Gasping for air, tears running down the cheeks and a good abs workout is what Missouri Western students experienced at the annual WAC Comedy Concert last Saturday night. The laughter was contagious during each of the performances by Doug Williams, Cory “Zooman” Miller and Nema Williams.
They mainly based their script around college, ethnic groups, music and relationships while calling out students in the crowd. During Miller’s part of the show he took the suggestion, “roaches and bologna,” from a student and improvised a rap out of it. He also did a President Obama impression that students thought sounded just like him.These comedians have toured with Cedric the Entertainer, worked with Martin Lawrence and have opened shows for other well-known comedians. Nema Williams, a standup comedian for 13 years, said comics are all connected through their work and travels.
“In L.A., you might be at the Laugh Factory and then right behind you comes Dave Chappelle or something,” Williams said. “Everybody who works in the television business, no matter how big they are, is aware that you are a comic.”
Yet no matter how big the name is, all comedians are capable of creating a positive uproar in a club or theater. However, constant laughter isn’t always what is desired. Silence is something that Cory “Zooman” Miller appreciates while on stage.
“I like the silence because it’s like you are controlling the crowd,” Miller said. “Most comics are scared of silence, but it’s a mark that you have their full attention.”
Nema Williams also enjoys the stillness in the room, but more importantly the quick transformation of noise from thunderous laughter to calm in seconds.
“It’s not just the silence, it’s when you can quiet a room,” Williams said. “When it’s rowdy and you’re killing, then you pause and there’s that moment when everybody shuts up. It means they’re waiting for the next joke.”
The crowd of students was captivated and eager to hear more. Western Activities Council President, Keisha Caldwell, was very pleased with turnout of students as well as the skills of the comedians.
“I think it’s really important when it comes to being a performer that you are aware of your audience,” Caldwell said. “Our crowd was very diverse and they knew their audience.”
Because they paid attention to their audience, Caldwell said they were able to put on a good performance.
“The comedians used the energy the audience gave them and it was a really good vibe throughout the entire show,” Caldwell said.
Miller and Williams don’t focus on whether they had a good or bad show because they don’t believe one show will make or break a comedian. Instead they concentrate more on the bigger picture when it comes to standup.
“At the end of the day, we get to do what we love to do,” Miller said. “It’s a win-win situation.”