“I try to think, but nothing happens.”

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Steve Marroni

Us Three Stooges fans for years have heard about the Farrelly Brothers getting the green light on a Three Stooges movie, and big names have been attached to the project over the years, ranging from Jim Carrey to Paul Giamatti to Sean Penn.
The movie was released a couple weeks ago, and got mixed reviews. Some of my friends were eager to see it, and others refused, dismissing it right from the start. I saw it, and a lot of people have asked me if it’s good?

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The Echo Chamber

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Steve Marroni

Facebook is great — in theory.
It’s great because you get to reconnect with old friends, stay up to date with what’s going on in everyone’s life, promote stand-up gigs, and see photos of all your friends having fun.
It’s also awful because, well, see above.

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Comedy boot camp

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Steve Marroni

The way most new comics grow is to go to open mic nights, and there’s a reason why these performances are often called “comedy boot camp.”
They’re really freaking hard.
As both an Army veteran and a comic, I can tell you, there are times I’d rather be back in basic than on stage, trying out new material that’s tanking.

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Optimus Prime and the 10,000-Hour Rule

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Steve Marroni

Some of the best comics I’ve worked with love this book:

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Speaking of Milton Berle …

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Steve Marroni

I mentioned Milton Berle in my previous post, and I actually have a family story about a run in with the comedy legend.
For those of you too young to remember him, or who aren’t comedy nerds like me, here’s Uncle Milty:

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Learning how to be me

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Steve Marroni

Some old friends are coming to watch me perform at my next stand-up gig. I can’t wait. I haven’t seen them in a long time, and catching up with some laughs is going to be a great time.
But I do feel a little added pressure performing in front of people I know.
I’m not afraid that I’ll bomb. I’m pretty confident in my act and my stage presence. The problem is that my friends have known me since elementary school. And they guy I turn into when I’m talking on stage – he’s not me.
That’s a problem.

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Being an audience member

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Steve Marroni

Last Friday night, instead of performing on stage, I did something kind of different. I was a member of the audience.
I’m sure this isn’t a healthy personality trait, but when I see a crowd, I have an overwhelming urge to be the center of attention. Even if I’m at a baseball game, I would much rather be on the field than in the stands. And this is coming from the only kid who was ever cut from a T-ball team.

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Thursday night fun

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Steve Marroni

Most comics get their start the same way. Someone tells them, “you’re funny. You should do stand up.”
Cool, but where do you start?
You can spend hours writing material, and practicing it, and even performing it in front of your more kind and patient friends. But at some point, if you want to truly find out if you’ve got what it takes to be a comic, you have to get out there in front of a real crowd.
Most comics perform for the first time at an open mic night.
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Inside Comedy

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Steve Marroni

I just got a new satellite-television package, and with it, I have Showtime for free for three months.
Now is the perfect time to sign up, fellow comics. Not for the special deals, but for a new series on Showtime called “Inside Comedy with David Steinberg.”

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A good self esteem is bad for comedy

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Steve Marroni

I worked this weekend at the Harrisburg Comedy Zone with two funny comics, John Burton and Jim Holder. In the world of comedy, there aren’t too many household names, but there are plenty of headliners and features like John and Jim who are just as funny – if not, moreso – than anyone you’ll see on Comedy Central.
If you’ve never been to a live stand-up show, do yourself a favor, and get out to a comedy club. I’m not just saying that because I’m a comic. I’m telling you, that’s the way stand-up is meant to be seen. Would you watch “Star Wars” on a 13-inch black-and-white TV?

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