Midterms are scary. Especially when you have to perform a show: a show in front of many others other than your class.
And it doesn’t help when the person before you doesn’t show up, resulting in you needing to perform first.
I was petrified. I had memorized my entire set, I really did. But the anxiety of people being there fogged my mind.
I stepped up to go and took a deep breath.
“How much does a polar bear weigh?” I asked.
“Enough to break the ice!” Someone called out.
But that wasn’t the joke. I hit them with actual facts. I informed that they can weigh anywhere between 550-1000 pounds. Depending on gender. That got a laugh because I follow up with a greeting.
“Hi I’m Casey, and I’m awkward.”
People laughed but it didn’t settle my nerves. Throughout my whole performance, I had to look at my set list. A list of what you’re going to say. But the thing about that is, comedians cheer you on when you have to take a peek.
It’s sweet but I was still super nervous. I had repeated myself and after catching it I said aloud,
“Didn’t I say that already?”
I’m not quite sure if people laughed at that but I think they did.
The lesson here is, no matter how much you prepare, there’s always room for failure. But failure leaves space for improvement.
