Shut The F**k Up !

OK, so we a few days ago we posted an article about comedy showcase basic guidelines that any competent producer should know that might help them compete in this competitive Chicago scene.  But there is a flip side to this coin.  What are the audiences responsibilities during a show?  Well it's pretty simple.  Shut the fuck up.  That's it.  You Don't have to laugh, or clap, or participate in the slightest if you don't want to, that's all voluntary (although if you didn't come out to have a good time do everybody a favor and keep your ass at home).  But it is mandatory that you shut up during the show and give proper respect to the comics on stage trying to do their job.  And I'm not even talking about heckling, which is not cool, but most comics expect it and some even encourage it.  All decent comics know how to deal with and deflect a heckler because (for the most part) the comic knows that at the very least the heckler is paying ATTENTION.  Comics understand that hecklers are usually responding to the jokes (or lack of jokes, whatever the situation may be).   What I'm really talking about are those audience member who don't even respect the comics enough to pay basic  attention.  This lack of respect manifests In the following ways.

Joe Kilgallon @ CYSK

Kenny  DeForest @ Speak Easy Comedy

1.  Incessant talking.   Hey I know sometimes you need to ask your friend a question, or give the waitress your drink order during the show, that's not what I'm talking about.  I'm talking about people who have full on, loud ass, in depth conversations.  What the fuck are you talking about?  It cant wait until later?  You need to hash it out now?  If your table is constantly getting "shush" noises hissed out in your direction maybe you should take a hint and zip it or better yet take it outside.  I could go on and on but the bottom line is your sharing the space with others who want to enjoy themselves, so respect them and the comics on stage.  Didn't you learn this in grade school?

2.  Phone Fuckery.  Turn your phone OFF.  Don't answer it if it rings and don't text, it can wait.  If it's a freaking emergency then take it outside. Simple right?  Nope.  I can't tell you how many times dumb bitches/pricks will text or talk right in or near the front row.  Hey guess what?  The comic can see you on your phone, so don't get mad when they call you out  (which I encourage).  Just don't do it.

3.  "My friend's just drunk".  I see a lot of this.  One table or group has a very drunk member.  The rest of the table/group spends the whole night trying to keep him/her quiet.  They end of making more noise as a unit then anybody else in the freaking joint.  This is just bullshit.   Hey lets maybe not let drunky ruin the whole show and take them outside, how about that?

Finally I encourage Chicago comedy fans who observe the above type of bullshit behavior to complain. One because It's the managers/producers job to make sure chronic violators are dealt with and two because many times they simply might not be aware of the situation.

James Allen Kamp
Editor