Christian Comedy Association

Newsletter - May 29, 2007

What's in this edition:

Letter from Nazareth
A CCA Showcase
CCA Comics in the News
Speaking of Congratulations
CCA Veterans Fellowship
Final Note

Letter from Nazareth

Rejection, Rejection, Rejection.

Do we have the desire to become famous? I had to think deep and hard about the question of becoming famous? What are my motives? Is it a fleshly motive? Do I want to enjoy the fame and wealth of being famous?

My answer really surprised me. I do want to be famous, not for the wealth and the attention, but because I'm tired of being rejected. Interesting!!!

I’ll share with you my train of thoughts on that subject. Being famous puts me in demand, which means I don’t have to pick up the phone and beg for shows, send flyers, postcards, demos, e-mails, and other things.

Do I want to be wealthy? Yes, Why? So I can feel good about myself? Buy a nicer car or nicer home? No. I love my Toyota Camry and my home is fine. Why do I want to be wealthy then? Here’s the reason… So I don’t have to be stuck at connecting airports because I booked the least expensive flight! Or to feel overwhelmed with guilt because I said “no” to the low-paying gig that requires two days of travel just to get to the venue.

Does that mean after 20 years of comedy you still have to take gigs you don’t want? You still have to pick up the phone and call?

In my case, the answer is “yes.” Sometimes I don’t, but I end up paying the price later. The Bible verse in Genesis comes to mind. The curse of Adam: "By the sweat of your brow you will work." Work is not easy. I don’t mind working hard, but to be rejected continuously is what gives comedians ulcers and high blood pressure, and gives comediennes bouts of depression and high credit card balances.

Amateur comics tell me that they cannot wait to get an agent so they don’t have to hustle anymore. So the phone can ring continuously…. I always respond by, "Find me that agent and I’ll sign up with them too!"

There are no magic formulas and no magic agents. By the sweat of your brow you will toil the land.

Our next national gathering will be for the CCA Veterans in January 21-23, 2008 in the Nashville, TN area. If you meet the criteria that defines "Veteran" we want to encourage you to come. If you are not yet a veteran comic, don't get discouraged just keep working on your craft and career to be part of this fellowship in the near future.

Your Servant,

Nazareth
President, Christian Comedy Association

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CCA Showcase

Thor Ramsey - Department of Performance Events

The CCA Showcase - what's up with that? A lot. And we’re just getting started. Our showcase efforts should become indistinguishable in terms of their importance and we need to cast each uniquely.

New ideas are pouring in: Bone Hampton is on board this committee to help put together an “urban night.” We’re hoping to bring in black Christian comedians who are presently not part of the CCA. Leland Klassen is also on board this committee to help facilitate a possible international showcase with comedians from Canada, the U.K., Australia, etc.

And what if we have a mentor’s showcase in which the mentors of younger comedians introduce them, or just a “young comedians” show case. We have some incredible young talent emerging - people like Joey I.L.O., Matt Perry, Shelia Sutherland, Jon Blake and more. If you have someone you think would be good for this showcase, please let me know!

We'd also like to work on a specialty showcase where all the acts do something that’s nontraditional standup, such as guitar playing and character driven monologues, etc.

We have incredible producers among us, people who produce shows regularly such as Kenn Kington¹s Ultimate Comedy Theatre or The I.L.O. Comedy Show or Bone’s Comics4Chirst. What if we were actually showcasing a show that already exists -- possibly looking for companies that would be interested in producing a showcase to benefit the CCA financially, such as GTN who could produce a Bananas or Thou Shalt Laugh, Inc. This would bring in production money for the showcase itself and allow us to hire someone like Patricia Heaton for one of the showcase events, wouldn’t that be great! Additionally, at the gala showcase may attract a headliner comedian that isn’t presently part of the CCA. Christian brothers like, Henry Cho, Jeff Foxworthy, etc. Exposure to such talent can only be good for the overall push towards excellence in craft.

Do you hear the excitement in my voice? I hope so! All in all, we’re thinking, processing and working so that we can say, “A CCA Showcase, of course! That makes sense!”

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CCA Comics In the News:

The New York City Parks and Recreation Department After School Programs has hired comedienne Donna East as a comedy consultant. She is going to be teaching her workshop called "Just Kiddin' Around," emphasizing literacy and teaching children how to write and perform comedy. The program plans to culminate at a NYC comedy club with participating child comics and a clean headlining comedian! Congratulations Donna!

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Speaking of congratulations

Top PROPS to Sherrie Shepherd who is now a regular face on "The View." Way to go!

Anita Renfroe's "Mom" clip on U-tube has recorded over 1.5 million viewers. She is scheduled soon to speak on several nationally televised morning shows that originate in New York and possibly an interview on Oprah's radio show.

(If you hear of CCA comedians in the news please take time to let us know.)
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CCA Veterans Fellowship

Last January we gathered in Colorado for our first veteran retreat. It was a great time as career comics gathered to share insights on the craft and to get to know each other a little better. Several of the members presented mini seminars that led us spiritually and professionally.

There were many magical "take-away" moments from battleing the ice and snow, performing each night in a wonderful venue, meeting new friends, and making a mad dash for the natural "hot spring." We all need to laugh too and this retreat delivered.

The dates for the next Veteran's Retreat is January 21-23, 2008 and it will be in the Nashville, TN area. A reception is scheduled for Monday the 21st. The 22nd and 23rd will have times for spiritual renewal, fellowship, seminars to sharpen our craft and showcases each night.

Please welcome David Pendleton who is volunteering to serve as the CCA Director of Veteran's Affairs for 2008. If you have comments or suggestions for making this year's retreat even better please take a moment to contact him. David@anythingcantalk.com

David Pendleton, CCA Director of Veteran’s Affairs

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Final Note

“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comment for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the days out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.

If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work that you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6 (The Message)