Enjoyment while performing was rare-enjoyment would have been an indulgent loss of focus that comedy cannot afford. After the shows, however, I experienced long hours of elation or misery depending on how the show went, because doing comedy alone onstage is the ego's last stand.
In Steve Martin's memoir "Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life," he reflects on his experiences in stand-up comedy, emphasizing that true enjoyment during performances was a rarity. He believed that allowing himself to indulge in enjoyment would distract him from the focus needed to succeed in the comedic craft. This indicates the intense pressure and dedication required to perform in front of an audience.
After his shows, Martin often found himself in a state of elation or despair, depending on the outcome of the performance. He describes the solitary nature of comedy as a significant moment for the ego, illustrating the personal stakes involved in each show. This underscores the emotional rollercoaster that comedians face, as their self-worth can be directly affected by the audience's response.
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