I am a Paid Comic*

I get paid to tell jokes. I don't always get paid to tell jokes. I often perform at open mics which are a place to practice jokes, performance, timing, inflection, stage presence and generally getting comfortable speaking in front of an audience. I do not get paid to perform at open mics. As a point of reference, a band may get paid to perform a concert, but they do not get paid to go to band practice. They practice their art to provide better performances at concerts and shows. Open mics are "band practice" for comedians. I practice more than I perform in shows because I am still in the "journeyman" phase of my stand up comedy career. Yet, I do get paid to "do comedy". I sometimes receive compensation in the form of non-monetary means. It is not entirely uncommon on the evening of a comedy show for me to receive food, beer, clothing, tips, discounts, Jello, laughter, applause, and on occasion even cash money. I am performing at a show in the very near future where for the very first time I will be paid in fish. Yes I said, "paid in fish". It is official, I have made it as a comedian. "So Long And Thanks For All The Fish" I am Tom Emmons and I am off.

Alien pees chloroform joke, explains the abductions

I GOT 3RD PLACE!

I did get 3rd place in a comedy competition at The Comedy Zone, Charlotte. I am super thrilled to have been a part of this awesome experience. Every joke I told HIT and uproarious laughter ensued. It was a swell performance and perhaps my best yet. I relish the memory of being on that stage for those few short minutes and I look forward to working with some of those comics again. Thanks to Comedy Zone and Debbie Millwater for being so great to work with and so supportive of live comedy. As with most competitions, this one was heavily influenced by the "bringer" element. People with tons of friends, (make me wonder why they do comedy), get their friends to attend the show and vote for them. I brought more friends than usual... ONE person. I rarely ever have friends in attendance and I don't begrudge them for that. I simply don't have many close friends. I'm ok with that. I'm off topic. I only say this to say that I must have performed well in order to garnish enough votes to place. I loved the experience and I can't wait to get on stage again. Oh comedy, you seductive mistress of the night. "The Open Mic of Charlotte Finale was held on June 4, 2013. Tom Emmons took 3rd place and a cash prize of $25. It was a heated battle for first. Jarred Kreger walked away with 2nd place and a cash prize of $50. Our season Champion and winner of the final show of The Open Mic of Charlotte was Ed Mabrey. Ed won a week of paid work at The Comedy Zone Charlotte!! The competition was held at The Comedy Zone Charlotte at NC Music Factory in Charlotte NC. Also competing was Eric Shun, Pat Saber, Raf Taylor, Brock White, Ivey Matthews, Vernon Mack, Ray Drury, Elmo, Todd Riley, D. Moore and Clyde Austin. Congratulations to all of the competitors and Winner Ed Mabrey!" http://fightnightcomedy.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/congratulations-to-ed-mabrey-winner-of-the-open-mic-of-charlotte-finale/