On Drinking and Performing
I encourage everyone who is interested in performing stand up comedy to try it, but PLEASE write before you try it and unless you’re a functioning drunk/stoner; don’t get on the stage drunk or high.
I completely disagree. If you need to be in an altered state to feel comfortable up there then by all means get fucked up before you go up there. They’re open mics, you’re supposed to have fun and enjoy yourself. If having three beers gives you the ability to overcome your stage fright, go ahead. If you’re drunk to the point of being impossible to understand, that’s one thing. But if booze is the grease on your comedy wheels then drink and get rolling.
Just keep in mind that if you’re actually good at it, eventually you need to make a jump to doing it sober. You need to be able to walk up there and feel comfortable in your material and your ability, and kill it either way. If you’ve been doing this awhile and you “need” to be fucked up to perform, then you have a serious problem.
Bookers won’t take you seriously if you’re always drunk or stoned when you perform. Or if you say words like “faggot” or “cunt” onstage. If you’re serious about your craft, you’ll alter your performances and your material to reflect an air of professionalism.
(Source: ryanbourassa)
