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The actor says it is playing in a war zone
Comedian Don Barnhart says what soldiers need to laugh in a hostile environment like a war zone.
My name is Don Barnhart and I am a professional stand-up comedian. What I mean by "professional"? Well, what I mean is that I have had the opportunity to stay comfortable travel the world making people laugh, which should meet the following question, yes, I am very funny. I was at a low level of television broadcasts and appeared in several movies. If you are a die-hard fan of comedy, you may recognize me as I around 250 days a year, but I'm not there in the celebrity status of people like Jim Carrey, Robin Williams or Jerry Seinfeld, but I'm behind them.
Since 1992, also tried to spend several weeks a year to entertain military troops stationed abroad. I did this in peacetime and in times of war and where I want that people ask me what it's like to play in a hazardous environment such as Afghanistan or Iraq, so here is my story.
First, consider it an honor and a privilege to be invited to come and entertain the troops. As I said, I feel very fortunate to earn a living doing what I love and I think we all have an obligation as an American to support our troops in the best way we know that even if you oppose the war itself.
The reason I started doing "my part" is that part of my work program emissions and have only 30 hours of community service when I'm done! (Just kidding, it was a joke.) Seriously, men and women in the military to defend America and all its freedoms and am able to make a living in a great use of these freedoms. I think it is also important to support the troops any way you know how. If I knew how to make cookies, and I would send a delivery of attention, but I'm much better at telling jokes if I go and entertain, to shake hands and thank the men and women who serve our country. It is both physically and emotionally difficult, but there is a tremendous feeling of pride I feel when I do my part and be part of the team. But honestly, I feel I am the least important in the market. I feel a bit like the water boy in the Super Bowl team.
The reason I started doing a whole show military support in mid-1992. I went through a bitter divorce after I found my wife, dated '. (A joke, but not really a joke), I took off to Europe to find myself (in Indeed, to go as far as possible from all who knew or who knew me and my "situation"). Anyway, while I was doing shows in Sweden, I was sitting in a cold smoke, dark, dark cafe full of pity on me and I looked out the window and tells me of a sign of the USO. I finished my cappuccino and walked on snow-covered street and went I began to ask whether these would a comedy show that I had a lot of free time and nothing to do, gave me the information I have submitted my demo and principal and the next thing I know, I'm on a plane to war-torn Bosnia with the Gin Blossoms and 49 animators.
Each show is different and it really depends on who owns and great entertainment with celebrities and groups who want a strong lead-time. For them, it's a lot more production large and logistics are a nightmare, as the sound equipment, personnel, clothing, arts and who knows what else. For a celebrity, never travel manifests, as he wanted a four star hotel and limousine from their concert in Afghanistan. She does not understand. We are here on a military base in the middle of a war and not in Riviera Beach French. Anyway, went home to rehab next month if you have not ever given a tour.
For groups like the comics of services, who specialize in a few comedy shows, it is much easier and can be ready to go to the drop of a hat, but in the few monthly average waiting time is the best. With comedy, it's much easier to change places, and add entertainment to adapt to changing conditions on the ground. When you just actors, we are trying to add shows whenever she can, on a tour and try to get the troops that really need it most. We've added some shows in the lines sound neutral in the tub, flat beds, against a field of landmines. All that is hardly glamorous.
From the stage for troops is different from playing in a regular comedy club in the States and once you've done some tours, you're stuck with the soldiers and that is very true sense of camaraderie and understanding. Underlying shows an awareness that every second, we might have to fight and being caught in a gunfight. We may have housing or return fire. So even if I'm in the middle of a joke, my senses are on alert. Once when I was in the middle of the show who heard a loud explosion outside and I fell to the ground to cover and the crowd burst into laughter, because it was a "good" normal "for them. I wet my pants around but now the team. I here to laugh if something I say or what I did, I am here to entertain. Do not flinch, like a lot, but I am always fully aware of all external sounds area, when I'm doing there.
