John, all are welcome and encouraged to perform. Newbies, oldbies and everybody in between. We try to make it a supportive room for people to try out their untested material as well as their polished stuff. Hope to see you there.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORST DAYS OF MY LIFE! Everybody had always told me I was a funny guy, I love comedy and sketch, would memorize sitcoms growing up and I'd always had a reputation as a joker. Finally one day at the office, a bunch of my co-workers told me I should really try out doing some stand up. I looked up this open comedy mic online and decided to do it cause it's closest to my office. I arrived a little late and there was nobody there to greet at the door, NOT A COMEDY CLUB, just some bar for kids with no jobs, (HOW DO YOU EVEN PAY FOR DRINKS?). The bartender tells me I have to put my name in a "lottery", I already played Mega Millions and took my chances on that, no thanks (lol), I decided to check out the comedy show anyways, maybe I'd be able to get up. I go in the back and listen to some of the "talent", apparently I'm not too hip cause the garbage coming out of these "entertainers" mouths was unbelieveable. Everything was F--- this and F--- that and I can't even type what else was said cause I don't want you to end up in intensive care (lol). Needless to say I left after only a few of these "acts". When I was leaving the bar, I saw a bunch of these "comics" standing outside smoking cigarettes and talking about marijuana. The bar is right next to a karate school where young kids are and these jerks are going on and on about how high they can get. Not sure if you goofs got the memo, but that stuff is illegal (lol). If this is what stand up comedy is all about in New York, I'll stick to my funny emails.
stick to your funny emails. i'm sorry, i'm sure they are not that funny anyways. coz obviously you have to (lol) everything to make sure everyone knows where to laugh and what part is funny for you, idiot
this is amazing, your story was very touching. but some FYIs: you should never take any open mic seriously, it's a place to practice getting the words out but more importantly, you need to stop putting your lols in parentheses
i have only been to this mic twice. i enjoyed myself both times although the lottery part sucks because i ended up going on towards the end on both mics. seems like most people know each other but the only way to counter that is to continue showing face. if you bombed here its because you were either (a)annoying, (b)unfunny, or (c) annoyingly unfunny. these people didn't know me nor seem to care for me but i still got some laughs so stop bitching, we all bomb from time to time. its not that big of a deal so chill out with all the excuses
Let me start by saying that this mic has the elements of a good, enjoyable space for comics. The location is decent, the performance space is comfortable, and I can honestly say there are a lot of funny people who frequent it.
Here's the thing: I would not recommend this mic for those just starting out. I'd even hesitate to suggest it to up-and-comers. The attitude of many regulars (including the hosts) is very insular. If my few attempts are any indication, this mic is by invitation only. Unless they already know you, you probably won't get a particularly warm response.
Granted, the stereotype for comedians is not one of extroverted personalities. But this crowd is simply not supportive. It is, in a word, a clique. And while I'm fine with not making new friends, that's not conducive to growing and improving as a comic.
A good mic should be one where it's okay to try and fail -- so long as "failing" doesn't include, say, screaming racial slurs or attacking people with the mic stand. Even if your act stinks, there will often (not always) be someone who can at least tap you on the shoulder afterward and say, "Good effort, but maybe ditch the Facebook bit." Providing feedback, anything at all, is the very least that comics can do for one another.
The mic at Fifth Estate doesn't do that. If your jokes don't work, you get stone silence. And that extends into the after-show drinks: when everyone retreats to the bar, the regulars huddle up amongst themselves and don't acknowledge anyone else. Even the girl tending bar won't give you the time of day. (That sounds dramatic, but seriously: it takes 15 minutes to order a beer. Lousiest bartender in the world.)
If the organizers can rehabilitate this atmosphere, I think it could genuinely be one of the best mics in the city. But the lack of common courtesy, particularly to novices, is a fatal flaw. In a city with dozens of mics to choose from, I can't imagine the void of apathy currently on display at Fifth Mic will attract new blood.
I'm the dork who wrote this post. It can be removed/disregarded (if you hadn't already decided to completely disregard it). The mic has definitely improved, thanks to Coree Spencer taking over. She's a great host, and she does a remarkable job in bringing out the best in the group.
great mic! people need to understand that new York is a big gym. just work out, burn and build! We all know the guys that try to lift the 300lb weight, then when it falls on their chest they try to sue the gym, blame the trainer they didn't pay. look, stick with it in time you'll get better. I've been going to this mic on and off for years, great hosts,comedians are seasoned! keep up the great work!
This is a great mic! The hosts are funny and supportive. It is lottery based. I go to this mic EVERY Wednesday at 6:00pm. It's a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteCool room, great vibe, and hot chicks at the bar! Thanks guys! -kip
ReplyDeletehad a great time here. its also happy hour so drinks are cheap. plus the hosts are really cool.
ReplyDeletefuckin had an awesome time today. thanks matt and christine!
