My most persistent memory of stand - up is of my mouth being in the present and my mind being in the future: the mouth speaking the line, the body delivering the gesture, while the mind looks back, observing, analyzing, judging, worrying, and then deciding when and what to say next. Enjoyment while performing was rare - enjoyment would have been an indulgent loss of focus that comedy cannot afford.
In "Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life," Steve Martin reflects on his experience in stand-up comedy, highlighting a disconnect between his physical performance and his mental state. While his mouth and body executed the lines and gestures, his mind was preoccupied with a continuous loop of analysis and anticipation. This inner dialogue often distracted him from truly enjoying the performance, as he was constantly worrying about what needed to be said next.
Martin explains that the intensity of focus required for comedy allowed little room for enjoyment during performances. He viewed any pleasure derived from the act of performing as a potential distraction that could undermine his effectiveness as a comedian. This constant vigilance illustrates the mental complexity involved in stand-up, where humor demands precise timing and delivery, leaving little space for relaxation or indulgence.
