2 Bears, 1 Dave w/ Dave Attell | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
Join comedians Dave Attell, Bert Kreischer, and Tom Segura on "2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer" as they delve into the intricate world of stand-up comedy. In this meeting of comedic minds, they dissect their experiences and share unique perspectives on everything from the creation of new material to navigating the complexities of a comedy career. They touch on the vital need for continuous development and adaptation within the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
From the art of fine-tuning jokes to personalized career anecdotes, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. Attell reveals his ambitious goal of delivering 90 jokes in 30 minutes and the importance of venue reaction, while Kreischer contemplates themes of addiction. They also discuss the revered "Bisbee experience" of Doug Stanhope and pay homage to long-term dedication, as exemplified by Don Rickles. The trio concludes with insights on managing the touring lifestyle, learning from comedy greats, and seizing the burgeoning opportunities within the expansive comedy industry.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Apr 1, 2024 episode of the 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
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1-Page Summary
Stand up comedy
Dave Attell, Bert Kreischer, Tom Segura, and others have shared their takes on the multi-faceted world of stand-up comedy. Their dialogue covers everything from creating new material to managing a comedy career and discusses the evolving nature of the entertainment industry. Here's a closer look at their insights.
Writing new material and jokes
Dave Attell, aiming for 90 jokes in 30 minutes, emphasizes the importance of continuously generating fresh content, using venues like the Comedy Cellar to gauge audience reactions. Similarly, Bert Kreischer seeks to consistently create and evolve his material, presently exploring themes of addiction and alcoholism in his work.
Long-term careers in comedy
The comedians recognize stand-up veterans like Doug Stanhope, who represents a unique and long-standing approach to comedy known as the "Bisbee experience." This respect extends to those who dedicate their careers to stand-up, like Don Rickles, who performed continuously over the years.
Evaluating your own comedy and goals
Attell and Segura both consider it crucial for comedians to know when to rejuvenate their material and set new goals. They believe in utilizing feedback from fellow comics to foster growth in their comedy pursuits.
Breaking out of your comfort zone with comedy
Exploring the advantages of varying comedic contexts is a key discussion point for Kreischer and Attell, who both advocate for comedians to step outside of their comfort zones by following peers and experimenting on stage.
Changing comedy styles for different venues like clubs, theaters, arenas
Adjusting styles to suit the venue is an art in itself, as explained by Attell who tailors his content based on openers and the venue type. Segura adds that diverse audience expectations require comedians to swiftly fine-tune their sets, further underscoring the demand for versatility.
Managing the touring lifestyle
The demands of a touring comedian post-special release are highlighted by Attell, who stresses the necessity of continual stage appearances. Kreischer also touches upon the complexities of juggling tour life with family responsibilities and the importance of carefully selecting tour mates.
Learning from and working with comedy greats
Kreischer and Attell share their experiences of learning from esteemed comedy icons like Jim Norton and Artie Lange, underscoring the influential nature of such relationships and the exchange of industry wisdom.
Taking risks and pushing boundaries in comedy
Though not explicitly discussed, the notion of taking comedic risks surfaces through Kreischer's admiration for Attell's approach to never recycle topics, signifying a bold focus on innovation in comedy.
The expanding comedy industry and opportunities
The growth of the comedy scene is evident, with Segura noting significant events like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Opportunities have also expanded into distribution deals and varied platforms, as seen with artists like Taylor Swift, marking the widening scope for comedians to showcase and monetize their craft.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Doug Stanhope's "Bisbee experience" is a reference to his unique approach to comedy that involves living in Bisbee, Arizona, a small town where he hosts his own comedy shows. Stanhope's comedy style is heavily influenced by his unconventional lifestyle in Bisbee, which adds a distinct flavor to his performances and sets him apart in the stand-up comedy scene. This setting has become integral to his comedic identity and material, shaping his perspective and providing a backdrop for his humor. Stanhope's connection to Bisbee is often highlighted as a key aspect of his comedy career, showcasing how his environment influences his work and sets him apart from other comedians.
- The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the largest comedy festivals globally, held annually in Melbourne, Australia. It features a diverse range of comedic performances, including stand-up, sketch shows, and other comedic acts. The festival provides a platform for both established and emerging comedians to showcase their talent to a wide audience. It attracts comedians and comedy enthusiasts from around the world, contributing significantly to the cultural and entertainment scene in Melbourne.
Counterarguments
- While Dave Attell's approach to generating fresh content is commendable, it could be argued that quantity should not overshadow quality, and that a focus on a high number of jokes might compromise depth or storytelling elements in comedy.
- Bert Kreischer's focus on themes like addiction and alcoholism might not resonate with all audiences, and some may argue that comedy should provide an escape from such heavy topics rather than confronting them.
- The respect given to stand-up veterans is important, but there's also a counterpoint that new voices and diverse perspectives are equally necessary to keep the comedy scene vibrant and relevant.
