I also do a certain amount of talking through material on stage, to see what happens and allow interesting ideas to manifest.

Ultimately, an audience wants to laugh. That's who they like, the comedian who makes them laugh.

Your stage persona is usually a version of yourself, to varying degrees. Some folks do a full-on character, so that's different. But most comics do some version of themselves.

Hard work is a muscle that you develop, as is taking risks.

I've seen people who are not very likeable but hilarious. I think comedians get to a point where they know they're funny, so they don't care - in the sense that they know what they're doing. They have a skill.

You'll get them tomorrow. You gave it a good shot. Keep your chin up.

Comedians act every night on stage, so they have great performing chops. They especially know how to play themselves, which is how we set 'Teachers Lounge' up.