Letters From the Issue of Thursday, October 13, 2005

Standup on the edge: Thank you for writing an article about the comedy scene in the Valley. I've been doing standup for three years here, and I've seen a lot!

Dan Mer was totally right to say that most local comics are too filthy, even for a short seven minutes. Yet there is so much talent here.

I've been privileged to work with locals like John Jesmer, Chris Bennett, Josh McDermitt, Josh Skalniak and Travis Thurman. I know I'm forgetting someone (I just had a gig last night, and I'm drained).

Tony Vicich has been one of the most supportive people I have had the pleasure to work with. Having never met me before (I'd never taken his class), Tony gave me Mardi Gras every Sunday for 90 days to do all-female shows.

Then there's Sean Dillingham, who runs the Comedy Spot. It's an awesome club in Old Town Scottsdale and always has a great crowd. Locals don't often get to headline there, but Sean has always given opening and feature spots to my comics.

Comics need experience. And until you have your own HBO special, don't go pulling the ego trip and saying you are too good to do any of the above.
Amy Donohue, Tempe