The reason we are is to entertain and show our support and let them know how much we care for them, the work they do … how much we respect and I think they have a little respect for us to get there. We are all in the same boat as you eat the same food and have to deal with the same amenities. If no hot water, then no hot water, everyone and sometimes it's MRE (meals ready to eat) for weeks at a time.
The troops are so complacent and let us do make us feel at home. We were doing shows in the Persian Gulf and get ripped ship to ship and a very bad storm came and nullify a show, because if we fly, spend the night in the boat, but no space to have created it and the guys on the boat who offered to give us no beds and sleep on the floor just to ship do not miss entertainment.
The real difference between a public domain "regulate" and work for the troops is that by the time the troops are the best audience ever. There is really no comparison. These men and women put their lives on the line every day and have no time to laugh, if not funny. They are honest in their likes and dislikes and makes you sharper comic. In the States, people can go for dinner and a few drinks and if you do not like the show, you can always quit and go do something else. When you receive the troops, the program may be all that is get new for months at a time when you need to bring their "game" A "and above it. So important to make the best comics headlining and not a lot of fans here. To give the troops of an inferior product really makes my blood boil. There are several organizations that reserves comedy shows, to save money, while sending shows very unprofessional and amateur here. That's why I started my own shows and booking tours. The cartoons I use are headlining all you do see the comedy clubs in the top of the nation and on television. You will not see an open mic night. It also must be a headlining act to do well here as they may have to change their act based on logic and sensibility of what is happening that day … or you may have to follow a celebrity or act Kid Rock Tim Allen. After so many tours, I also created and host a new TV show called La Libertad Expression a comedy series, with all the comics that have more to do military shows. It is ironic when he says that freedom of expression, while automatically thinks foul play. Freedom of speech also means freedom of thought and concept of the program is that we Comics cowardly to do what want. Some might be a little dirty, some policies, but the goal is to be fun. The demonstration site is www.thechucklehut.com
At first I really did not understand the direct and positive impact is shown for the troops has had on their morale. This is the greatest feeling after a show everyone comes to us thanks to greet them. We are here for our entertainment show our gratitude for them! At the end of a show, the colonel made all strips comic on stage to present us with a certificate of recognition and of the same coin and all men and women stood up and bowed in gratitude. Literally Put four comics to tears. We could not believe how grateful these young men and women have been for us to come over while we were there to show our appreciation to them. That's why I keep doing these tricks over and over again.
Proceedings Humor is a topic of conversation, breaks the routine and monotony and laughter really is the best medicine. Remember, some of these men and women over here have not been home long and things are more close to home is that we can not leave. I really feel that these men and women are my family and my job is to make people laugh and forget their problems, pain and suffering for some time. I saw the most serious soldier who was laughing so hard that tears streamed down her cheeks, and after the show, everybody said they never Guy smiled again. Came after the show and gave me a hug that nearly broke my ribs, but it was great to see a laugh.
Let's be realistic. This is not always easy being away from family and friends in a war zone. We all know the dangers and opportunities. It's kind of an unspoken truth, but also creates and the underlying tension and some people have difficulty coping. During the recent trip, we had a chaplain traveling with us and sat in the front row of every show. It was a bit confusing at first but later explained that if the soldiers saw him laugh, even some questionable material that perhaps was accessible to their needs and problems and it was just a normal guy. It was great, because we have included it in the program and showed a little joke, but everyone knows him by face. In fact, several days after my return, I received a letter from him telling us the difference that product and this has opened a dialogue of communication for him and some soldiers. We are all on the same team.
You might think it's difficult to get the laughter of the soldiers face war, destruction and terrible conditions, but it is not. Since you're funny! Comedy has always been a pressure relief valve and allow the tension before removing. The most uncomfortable the situation, the tension and greater, the need to release tension before it breaks something. We've all been in those high pressure situations. Even as a child when your parents told you to go to bed and keep quiet or you'll be in trouble and can not contain his own laughter. Either your wedding day when you are about to give their votes, then start crackin 'up. My wife and I laughed, but also brought us closer. As to entertain the troops, no room for mediocre comics at this point. It is a tense situation and I have seen very bad comics lose the crowd. Therefore, it must be so demanding when putting a show together. We growl like the troops you can not prima donna artists have run crying because they could not get his eight hours of sleep and lunch from noon.
