Excerpt from

by Amelia David
as found in - May 19, 2000

Dying Is Easy, Comedy Is Hard

    The first night that Angela LaGreca did standup was at a Ground Round in Yonkers, New York. This winner of Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) and Bistro Awards recalls, "They cover the floor with sawdust, rather than wash it. The comics got paid in wood chips. I remember bringing my own microphone stand and a pair of protective goggles. I let the first comic use my microphone stand and he lifted and dropped it so violently trying to get a laugh, he broke the base." (While you may have seen performers do this, don't be one of the comedy casualties who tries it. Banging mikes for emphasis won't get you invited back.)

    Considering whether it's harder now to break into comedy LaGreca explains, "It's hard or easy depending on your ability to throw you ego and self-esteem to the wind and say, 'I may totally bomb tonight, but so what.' " She and many other comics refer to this as 'the f--- it factor.'

    She adds seriously, "One thing I'd do differently I still struggle with today. It's a simple life lesson. I'd allow myself more fun in life, really taking the time to do things I enjoy but put off because I'm busy worrying and doing 'the business side of things.' It's so important for anyone following the creative path to 'live life' so you have something to talk about."

    LaGreca is also warm-up for ABC's "The View." "Warming up a studio audience is not about you and your act, though you may use parts to get a laugh. The job is to get sleepy, hungry strangers from all over the country who've been waiting in line to be responsive, so when the stars come out the audience is ready to react to them. I've also done warm-up for "Regis & Kathie Lee" and "The Rolonda Show," and pilots for Buena Vista, ABC, and CBS. It takes a lot of energy, improvisational skills, and a certain likeability--you have a short time to get the audience on your side."

    The comedienne advises, "Get as much stage time as you can--even a late-night spot with four drunk people in the audience can be a valid experience." She also sees any job as a learning tool. "I was recently on "Law & Order." I stood over the 16-year-old victim and gave Jerry Orbach the report--a big comedy role. I can now say that dying is easy, comedy is hard--but playing the part of the dead person, that's the hardest. That poor kid lay on the freezing ground in Harlem while they shot that scene for two hours. It made open mic nights look like a breeze."

    LaGreca, who will be featured in the Toyota Comedy Festival in June (2000) when the New York Friars Club salutes Norm Crosby and Jack Carter, has also won awards for her variety shows. "I suggest producing your own showcases, not just for stage time, but for the unbelievable, hard work involved in getting it all together, from venue to performer to audience to press. It provides a sense of input and control you'll rarely get and develops a sense of the business side. Developing your comic persona is also important. That can take a long time--I'm still working on that one."

For a printable version of this page, click here. When finished, close window