Comedians Alysia Wood and Rob Gleeson Perform at the University
Comedians Alysia Wood and Rob Gleeson took the stage in Anacon Hall for the first comedy night of the year on September 10, 2011, organized by the Student Activities Board
Anacon Hall was packed when Wood stepped on stage and took the microphone. “I’m still chewing gum, that’s unprofessional,” Wood said as she stuck her gum on the cap of her water bottle.
Wood gets all of her stand up routines from personal experiences, “I like to talk about stuff that actually happened in my life,” Wood said.
Although she is originally from Louisiana, Wood used to perform stand up comedy at Rascals Comedy Club in Ocean Township for two years before they were closed down. When explaining how she chose her career path Wood said, “I used to do poetry, people laughed. I eliminated acting and modeling.
Comedy just fit.” Wood explains comedy as just a process of getting better, “You have to be focused and dedicated.” Wood’s new comedy CD, “Princess,” is currently in production, a release date has not been set.
Comedian Rob Gleeson became a full time professional around his junior year of college. He, like Wood, also used to attend open mic nights prior to becoming a professional comedian. “It’s just getting used to the local scene,” said Gleeson, “I started at 18; I got a fake ID and hung out at comedy clubs.”
Gleeson has been featured on an MTV Comedy Showcase and is a cohost of “Catch” with Jerry Rice, an extreme stunt show airing on NBC. Gleeson is also set to appear in the upcoming indie film The Ivy League debuting next year.
Former Student Activities Board President Emily Curry, senior, planned this particular comedy night back in spring 2011. The comedy chair of the SAB organized this event. To find personnel for events around campus the Student Activities Board hold independent talent searches, search online, go off of local tips, receive literature from NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) as well as take suggestions. “We are planning another comedy night for next semester,” said Curry, “check the student activities calendar for other upcoming events.”
Both comedians had a strong and powerful connection with the audience. After the show, students had a chance to meet with the comedians, thank them for coming, take pictures with them, and ask questions.
“I was invited by friends that were going to comedy night,” said Brian Nicholas, junior, “It was awesome, and a lot funnier then I expected it to be. I can’t wait for next semester’s comedy night. Both of the comedians were really friendly and down to Earth.”
With the help of Conrad Sawicki, junior, and Joseph Pagnotta, sophomore, comedy night ran smoothly. Pagnotta kept in contact with the comedians and made sure they felt comfortable during their time at the University. Pagnotta also held the checks and paid the comedians. He is currently in charge of scheduling the comedians for the spring semester comedy show, as well.
PHOTO COURTESY of facebook.com