- The emphasis on rejuvenating material and setting new goals is crucial, but it's also worth considering that some comedians may find success in refining a particular style or set of material that resonates deeply with their audience.
- Stepping out of one's comfort zone is often seen as a positive, yet there's an argument to be made for comedians who have found their niche and excel within it, suggesting that not all comedians need to experiment to be successful.
- Tailoring content to different venues is a skill, but some might argue that a comedian should remain true to their artistic vision regardless of the setting, and that the best comedy transcends venue types.
- The necessity of continual stage appearances post-special release could lead to burnout, and some might argue for a more balanced approach that allows for creative rest and personal life management.
- The challenges of balancing tour life with family responsibilities are real, but some might argue that a more localized or less intensive touring schedule could also be a viable career path for comedians.
- Learning from comedy icons is invaluable, but it's also important to recognize that innovation can come from outside traditional comedy circles, and that there is merit in seeking inspiration from a variety of sources.
- The focus on never recycling topics is seen as innovative, but others might argue that revisiting and refining existing material can lead to deeper insights and more polished performances.
- The expansion of the comedy scene and opportunities is positive, but it could also be argued that the increased commercialization and competition in the industry might put pressure on comedians to conform to market demands rather than artistic integrity.
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Stand up comedy
Dave Attell, Bert Kreischer, Tom Segura, and others delve into various aspects of stand-up comedy, providing insights into the process of writing new material, managing a comedy career, and the evolving landscape of the industry.
Writing new material and jokes
Importance of constantly generating new jokes and trying out new material on stage
In the pursuit of a new hour, Attell targets a short format, aiming for about 90 jokes in 30 minutes, reflecting his belief that attention spans are shorter now. He tries out new material even late at night at the Comedy Cellar to test audience reactions. Kreischer takes advice from Attell about constantly creating new material. Kreischer is also working on a concept that connects addiction and alcoholism, showcasing the evolution of his comedic ideas.
Long-term careers in comedy
Comedians like Doug Stanhope are praised as they run new hours at notable venues. Attell speaks highly of Stanhope's unique approach to his career, referring to Stanhope's own way of doing things as the "Bisbee experience." Attell, expressing dedication to stand-up over other entertainment avenues, aspires to a career like Don Rickles who performed for a long time.
Evaluating your own comedy and goals
Attell and Segura emphasize the importance of noticing when to refresh material and aspire to write new content. They appreciate feedback from their peers to grow as comedians, indicating the value of reflection and goal-setting in comedy.
Breaking out of your comfort zone with comedy
Kreischer and Attell discuss following other comedians and performing in different contexts, signifying the benefits of stepping out of ones comedic comfort zone. Attell suggests that young comics should use their stage time effectively and try new things.
Changing comedy styles for different venues like clubs, theaters, arenas
Attell adjusts his material depending on the content openers cover and differentiates between playing a theater show and multiple club shows. Segura shares that shorter sets pushed him to refine his material on the fly, experiencing the variations necessary for different audiences and venues.
Managing the touring lifestyle
Dave Attell discusses the relentless nature of touring after releasing a comedy special, maintaining a presence in performance circuits. Kreischer talks about balancing his tour schedule with family time and how selecting the righ ...
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Stand up comedy
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Comedy Cellar is a renowned comedy club in New York City, located in Greenwich Village. It has a reputation for hosting top comedians and being a hub for both established and up-and-coming talent. Many comedians consider performing at the Comedy Cellar a significant milestone in their careers due to its history and influence in the comedy world. The club's intimate setting and audience make it a prime location for comedians to test new material and refine their acts.
- The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is an annual event held in Melbourne, Australia, showcasing a wide array of comedic performances from both local and international comedians. It is one of the largest comedy festivals globally, featuring stand-up shows, sketch comedy, ...
Counterarguments
- While constantly generating new jokes is important, some might argue that refining and perfecting existing material can be just as valuable as creating new content.
- Attell's approach of targeting a short format with many jokes may not suit every comedian's style or every audience's preferences, as some may prefer longer, more narrative-driven comedy.
- The connection between addiction and alcoholism in comedy, as Kreischer is exploring, could be seen as sensitive or controversial, and not all audiences may appreciate humor on these topics.
- Praising comedians like Doug Stanhope for running new hours at notable venues might overlook the challenges and successes of lesser-known comedians who are also innovating in the industry.
- Aspiring to a long-term career like Don Rickles is admirable, but the comedy landscape has changed significantly, and what worked for Rickles may not be applicable or desirable for modern comedians.
- The importance of refreshing material and setting new goals is subjective, and some comedians may find success in a more consistent, signature style that resonates with their audience.
- Stepping out of one's comedic comfort zone can be beneficial, but it also carries the risk of alienating existing fans who have specific expectations.
- Adjusting material for different venues is a skill, but it could also be argued that maintaining one's comedic voice and integrity is more important than tailoring content to fit various settings.
- Balancing touring with personal life is crucial, but the discussion may not fully address the unique c ...
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