RichardPryor.com Forums

Hello there. I've recently started my career, and the more I do standup the more I want to do standup. Even the shitty nights I love, I just get this buzz. I laugh all the way home thinking about what just happened, what the audience must have thought about me.

This week I did 7 sets in 6 days. It's the most I've ever done since I started in September. I'm feeling really stressed out even though I love doing it. I don't even have a job yet, I'm still living off my parents.

So my question is should I slow down? Am I at risk of getting burned out? Like I said I love every minute of it but I'm exhausted when I get home and my brain itches. I assume this means I'm learning and I'm on the right track. Like when an athelete works out his muscles ache... after my sets my brain aches.

Also, because I'm out there every night the other comics are starting to know who I am. I'm in the know about new rooms and various competitions around town. I'm learning the names of the other comics, which is very difficult because there must be about 300 ameteurs here in Toronto.

So back to my question: is there such a thing as TOO MUCH stage time?

Ben Robinson,

This is the Ben I think it is, right? Hey!I don't think there's such a thing as too much stage time, as long as you're having fun with it. Personally, I initially liked going up only sporadically at open mics, which eased me into it ; as long as I kept going out, I knew I was still pursuing it, no matter how many shows I did in a week. Now I do 3-5 sets a week and I feel like it's really helping. I'd just do whatever you're comfortable with.

PS I just realised I shouldn't offer advice--I still live with my parents, too. Then again, I don't think we're the only comic hopefuls who do.

NickFlanagan,

But should I be worried about the brain pain? I was a slacker in high school and I'm not used to exerting myself mentally. The last time I had this feeling in my head was when I was really stoned and an older friend started reading me some Albert Camus.

Yes, we've met a few times before. Most recently I think was at Mack Lawrenz's room at the Gladstone. Where are you performing next? I would like to see you again, your humour is very intelligent and original, unlike most of the other people on the scene (including myself).

I'll be at Einsteins tonight. I might check out the Old York afterwards if there's time. You should come down so I can talk to you in person about search engine optimization. When I searched for your name on google your homepage didn't come up. You gotta optimize that shit for the computer nerds.

I apologize for rambling, it's 7 AM and I haven't been able to sleep yet. Maybe I should turn off this computer... maybe that would help. But computer so addictive and warm.

End Messege

Ben Robinson,

The only time there is "Too Much Stage Time" is if your stage has a long brass pole going down the middle of it.

Ben Robinson,



Its easy to get burntout


That's why you gotta try new stuff

smjmcomic,
I was surprised when I found out this competition I'm in for $5000 features me this coming Sunday. They were supposed to give me 2 weeks notice, but I found out by checking their website yesterday. Now I'm glad I've been working on overtime.