“I wasn’t aware there was so much comedic talent in the Yuba-Sutter area,” said Sydney Johnson, one of three judges for Laughing with the Comics. “It’s impressive.”
The Yuba-Sutter Regional Arts Council (YSRAC) and Breakaway Theatre Productions hosted the first (of what may continue as an annual) event, modeled after the popular Dancing with the Stars. Six contestants were each mentored by a local comic for a month and a half. All twelve comedians participated in the show on Friday, August 24, but the amateurs were competing for a five minute opening slot at the Laughs Unlimited comedy club in Sacramento, scheduled to take place sometime in October.
The Lee Burrows Center was jam packed; this event brought in one of the largest crowds the “On Stage” series has ever seen. After the show, several of the contestants admitted that they had never performed in front of such a large crowd. Much time and effort was put into skits that resulted in quality entertainment.
Angel Diaz, a local favorite, told jokes about the difference between men’s rooms and ladie’s rooms, as well as the difference of toilet paper use by men and women. After my comment on the animation he put into his skit to liven it up, he said, “Comedy is like multi-media; there is more than one aspect of it. It involves body language, facial expressions, and ‘owning’ the stage.”
Diaz was the mentor of Caleb Mains. Mains had one of the longest skits, which included what he thought was the best pickup line ever — “I have a job” — and a satirical poem about his love for a Burger King employee when he worked at McDonalds. He also brought air freshener on stage for his “jokes that stink.” Mains was chosen in a three-way tie by the judges and, after a thundering round of audience approval, won the slot at Laughs Unlimited. He also won a golden horse’s ass trophy, and everyone got a crappy certificate. When asked how he felt about the upcoming show Mains replied, “I have a plan. Make sure I have gas in the car.”
Mentor Hark Dulai explained, “You can’t teach comedy. You can guide people and give tips, but they’ve got to have it in them somewhere.” Dulai had told a joke about a “lazy homeless guy” who had nothing on his sign. When Dulai approached him asking why, the man asked for a couple bucks to buy some sharpies. Nancy Levinson, who was mentored by Dulai, was also selected in the three-way tie. Her story about her first and only lawn mowing experience won her many laughs from the crowd.
Other jokes and stories ranged from the rivalry between Yuba City and Marysville, to skyping with J Lo, what being a nurse in the area is truly like, ridiculous responses from the iPhone’s Siri, badly worded newspaper headlines, pregnancy tests from the dollar store – a coin in a box, guaranteed 50% accuracy – and much more.
All in all, Laughing with the Comics was a huge success. For more information on the “On Stage” event series, the “Friday Night Films” cult classic series, or other events hosted by the YSRAC, check www.yubasutterarts.org or find them on facebook. Check the Laughs Unlimited calendar for a second chance to see winner Caleb Mains perform. Look for an updated story here at The Prospector after his October event.
Heather Meunier, current Print Editor of The Prospector, is a 4th semester Journalism student, and 3rd semester English tutor who also freelances for the Yuba-Sutter Community magazine. She has a passion for reading, writing, photography, and travel and plans to one day have a full time writing career or be a publicist. She prefers to write positive stories about inspiring people doing beneficial things in the community. You can reach her at prospector.hmeunier@gmail.com if you have comments or suggestions.
Thanks so much for mentioning me! It really made my day!
I was very nervous before the show but since that day I’ve had time to process the whole experience and in retrospect it was a really great experience for me. It was great fun!!!
THANKS AGAIN!
The local comedy scene is active and growing thanks to Breakaway Theatre Productions, Y-S Regional Arts Council and many others.
Almost all local comedy shows are listed at Zvents.com which is also accessible via the Appeal Democrat homepage. And prices are reasonable.
The next show is Thurs 9/13 at 7pm at Clark Avenue Coffee in Yuba City. Admission is $3.
Heather, great write-up! Even though I was one of the contestants, I was really surprised at the comics who performed. You can tell they put a lot of effort into their performaces!
Everyone did a great job. Hope they keep it up.
Heather…Great Article, thank you! This was a fun event to do and I am looking forward to it becoming an annual thing! Thanks to all involved, the hard work put in made the show the huge success it was !
Great story, and an even better show. We hope this story gives people an idea of the great talent, and events that are available for all to enjoy in our community. I really hope this becomes an annual event, and for anyone who ever wanted to do stand up but was too scared, or timid to try, the mentors are a real help, and support, and the audience was awesome.
Thanks Heather Meunier for such a positve write up. It look like it will become an annual event. Breakaway Theatre Productions also has other things in the works. Next will be our production of “The Fisherman and His Wife”. The only Elly nominated show in the Yuba/Sutter area in 2007. It will be performing at Gallery34 in October. For further information please check out our website http://breakawaytheatreproductions.weebly.com/index.html Also want to give a big thanks to our contestants and their mentors, for making “Laughing With The Comics” a hugh success. Everyone worked really hard and it certainly showed. Also a big thanks to the Yuba-Sutter Regional Arts Council for their support in the arts in our community. Without them it wouold not have happened.
Anytime :) I had so much fun at this event and hope it does become an annual thing! I look forward to more possible stories with you guys in the future.
Thanks Heather Meunier for writing such a cool article! This event was so much fun! I want to thank John Trent, Breakaway Theater, and the Yuba Sutter Regional Arts Council for organizing and putting this show together. Kudos to all the contestants and mentors, the work you put in for the six weeks showed… you all did terrific… you were all winners! Thank you judges! And of course, thank ou and much love to the audience!