Comedian Rich Wickesberg makes big laughs on the small stage
By: Samuel Lees
Rich Wickesberg’s comedy routine has come a long way. From his first stand-up comedy show at a Narcotics Anonymous convention, into working comedy clubs all over the country, his act has slowly evolved. In the beginning of his comedy career, like many aspiring comedians, Rich felt lucky to get the audience to laugh at even one joke. It’s not the same story these days. Rich Wickesberg is undeniably and upstanding stand-up comedian.
After having several close friends constantly suggesting that he pursue stand-up comedy, Rich finally gave in. He started putting together jokes for his first routine and taking comedy classes, which eventually led to his big debut at a Narcotics Anonymous convention.
“A few fellow students at a comedy class I was taking. Booked this show with a Narcotics Anonymous convention. I was like an open mic event,†Rich explained. “I was nervous and shaking vigorously. I didn’t want to do it. I wanted to quit right there.â€
Rich, still trembling, did get onto stage at the Narcotics Anonymous convention, and was met with everything he had been worried about. Of the 200 or so people attending, only several of them laughed at one of his jokes.
That’s where Roz Turner of Turner Talent Network, stepped in.
“Roz encouraged me not to give up,†Rich continued.†She said I would make it. That’s what kept me going.†With a little more reassurance from friend and mentor Mike Merryfield, Rich was soon on his way to bigger and better things.
Along with him introducing him to Roz Turner and her comedy classes, Mike was the first comic to give Rich the advice he needed to tough it out, an continue doing stand-up.
“Never give up. You’ll have good crowds and bad ones. Just keep doing it,†he explains.
Now, several years later, Rich is booking shows on his own, every chance he gets.
“It’s all about stage time, the more you’re up there, the better,†Rich said. As opposed to the stifled laughs of a few sympathetic people in the crowd, Rich has been sending audiences upwards of 150 people into hysterics.
Rich admits that breaking for applause and laughter has proven to be tricky. “It has definitely thrown my time off,†he added. “But there is nothing like the rush that comes with making a large crowd laugh. It’s a high,†Rich stated this as the reason he does stand-up, and went to suggest that most comics would agree.
Rich left the Fox Valley in 2005 to join the multitudes of people seeking fame and fortune through performance in Los Angeles. After a brief stint work for Steve Johnson's Edge FX, attending a Directors Guild Party hosted by Spike Jonze, and several performances at The World Famous Comedy Store, he decided to head back to Wisconsin to spent time with his daughter Tayler.
“Comedy in L.A. isn’t what you think. It’s extremely hard to get stage time. I would go to the World Famous Comedy Store on Mondays (Their open mic night). It was exciting to do stand-up there. That’s where all the greats started: Jay Leno, David Letterman, Richard Prior, and Jim Carey to name a few,†Rich explained. “But I really missed doing comedy in the Midwest. The crowds here are great.â€
It you are lucky enough to attend one of his shows, don’t plan on spending an evening with your average comedian. Rich combines energetic, animated mannerisms, and occasional impressions, with jokes on everyday life and current events. Drop in a splash of dry humor and you have it.
I think facial expressions, and gestures are what bring my act together. They are what work for me,†he explains. “Everyday life and current events are fun. They’re easy for people to relate to.â€
“If you ever get offended at a comedy club,†Rich suggest, “remember they’re just jokes.†He goes on, saying. “As they say, Laughter is the best medicine.â€
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