Dealing with Covid Caused Comedic Depression

by Pat Oates

When Covid hit, the world took a comedy time out. Many are waiting for it to come back

For some comics, it has been almost a year since they have taken a stage. The world got quarantined and comedy, for many, got put in a proverbial timeout. Open mics, showcases and stage time for those pursuing comedy vanished. Some clubs opened up, but the precious stage time they provide went to those who have “made it” in comedy. Those who are pursuing comedy as a career or passion were left without a place to hone their craft.

What makes things even worse, is most comics who aren’t “professional” don’t usually have a lot of free time to write. Any free time they would have is taken up by the job or jobs they have to work to support chasing their dream. And now, with many of them out of work, these comics finally have free time to write but nowhere to work the jokes out. In an already stressful time, this lack of an outlet that usually brings joy and relieves stress, can become overwhelming. This can make you think comedy is over for you. This can put you in a comedic depression.

Well, just like when you have a bad set, you can either let it consume you or you can realized it happened, adjust your game plan and snap out of it. If you want to go the first path, you can stop reading now. This article isn’t for you.