The Night The Stars Aligned In New York City

I look back at my first trip to New York City and still feel like I have to pinch my arm to convince myself it was not all just a dream. So many things crossed off the bucket list! Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Ground Zero, and even the mecca of the SNL set at NBC Studios. I watched a show at Gotham Comedy Club which was remarkable, but the most memorable experience of the trip took place on my first night in New York, when I went to Carolines Comedy Club on Broadway to watch a show, dreaming of the chance to, some day, play the hallowed stage; never in my wildest dreams believing that in a few hours, the stars would align perfectly, and "some day", would be that night. I stopped by during the day and chatted with the doorman who told me that it was "New Talent Showcase" night. Not sure if I was even thinking when I replied; "I'm a comic from Canada, is there a chance of getting a spot on New Talent Night?" I don’t know if it was new comic exuberance, dumb ignorance, or just the plain old mindset of, "It never hurt to ask", it came out of my mouth so fast that we both looked a bit surprised to hear it. He told me to come back early to see the show that night, and said I could speak to the Assistant Manager who makes the decisions, but stressed that there were no promises. That night, I arrived 40 minutes before show time. I met with the A.M. who asked me some questions as to what kind of credentials I had. I had only been doing comedy for a few years; my credits were substandard at best to what Carolines' requires. I stress that I did not lie, but I may have embellished some of the facts a bit. In the end, she gave me 50% off the cover, and offered me the opportunity to sit in the back with the other comics which was quite an unexpected offer and very appreciated. Her parting words were; "I can't say that you'll be on the show, it's very unlikely at best." My brain interpreted this as; "So, you're saying there's a chance?!" My "light of opportunity" dwindled and burned out about 20 minutes before show, when the 90 year old Senator of New York showed up with a CNN film crew and asked to do time. The A.M. gave me a look, shrugged her shoulders, welcomed the Senator, and began instructing the film crew where to set up. Drat, if only I had thought to bring my own film crew! The show progressed like many "New Talent" shows; there were some highlights that were scattered and hidden amongst many lows. Nerves played a big role in comics forgetting lines, jokes, chunks, even their own name in one instance. Watching this happen on that stage and believing that I could do this was hard to witness, but I have to admit that I still had a great time back stage with the comics, sharing worst gig, and road horror stories. The show was running very long, and I saw this as the final strike against my improbable chance of stage time, when something remarkable happened. Just before the Closer was about to go up, he suggested to the Assistant Manager to; "Give him 5 minutes. He came all the way from Canada." "No, I can’t. The show is running long"; was the AM's reply. "It was long a half an hour ago, it's just 5 minutes, take it out of my time, I don't care"; said the Closer. [There was a brief pause by the AM] "Okay, 5 minutes, don't run long, watch the clock and look for my signal." Shock, bewilderment, even stunned amazement, but there was no time for fear or second guessing; a dream was about to come true right then and there. I had watched Carolines Comedy on late night TV religiously, some 20 plus years before and now I there I was, on that very stage. My set flew by so quickly. I remember laughter and the emotion of relief. If it wasn't for the lighting guy grabbing my camera and taking a picture of me on stage, I might have thought it had all been a dream. My Blog isn't to brag, gloat, or self-promote; I share this story with you to pass along some encouraging words of advice I received just days prior to coming to New York, that helped me seize this unexpected opportunity. A veteran comedian told me to "Go in with confidence and talk a good game. Don't lie, but don't be afraid to embellish to get their attention. Be grateful, but never in awe. Believe that you can be a comedian on that stage, act like it too; and they will at least consider you. What have you got to lose? It's New York; take the chance." From the initial contact with the doorman, these words resonated in my head, and it is because of them that I believe I was able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity as it presented itself. From telling this story over the years, I've had many encouraging responses, but reality has two sides and the fact is that you need both sunshine and rain to create a rainbow. Though very few, there have been some very poignant negative comments as well; "You faked it, 'cause your talent wouldn't make it" was probably my favorite because it came from a 20 year veteran of comedy. Why do we find it so hard to enjoy someone else's accomplishment without feeling threatened that we have somehow lost out on something ourselves? I believe that chances are created and that fate, or fortune present themselves at opportune times. It is the hours spent in preparation, and belief in yourself that will allow you to reach your full potential during these times. Understand that in life, there will be jealous or non-encouraging people who will criticize how you do things and be unable to understand the scope of your talent or dream. Realize that it is your talent, it is your dream! Don't let others tell you how it should play out. Surround yourself with supporters and like-minded people when possible but, in the end, you are the one that has to put in the work, the hours of writing, editing, practise, and stage time. Make the most out of your opportunities. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” - Confucious