To be funny in an environment that represents the ravages of destruction may be a little intimidating. I intend to bring depends first time I came. More seriously, at first, is really worrying, and click, but the soldiers, even out of their way to make you feel at home and after a short time, it's time to 'Step Up'. If they can not be here and live in these difficult conditions, then I. Although you can not, not for everyone. It takes a strong man to be here as both a soldier and an actor. There are a lot of pressure, but that's why it's so important to be the best at what you do. It's pretty nerve racking Going Off hear explosions when trying to deliver his punchline or sirens whaling and planes taking off, but kind of getting used to. It is safe to return States and the hearing officer of a large lot easier. The final hearing I had, they said I looked so relaxed and against all the other players. I told them that I returned from Afghanistan where the mortars were leaving and there was an attack missile in the middle of my show … rather, that I was not fired because of my act. (laughs)
For most, there is really no way to search idiosyncrasy associated with the behavior demonstrated in "the field". It's kind of a litmus test and is difficult to explain a new comic that what really needs to do to understand. You just dive into it and find out. The variables are always changing and the only thing you can count on something that is always changing, what really needs to be able to run with him. Sometimes there is no sound or light speed, sometimes the audience is standing in 120 degree heat with the sun in his eyes and even we see it, sometimes you get flac vest and helmet, sometimes do a show in a tent for 6 children who believe I have not seen a shower or a razor or fresh meat in the months … is just truly a unique experience to see for himself. Each visit I made there's always something memorable. Even comics tours abroad have a link with another. Oh, you're in Afghanistan or Iraq, UAE, Dubai or Saudi Arabia? There is some we respect each other to make these trips as well. At the end of the day, we're just a bunch of idiot who could earn his living by telling jokes, but there is a respect among those who choose to do these shows.
It is important to amend the motion and adjust your instrument to suit your environment. Members are not authorized to speak about certain topics, and it is important to what extent can take a joke. We have held exhibitions around the world and every place is different. The irony is that America is based on freedom, but freedom is an enormous amount of responsibility. You can talk all you want, but if you cross the line the crowd surely lose, it's better to know what you do. With this in mind, we have to account the fact that we are guests in many countries are very different from those we are used and it is important to remember that as a guest, we must respect the differences and traditions culture of our host country.
It is also important to realize that conflicts are ongoing in the soldier's life too. Almost all topics are open, but with something tragic, a certain amount of time must pass in order to "find the funny" in something. If something has happened, is probably unwise to try to joke about it until some time has passed. You might think too. We often receive local dignitaries to come to concerts see what really is comedy. I think very well, because many people are not allowed to speak and criticize their own government in the United States where you can talk about our leaders political and mock them. However, if this is not funny, Oh la la! The crowd turning on you. My rule is, as a guest, you are not someone and start break plates and kicking and their pets is the same with comedy. Know your audience and be respectful, while still pushing the limits.
Most of my songs are my diary and I bring a lot of my military travel experiences on the show, as there is a common bond. You should also read the crowd. Are young or old, are the dignitaries of UPS or higher and you have to call his show as is the case. I am constantly editing my head. made this joke work? If so, I'll Go to this bit or if I'm not going to appear. This is a fan out of trouble as he / she has only a small amount of equipment and will do so if people like it or not. This is why it is so important to get rid of these small agencies that send what I call comedy rejected here. They get a contract and pay a lame ass comedian who can not find work in the States a little money and the agent of the pockets of others. It was funny and speculators really makes my blood boil.
My material comes out of my life, so it is not unusual for my field experience to become part of my regular program. The home crowd really want to know what happens outside of what they see again. People come after each show and want to know everything about my trip. They wonder how the soldiers are and what you like there? They are really concerned and interested in the way our soldiers are doing. I feel a bit like sharing jokes back through before.
The logistics of placing abroad varies from simple to complex.
For most circuits, we flew the leading leg of the trip is business and the "soldier in time. On a trip, our commercial flight had problems and was diverted to Russia, but we could not leave the airport of about twenty-four hours until another plane was ready. We all feel like Tom Hanks in that movie that was stranded at the airport. Once you are "in the country who are well regarded in the army and learn to ride like men, but if there is an emergency, then all the staff and equipment were diverted and we sat in the margin until everything is safe. We received a safety report, which is much more than a handshake and a bottle of water. They want us to be prepared as they are in an emergency situation and depending on rather than quantity of information varies. In short, we are trained for battle when necessary. I really never felt safer when I'm with the troops. We did it in places unknown to many. We did a show in front of a field of landmines, Saddam Hussein's palace and the Colosseum, in Greece, in a flat in the mud and rain. The great thing about comedy shows is that we can go almost anywhere, unlike tape group or other sounds that the instruments necessary equipment, lights and more than a few people to remove it. I was on a track he was in solitary confinement so that the band could not play with all its lights and sounds, when we had a show of wealth in black telling jokes to the troops. With comedy, you can adapt to almost any situation. We do not need a sound check, simply turn off the microphone and let us go, and if we do not have a microphone, then we do the former, and the project behind room.
As for the unpleasantness of war, I saw that I never wanted this for sure, but not as much as men and women who serve to our country. This is not something I or most of the soldiers care to discuss or share. If you been there, you know, and if you do not, it is probably better not ask someone who has been there we've seen. War is hell and the details can lead to adjudication. It's hard to go home without enough to revive horrors. There is a common sense that you should and should not do or talk We're all on the same team, so it's important to know your limits. Obviously, you do not want to take a "Herald" go to new, draw a card and say "Look everybody, I am here and catch the bad guys.
In this spirit, the first time I went abroad was in Bosnia during the very difficult political times. We were on alert for snipers 24 / 7. Like Hilary, but advertising. It really showed me the side of good and evil to the towers and he confirmed the importance of these programs are men and women who serve our country. When you are under fire mundane boredom of everyday life does not really matter, because we really live and at the moment. Therefore, the troops really a lack of comedy shows. Not much laughter and fun in your life during an active war in order to cherish the little they have.
Since then, I tried to do several tours each year. Some years, I made seven or eight laps, and each is two to three weeks at a time. A recent tour was thirty days in Afghanistan. Kinda sounds like the title of a film or very bad nightmare. Because of the war in recent years, tour operators have been mainly in southwestern Afghanistan, Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Abu Dubai, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, but also throughout Europe, Japan, Iceland, Greenland, Korea, Micronesia … In short, if the U.S. troops somewhere, I've been there. At first my wife did not always very happy that I go to a war zone to tell jokes, but I understand and support when I go and want to do their part. We several visits expected before the new year and that leaves me. Recently starred in the thriller China Dolls I, written and directed, and she (Linda Vu) dies and the host of the program and meet and greet autograph session afterwards. My website for my schedule of classes and always try to blog, post photos of my trip to keep up. www.donbarnhart.com
Both my brother and brother-sister and my father served in reserves was so I feel like the army is a big part of my family. When I do a meeting and after the show, I always try to know what the soldiers want to talk and know your concerns. Occasionally you meet someone who really needs a friend. Sometimes you need to talk and sometimes just want to have fun and reminded home.
People always ask me to describe my act or tell a joke. My act is a story driven by the punch lines. As before leaving for go to abroad, I had to get vaccinated and they gave me a shot for Anthrax. Now I can eat without worry at any Taco Bell for the next twenty years … I grew up in Los Angeles and had enough people with the attitude of false and pretentious if I lived in Las Vegas. We were poor growing up and I'm finally happy that my mother sixty-five years back because I was using a false identity card to get the discount for seniors for the year.
One of the biggest thrills was to get feedback from the soldiers. It's great to take pictures and shake hands after the show. And now, with De Internet, Facebook and MySpace, many soldiers that I am I send pictures and emails to keep in touch. I made great friends with so many soldiers still visit and the States and it's so cool when a guy or a girl comes and says I saw outside. This means that they have taken at home and brings a smile to my face.
