The Comedy of Awkwardness
Last week I posted my video of my intentionally awkward Powerpoint presentation, “My Dog Cosmo.” My father in law wrote to me to say that he enjoyed it, and that it reminded him of a 1928 performance by humorist Robert Benchley, which was tantalizingly titled “The Treasurer’s Report.”
Watch the video of “The Treasurer’s Report,” below, and think of all the “comedy of awkward” in 2010, especially the comedy of the awkward nerd. And, of course, think back to Andy Kaufman, who made a career out of making you wonder what was real and what was an act. (more…)
Right Wing Dogs: Episode One
Today I did something I’ve been thinking about doing for a very long time.
But let me back up. As a comedian, I’ve pretty much stuck to improv up til now; no stand-up, no sketch comedy…just improv. Lately, though, ideas for sketches and other video projects have snuck into my imagination, unbidden. And as I try to get my bearings in the New York improv scene, a little voice inside has been urging me to put some of my ideas into action. “Why not scratch that itch?”, the voice asks; “Why not put yourself out there?”
Of course, the answer to “Why not?” is “What if?” – “what if” I can’t figure it out, “what if” it’s not funny.
…But of course, you never know the answer to “what if?”, until you stop thinking, and start doing.
…Which is what I did today. And so, without further ado, allow me to present Right Wing Dogs – an Amanda Hirsch production:
When Inspiration Hits
Following up on the theme of inspiration: Sometimes, when it hits, it’s in the form you least expect.
Image by luna715 on Flickr
On Valentine’s Day, my husband and I were at a neighborhood bar when a Barry White song came on the radio, then another of the same ilk. We started thinking, What would happen if the smooth talker at the beginning of these songs never actually got around to the song itself? And voila, our song, “Hey Girl,” was born:
In addition to our own bizarre way of thinking/sense of humor, I attribute our inspiration in this case to a keyboard and a contest. Let me explain. (more…)
