying to find a comic named "single" I am hosting tonight at NYCC and will be at the Gotham thing too but will have to leave early. Hope to run into a few of you then.



Its 1:52 and counting
Posted on 11/10/2005 at 01:43 AM by Robin Fox

So heres the update. The comic who lifted my bio has still not responded to my email. Im not sure what the next step is. I would love if we could all collectivly tar and feather her....but that wouldnt be nice. What I will do eventually is kick her out of my circle. oooooooooooooooooooooooow that will show her! I really know its not a biggy but come the fuck on. This is a site for comedians. What do we treasure more than the sound of our own voice............OUR WORDS. The thing that pisses me off the most is it wont even make a good bit except at an open mic where there are a room full of comics. Lastly thanks for putting up with me on this.



Can I out her?
Posted on 11/10/2005 at 03:53 AM by Adrienne






Posted on 11/10/2005 at 09:31 AM by Kelly Shannon

I already deleted her from my circle. I don't want to be associated with someone who steals.



bio changed
Posted on 11/10/2005 at 09:44 AM by Josh Homer

looks like it worked. its changed to a longer wordier, bio.



Thanks Josh
Posted on 11/10/2005 at 11:41 AM by Robin Fox

By the way to those of you reading this I didnt give out her name. The reason some people figured it out is she invited just about everyone who is in my circle. Last night I came home at 2 am from working and the bio was still up. I wrote her a second letter.

It went something like this......

It might be nice if you at the very least responed to my email. It not as nice as an apology which I really do deserve. More importantly... Please change your bio. I dont want to have to resort to speaking to Steve or Danny about this. Lastly as a comic what is the big deal of writing a bio. Its no where as hard as writing a joke.

I am glad she changed it.