out to get me. I realize my cancer is in remission, and this is good. Very Good. but meanwhile, the state of Vancouver comedy is not good. More rooms - less money. Seems like when a new room gets going, it doesn't take long before the pay goes from shit money, to zero money. And comedians are lining up to do it. Makes me wonder if there will ever be a professional standard in this biz. Pro's doing favours for these low-balling producers (all of whom are failed comedians) and amateurs making stand up look bad. meanwhile, the audiences have no problem shelling out 7 bucks for a beer, but happily watch comedy for free. There is this new thing about passing the hat at the end of the show, which is as rinky dink as it gets. This is a practice that has come from street performers and is pretty much panhandling. So what's a guy to do. I just signed a petition to stop the potential Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) strike, but it feels like comedians need some bargaining leverage ourselves. A comedian strike? There will always be scabs in comedy. And these producers could give a shit about the show. As long as they get their cut, they will put anyone up,(or do it themselves - God help us all) promising exposure and experience to performers, while telling the audience they are seeing a pro show. I do go and do shows to help things along, but once I start to feel like its just another free bee, I have to stop. I know what the value I bring to a show is, and I give away sparingly. I wish my colleagues would start to show some standards too.
I thought this would make me feel better, but it hasn't. Maybe I'll post a happy picture of me, and that will help.
