Comedy Foot Soldiers – Chris Grace

When it comes to improv this week’s Comedy Foot Soldier is a pro.  So much so that he’s on an improv team called The Faculty (get it, faculty…pro..he gets paid…think about it, it works).  Chris Grace is a stand-up comic, improviser, podcaster and improv teacher.  The dude loves doin’ comedy and he’s damn good at it too. You can catch him every Wednesday doin’ his improv thang at The Peoples Improv Theater in NYC where he also started the theater’s open mic.   And much like us, he is a self-proclaimed comedy nerd.  Here’s what he had to say when we sat him down for our Comedy Foot Solider questions:

What’s the most important thing you learned since you started doing comedy?

That persistence is more important than talent, and talent might not exist at all.

How did you know you were meant to be a comedian?

I went to a thing called Boys State in Texas, it was like a mock government. I ran for “Governor” and put a bunch of jokes in my campaign speech. I killed at the convention but lost the election.

What’s been your brightest moment as a comedian?

Performing improv with my former team Fancy Dragon, with special guest Fred Willard.

What’s been your darkest moment as a comedian?

The year and a half when I quit standup and any performing to work a day job.

What is your favorite thing going on in comedy right now?

The fact that the next big thing that makes you laugh uncontrollably could come from anywhere, from anyone.

What is the scariest thing going on in comedy right now?

That people like Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are allowed to be in movies that are supposed to be funny. And sometimes at the same time.

Who do you think is today’s most underappreciated comedian/comedy actor?

AD Miles. I think he’s a strong actor and hilarious. He’s the head writer on Jimmy Fallon and that’s the main reason I’ve kept up with that show.

What’s the best advice you ever received as a comedian?

If you want to work on great stuff, surround yourself with people that also want to work on great stuff.

What’s the worst advice you ever received as a comedian?

You have to be suspicious and assume the worst of everyone you meet in comedy.

What is your craziest show experience?

Performing standup at a lesbian bar for Brooklyn Gay Pride. My first professional gig (I got paid twenty bucks). I bombed as the audience responded to my punchlines first with silence, and then questions (“What does that mean? Why would he say that?”). The whole back of the bar was talking and not paying attention. Then after me a performance artist/poet got up and the emcee of the show got the entire bar to be quiet while the poet performed her prayerpoem. The emcee even shushed me as she shoved the twenty in my hand and glared. After this gig I quit for almost two years (see “darkest moment”).

What is the biggest source of your comedy?

My restless brain and the fears it holds inside.

How would you describe your comedy?

Smart, goofy, and racially and sexually charged. I make rooms thick with erotic tension (primarily my own).

Quick Hitters

I would like to be known for… being funny and honest, and honestly funny.

Shoot me if I ever… get plastic surgery.

I think most comedians are… more professional, hardworking, and supportive than other kinds of performers, despite all the drinking.

The one thing I have never seen a comedian do, but would love to is… break down a long standup set and discuss the writing process behind each joke.

My favorite comedy bit that I was not involved in is… “The Audition” from Mr Show. The perfectest sketch ever written.

My favorite comedy bit that I was involved in is… Leaving aside probably hundreds of great longform improv moments, none of which would make any sense, I loved playing Ernest Yen in Yang Miller’s “Video Shmideo“.

People often say they are attracted to a sense of humor. I think that is… so true it hurts me in the gut. It’s deflating and awkward to check out your latest crush’s comedy show and walk away disappointed.

I would like to plug… my website, chris-grace.com, featuring my Twitter, vlog, email newsletter, and yes, podcast. My podcast has half as many regular hosts as The Comedy Nerds, and accordingly is, at most, half as entertaining.