ReplyDeleteHow is this place for newbies. Only been on stage 4 times (3 kids and a full time job take over my time)
ReplyDeleteJohn, all are welcome and encouraged to perform. Newbies, oldbies and everybody in between. We try to make it a supportive room for people to try out their untested material as well as their polished stuff. Hope to see you there.
Delete-Matt
perfect for you
ReplyDeleteGreat mic, cool hosts.
ReplyDeleteTHIS WAS ONE OF THE WORST DAYS OF MY LIFE! Everybody had always told me I was a funny guy, I love comedy and sketch, would memorize sitcoms growing up and I'd always had a reputation as a joker. Finally one day at the office, a bunch of my co-workers told me I should really try out doing some stand up. I looked up this open comedy mic online and decided to do it cause it's closest to my office. I arrived a little late and there was nobody there to greet at the door, NOT A COMEDY CLUB, just some bar for kids with no jobs, (HOW DO YOU EVEN PAY FOR DRINKS?). The bartender tells me I have to put my name in a "lottery", I already played Mega Millions and took my chances on that, no thanks (lol), I decided to check out the comedy show anyways, maybe I'd be able to get up. I go in the back and listen to some of the "talent", apparently I'm not too hip cause the garbage coming out of these "entertainers" mouths was unbelieveable. Everything was F--- this and F--- that and I can't even type what else was said cause I don't want you to end up in intensive care (lol).
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say I left after only a few of these "acts". When I was leaving the bar, I saw a bunch of these "comics" standing outside smoking cigarettes and talking about marijuana. The bar is right next to a karate school where young kids are and these jerks are going on and on about how high they can get. Not sure if you goofs got the memo, but that stuff is illegal (lol). If this is what stand up comedy is all about in New York, I'll stick to my funny emails.
Just thought you should be aware.
Slow. Clap.
Deletestick to your funny emails. i'm sorry, i'm sure they are not that funny anyways. coz obviously you have to (lol) everything to make sure everyone knows where to laugh and what part is funny for you, idiot
Deletethis is amazing, your story was very touching. but some FYIs: you should never take any open mic seriously, it's a place to practice getting the words out but more importantly, you need to stop putting your lols in parentheses
Deletethis message^^^ just gave me reason to go to this mic
ReplyDeletei have only been to this mic twice. i enjoyed myself both times although the lottery part sucks because i ended up going on towards the end on both mics. seems like most people know each other but the only way to counter that is to continue showing face. if you bombed here its because you were either (a)annoying, (b)unfunny, or (c) annoyingly unfunny. these people didn't know me nor seem to care for me but i still got some laughs so stop bitching, we all bomb from time to time. its not that big of a deal so chill out with all the excuses
ReplyDeleteA lot of gay blades.
ReplyDeleteLet me start by saying that this mic has the elements of a good, enjoyable space for comics. The location is decent, the performance space is comfortable, and I can honestly say there are a lot of funny people who frequent it.
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing: I would not recommend this mic for those just starting out. I'd even hesitate to suggest it to up-and-comers. The attitude of many regulars (including the hosts) is very insular. If my few attempts are any indication, this mic is by invitation only. Unless they already know you, you probably won't get a particularly warm response.
Granted, the stereotype for comedians is not one of extroverted personalities. But this crowd is simply not supportive. It is, in a word, a clique. And while I'm fine with not making new friends, that's not conducive to growing and improving as a comic.
A good mic should be one where it's okay to try and fail -- so long as "failing" doesn't include, say, screaming racial slurs or attacking people with the mic stand. Even if your act stinks, there will often (not always) be someone who can at least tap you on the shoulder afterward and say, "Good effort, but maybe ditch the Facebook bit." Providing feedback, anything at all, is the very least that comics can do for one another.
The mic at Fifth Estate doesn't do that. If your jokes don't work, you get stone silence. And that extends into the after-show drinks: when everyone retreats to the bar, the regulars huddle up amongst themselves and don't acknowledge anyone else. Even the girl tending bar won't give you the time of day. (That sounds dramatic, but seriously: it takes 15 minutes to order a beer. Lousiest bartender in the world.)
If the organizers can rehabilitate this atmosphere, I think it could genuinely be one of the best mics in the city. But the lack of common courtesy, particularly to novices, is a fatal flaw. In a city with dozens of mics to choose from, I can't imagine the void of apathy currently on display at Fifth Mic will attract new blood.
Cool story, bro.
DeleteI'm the dork who wrote this post. It can be removed/disregarded (if you hadn't already decided to completely disregard it). The mic has definitely improved, thanks to Coree Spencer taking over. She's a great host, and she does a remarkable job in bringing out the best in the group.
Deletegreat mic! people need to understand that new York is a big gym. just work out, burn and build! We all know the guys that try to lift the 300lb weight, then when it falls on their chest they try to sue the gym, blame the trainer they didn't pay. look, stick with it in time you'll get better. I've been going to this mic on and off for years, great hosts,comedians are seasoned! keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete