More than 700 people crowded into the Shriver Auditorium to watch the 2011 Stand-Up Comedy Show on the last day of Intersession.
Performers were students (and the instructor) of the Intersession course “The Stand Up Comic in Society.” Hosted by instructor Adam Ruben, the show allowed the students to perform original routines in front of a large audience.
Junior Patrick Haire started off the night with a humorous bit about truckers. His jokes about driving while texting, which he called “intexticated,” warmed up the crowd. The following performers impressed the crowd with comments about their own experiences at frat houses, the Recreational Center — particularly the gym and the “string beans” who work out there — and other facets of Hopkins life.
Ali Foxx and Luke Sand, both juniors, concluded the night with routines about their sexual experiences, which left the audience roaring with laughter. Despite appearing relaxed and confident on the stage, many of the performers felt nervous before their act. Freshman Ben Rubenstein admitted that he was anxious beforehand.
“I enjoyed performing, but was nervous for some time before,” Rubenstein said.
However, after having watched the show, freshman Anjali Ramaswamy did not think that either of the two performers seemed nervous.
“I thought they were great! They were so calm that it seemed like they had been on the stage many times before,” Ramaswamy said.
Many of the students said that they were able to overcome their nervousness because of their preparation throughout the Intersession course. For two weeks, they created and practiced original routines in front of the class. Advice and tips given by Ruben, Teaching Assistant Luke Sand and their peers allowed them to improve their routine.
“[The class] would all listen to new bits or old bits reworked,” Sand said.
Not only did the class prepare its students, but also was extremely enjoyable.
“I loved it. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant,” freshman Andreas Aslacksen said.
Having instructed the course for seven years, Ruben found this year’s show to be just as commendable as those past. After the show was finished, Ruben consoled students who were not completely pleased with their performances: “[You] can look back and remember performing stand-up. . .there is nothing left to be afraid of.”
Sand also echoed Ruben’s positive outlook.
“Fifteen kids, who never have had done stand-up, brought a crowd of around 800 people.” Sand said. “That is a huge success.”
Not only did the Ontersession course aim to prepare the students for this final performance, but also any future public speaking endeavors. It gives students the opportunity to come to grips with stage fright. For all of them, the Comedy Show was their first time performing stand-up.
While the course definitely helped them adjust to speaking in front of a group, practicing in front of a class of 16 is much different from performing in front of an audience of 800. Compared to any of the past shows, this year’s attracted the largest crowd. One reason, Ruben thinks, may because of the more spacious and accommodating location.
“The biggest difference between this year and past years was that the show was in Shriver Auditorium. . .[and] we had plenty of people for it,” said Ruben.
However, while Ruben was pleased with the numbers, he was angered by those in the audience who interrupted performances.
“It never used to be a problem. But this year it got so bad,” he said.
The inappropriate comments and yelling distracted members of the audience as well.
Freshman Dominic Thomas remembered that he could not fully appreciate the show.
“I was sitting in the row in front of the guys, [and] some of the jokes I couldn’t hear because of their comments,” Thomas said.
However, an anonymous sophomore disagreed. He found that some of the interruptions were humorous. “At times I did find it inappropriate, but it also added to the show,” he said.
Because of the great magnitude of this year’s interruptions Ruben has decided to be a lot stricter with the audience in future years to come. “Next year, I am going to have to kick people out who are heckling,” Ruben decided.
