Applying humour to real life
Choose your stage
As it turns out, not all comedy students are meant for open-mike nights or the talk-show circuit. However, Trick insists that while it's rare for a student to find the right stage right off the bat, there's one for every one of his students, and he encourages each to be diligent in looking for it. The same goes for careers. (In case you're wondering, I struggled with stand-up. But I don't regret the experience. It pointed me to the career path where I found that joy I was looking for -- in writing.)
Humour: priceless
The most important lesson of all was discovering the enormous power in humour. As a weapon, it can tear down the competition. Use it in networking and you'll be remembered. It builds relationships, breaks down barriers, relieves stress and even heals. After graduation, Abbott-McNeil returned to her career as a physiotherapist, where her quick wit and sense of comedic timing add a healthy dose of laughter to her patients' regimens.
A family argument quickly turned into a shared laugh when I borrowed a Dr. Phil impersonation from one of my classmates, Mitch Cutler, saying, "If you butter your bread on both sides, it's always going to fall butter-side down."
Comedy school was an experience that had me terrified, excited, crestfallen and proud -- all on the first day. But it also helped me discover who I am and the opportunities that are out there for me. I also learned that any audience, whether family, friends or co-workers, will laugh along with you if you're comfortable in your own skin.
Ready for your turn? Remember -- all of life's your stage.
Never underestimate the healing power of laughter, the most fun way to stay healthy.
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