RichardPryor.com Forums

Now I get nervous before I go on stage and I am sure that this is normal. I have never performed under the influence of any substance; alcohol, uppers / downers, god...whatever.

Now with Mr P's past it's a fair assumption to say that he would've done most of his gigs under the influence (there are a number of his records on which there is definitely evidence of blunting). Rather than hinder his performance it must've had a positive effect because he was a laid back sharp motherfucker.

Have any of the other comics here ever experimented?

Do any of you rely on something to take off / add that little edge when you're up there?

garfy1974,

i dont think i would ever try to do a set with anything other than maybe a drink.

but then again... i am a novice. its enough to keep in my head just to do mah thing as it is.


gareth

To quote mitch hedberg "Drinking to the comedian is like stretching to the athlete."

I don't know if it does take the edge off, but I know a lot of comedians do it. Shoot, in February, I went to a Greg Proops show. He begged the audience for wine the first half and then the second he helped himself to the wine that was coming to MY table. Saying "Oh! My booze is here." Scavenger.

And one more example to prove this, late friday. They would show bits of back stage between the stand-up, and every episode involved comedians with short glasses with brown liquids...I'm guessing not watered down coke.

But, of course, that was an obvious answer...that was answered before I wrote this.

Yo...I'm out.
Jane

garfy1974,
Man Fuck that! I don't drink before I go on stage. Nor do I do any substance. It's up to you what you do with your life and your body. I used to drink, but never did drugs. I stopped drinkin because I just didn't feel like it. I go on stage sober just to have control and clairity. But it's your job to do what you do. Gareth came to see me perform a few times and only once did I have one beer, but after my set. Everyone gets nervous, it's natural but once you step to the mic, the butterflies are all gone. Enhance your act, not your body with stimulants.

A cup of coffee and a few smokes and I'm set

AM I the only one here who has never done stand up?

JTF,
No I'm with you!!

You guys should try it some time it s a rush like no other

smjmcomic,
I've got a little "act" I do for the people at work, only thing is when I'm doing it they think I'm serious.Sure I think for any comic there is a bit of truth to everything but [/i]People PLEEEZE[/i] don't go around the job telling everybody I "kiss the pussy!!!"
Seriously there has to be a freedom on stage when doing comedy that is not allowed in regular conversations.I do a little rap music so I do perform.That is my opportunity to get some issues out and talk some shit.Though it is a more direct artform than singing you still have to rhyme.With Comedy it is so straight forward and to the point.Limitless to what you can talk about and get across to the audience.That is one of the main reasons why I appreciate comedy so much and enjoy reading about a comedians's process in these forums!

bingolong, smjmcomic,JTF
Sorry guys. But if your not a comic....DON"T DO STAND UP!..
It is insulting to have people always talk about "doing it or try it it's a rush. If you want a rush have a polar bear lick your balls. This is how most of us eat. and It's no joke. I'm a serious comic and my life on stage and off stage are two different lives. ONCE again. this is serious business, and there is no plan B. no day job, no crutch this is how I live. Getting on stage and performing in and out of town is difficult but this is what it takes to be a comic. To sacrifice and stuggle for your craft, this is something a lot of us dont make light.
Believe that.