Brian Beaudoin: August 2011

Ten Questions with Brian Beaudoin // Featured Comedian: August 2011

(1) What’s your personal definition of comedian?

An entertainer who can take the stage night after night and make people laugh and forget about life for a while
 
(2) What got you into comedy?

Growing up, I remember sitting with my grandfather while we watched Abbot & Costello, the Marx Brothers, and the Three Stooges. I was hooked. As time went on, I started watching Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy, Bobby Collins, Richard Pryor, even Gallagher and Sinbad (who I thought was Singood). But every time I watched stand-up, I soaked everything up like a sponge, and then next day at school, I would perform whatever I watched the night before on the playground at recess. So ever since I was a little kid, stand-up was always something I wanted to do. Laughing and making people laugh was and is a great feeling to me.
 
(3) Tell us about your very first show. 

My first show outside the playground was when I was 18 at a club that no longer exists called Stitches (in the Providence Place Mall). I was a little nervous, but I had a lot of friends who showed up to support me so it made things easier. I went up on stage and accomplished something I’ve always wanted to do. But the only problem was that I did Eddie Murphy jokes. I know, I know, that’s a big no-no. It was also ten years ago and at the time, I didn’t know it was wrong.
 
(4) Most memorable moment (good or bad) in comedy so far.

Memorable moments happen all the time and they constantly outdo each other. From endless shows that just stick out in my mind as if they happened yesterday, or nights that you just remember hanging out with comics after a show having fun and being stupid. But I guess if i had to pick one thing it would be the time a comedic hero of mine (Bobby Collins) heard how much of a fan I was of his and he actually called me while I was taking a poop at Wal-Mart. It was a pretty surreal moment of my life. Terrible timing, but something I’ll never forget.
 
(5 Best part about doing stand-up.

The rush I get when I get off stage – especially after a GREAT set.
 
(6) Worst part about doing stand-up.

Being away from my family.
 
(7) New guy comes up to you and says, “Golly, Mr. Beaudoin, I’d like to do
what you do. How do I get started?” And you say…

First I’d say, “Did you just say ‘golly?’” Then I’d say , “My dad is Mr. Beaudoin.” After that I’d say, “Start hitting open mics – and after a few years, when you feel it’s not worth it and you want to stop…DON’T.”
 
(8) Things you wish you knew then that you know now.

I wish I knew it wasn’t okay to do other people’s material, that’s for sure. I wish knew everything then that I know now.
 
(9) Your one-sentence philosophy on comedy.

Stay true to who you are and do what makes the people happy.
 
(10) The question (about comedy) you’ve been dying for someone to ask you -
plus the answer.

Q: Would you like to come on the road and feature for me every once in a while?

A: Yes, Craig Gass, I would.

Here’s Brian’s calendar for the month of August. Catch him if you can. And tell him you heard all about him on RhodeIslandComedy.com.

• 8/4 Billy Goodes Tavern….Newport….8:30
• 8/5 & 6 Comix at Foxwoods
• 8/11 Newport Blues Cafe’….Newport….8:30
• 8/12 Hardcore Comedy Show @ Comedy Connection RI…10:30
• 8/18 Jimmy’s Saloon….Newport…8:30
• 8/19 Hardcore Comedy Show @ Comedy Connection RI…10:30
• 8/20 Flare Outdoor Summer Comedy Series….Coventry R.I…. 9pm
• 8/26 Hardcore Comedy Show @ Comedy Connection RI…10:30