You really do not spend too much time thinking about security issues or threats. We received complete information and I think we're ready for anything in our path. I try to stay focused to give the best show that can in all conditions. Remember, we go in a week or two, no matter how difficult that we as professional artists, the troops even more difficult, and we are there for them. There is a big word, if you look at the barriers, not focused on your goal. The soldiers that is safe for us to do our work.
More than ever really a horrible experience or closed unless targeted resources and missiles that fly around you is scary. I some horror stories, but not something he chose to concentrate. I try to find the funny in it, if I can, is part of being a comic. There was this time though. I think my worst experience abroad, while entertaining eating unwashed fruit in Turkey. We just start the tour and could not bear more than a few minutes without having to run to the bathroom, but as they say, the show must go on. We had 3 comics on this tour and I I said just be ready, as long as I could run my own stage and launch weapons of mass destruction. There was a cloud of evil around after me. I felt pen as pin Peanuts comic strip. However or, after a bit of my speed, people really got into it and becomes part of the show. Were Actually my program how long it might remain before the sprint to the bathroom again. Let me tell you, I am a very physical comedian with great expressions facial and body movements and is not easy trying to be funny and tightening the buttocks.
Once we have on the site, we try to develop and be as fit as possible as these trips are very difficult. We could travel 24 hours and then having to do a show right away and we give our best effort for not being out of shape. In general, do what soldiers do. If they have volleyball, then we sweat up there or if it is a movie night, then cooled to hang with them.
Each course is different. If it is a broader base, we could be there for several days and then emerge from there to do shows by satellite to the smaller bases or simply Pop place to another. Everything is based off of what is really happening that day and if there active combat or security threat. The aim of this is so great to produce a comedy program that we can go to another database and then the circle later with little system Unlike a time band or a show of great production style.
My kind of race itself. I grew up the son of the TV Don Lewis Barnhart, who led Mork & Mindy and Saved by the Bell. Hanging on sets in Los Angeles, I had the desire to do the play by hanging out and get encouragement of Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters. Then I got a job at the prestigious Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA where I am now the foster home coordinator talent and kindergarten at the age of 20 and went to work with and opening for Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Robin Williams, David Spade, Jim Carrey, George Lopez, Harry Anderson and many other superstars of comedy high-level job today.
Ironically, the play was not my first choice. When was 18, I lived in Hermosa Beach, CA surf much do nothing more with my life and went to join the service and the recruiting office was closed. showed which was Memorial Day and I pulled a Jeff Spicolli. Anyway, on the way back, I saw an offer to sign a comedy club and went in and was hired as a janitor. I only worked one night a week to go and help me, Bussing tables, video, Registry of Deeds and being there all the time so I can attend the largest and then one night the emcee got sick and was later when I started doing comedy full time, I promised myself that if I ever earned life by increasing going to do something to support our troops. If not for the comedy, I washed the deck of an aircraft carrier or something.
With the support of other comics, I left the security of the club to pursue his own dream and I have not looked back and I mean around 250 days a year the implementation within the road. I was nominated for best actor in Las Vegas and I am the creator and host of the Freedom of Speech Comedy Show. I am the writer, director and star of the independent film, China Dolls, and has just finished writing and film star in the upcoming comedy Freeloader. In 2007, I was the Grand Prize winner of the short life of American Idol Comedy Competition and had the chance to appear in all major programs of the NBC comedy Comedy Central and MTV, and I'm regularly on the Bob & Tom Show, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.
My wife and I have trained Don Barnhart Entertainment specializes in independent television and film productions and we have one of the rental booking of choice for comedy shows for the military, colleges and corporate events and I am a consultant by top comedy clubs in the country.
For more information about myself or to book a comedy show, please visit our website for more information.
href = "http://www.chinadollsmovie.com"> www.chinadollsmovie.com
www.thechucklehut.com
About the Author
Award winning comedian, actor, writer and filmmaker
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