During the Passion Project, I have learned a lot about what it takes to do stand up comedy.
- I learned that I have to explain what I’m saying when I’m writing my script. When I wrote my script at first it wasn’t funny because I didn’t explain what the joke was about. I had to exaggerate to make it funny.
- I learned that I needed to practice my script more than what I thought of. My mom video taped me a couple of time so that I could watch it and make changes to my delivery and my acting. For example, I added a dance routine and use a ball as a prop to show the player soccer skills.
- In doing my stand-up routine, I realized that I should take some time in between jokes so that the audience could react and laugh. I should have waited 10 to 15 seconds between jokes. I think I rushed through my routine at times.
- I also learned that if I use different voices and make some hand motions I make routine come across better. When you use a different voice you can show that another person other than you is talking. For example, I tried to use my Dad voice so I could create the impression that I was having a conversation with my Dad.
This is my final video.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iaHLEMwWr-yrfJGhnplOGeRzUwW90WmY/view?usp=sharing
P.S. I have included my script below.
Introduction: Live from Scarsdale. Put your hands together and make some noise for the Amazing Alejandro.
[Entrance of Alejandro]
Alejandro:
Hello and Good Evening. How is everybody doing tonight? Do you know that my Dad is from Argentina and my Mom is from Puerto Rico?
To very different cultures. I need a dictionary to understand them. In fact, I need to go 3 hours to an Argentinean school just so I can understand my Dad. It’s really bad! Es Horrible!!
My Dad says: “Vamos a la pileta”.
My Mom says: “Why would I clean myself with the mops?”
Dad would say: “No Dummy; I’m saying let’s go to the pool”
My mom says: “Me puedes dar pon”
My Dad would say “Pon, Pon, what is that?
My mom says: “Can you give a ride?”
MY DAD AND BASEBALL
Baseball is very popular in Puerto Rico. But my Dad has no clue what baseball is. He thinks Aaron Judge is a lawyer. He has never seen a baseball game or been to a baseball park until I started playing Litte League.
So when I talked with Dad about baseball this is how it goes:
- I got a hit o “Meti un Palo” – My Dad will say “Did you get in a brawl? What happened? Did you hit someone?” – No dad, I hit the ball and got on base
- I got someone out at home plate. My dad will say: “Did you leave your plate at home?” – No dad, I made a play at home base and did not allow the other team to score.
- “Me ponche, I struck out.” My Dad will say “You hit yourself with the bat.” No Dad, the pitcher got me out.
- “I got a steal” – My Dad will say “What did you steal? You are not supposed to do that;” No Dad, I advance a base – I moved from first to second base.
My mom and soccer
At least my Mom has a better understanding of soccer. At least, she knows the players.
In fact, she has a very scientific way of telling who are the best and the worst soccer players. If a soccer player is cute, has good hair and dance – he is the best. But if he has too many tattoos or crazy hair he is the worst.
My mom thinks Messi is the worst but James Rodriguez is the best. She thinks that because James by far has the best dance move. And of course, he is so CUTE. James has not scored a goal since the 2014 World Cup.
She also thinks soccer players are always “acting”. A player get push and he throws himself to the ground and pretends that he is hurt. He moans and cry – AY AY AY. My mom says “Nene parate ya (stand-up). These are not the Oscar”
But by far, the worst/best actors are the Argentine and Brazilian players. She says to be a good soccer player you need 85% soccer talent and 15% acting talent.
My mom also thinks that soccer players are lazy because they just pass the ball – Back and Forth; Back and Forth.
But one thing that my Mom and Dad have in common is they actually learned English the same way. Through this song,
Pollito – chicken
Gallina – hen
Lapiz – pencil y
Pluma – pen
Ventana – Window
Piso – floor
Maestra – teacher
Puerta – door
Thanks for being here tonight! See you next time.