I am doing another show with Colin Mochrie, yes, the star of “Whose Line is it Anyways?” Yes, this is very exciting for me. Yes, I really do know him. No, I won’t get him to MC your wedding. Funny, right? Not for me, it’s kind of uncomfortable, but that’s almost the extent of requests I get from people as soon as they see that Colin is coming to my theatre. Believe it or not, a ton of requests come in from people each year, but I’m taken aback by the fact that people think I have the power to book him, or that he and I are so close I can casually ask him to perform or host events just as a favour to me. I also get a lot of questions from actors or professional improvisers along the lines of “How did you get him to come?” “Why is he doing that for you?” Um…maybe because I’m worthy of sharing the stage with that caliber of talent. This idea, that just because Colin is on TV, that he must be the best is un-nerving, I can see it sits uneasy with Colin as well, when people fawn over him like he is the Buddha of Improv. In fact, I’ve seen people bow to him in the “I’m not worthy” way.

Colin and I teach an improv workshop before the show and a participant asked him the secret for a Canadian to go to the United States and to make it big. His reply: “I don’t know, if you find out, could you tell ME?” He is a humble performer, someone who was swept up into the success of a hit TV show and now is an icon of comedy. Does he deserve praise? You bet! But there are so many unbelievably talented improvisers you will never see on screen that are just as deserving. I guess that is where it really erks me the most, when people come out of the wood work, when they hear he is coming, and they ask if they could book him, because “He is so funny” and I am a performer looking to get booked. I’m damn funny and I have a roster of incredibly funny and talented performers. Folks, asking if I can book another comic for your event is like having someone, that you have a crush on, ask you to set them up with your best friend. So sad. Hug an improviser today and tell them they are amazing.

About the Author

Stephanie Herrera is a comedian, writer, producer, teacher, singer, actor, mother of 4, and shallow philosopher. She runs the Durham Improv & Acting Studio in Oshawa, Canada, is a professor at Durham and Fleming Colleges, and is an award winning performer.  www.durhamimprov.com / www.stephanieherrera.com / info@durhamimprov.com / (647) 899-3342  Durham Improv Group and Business pages can be found on Facebook and follow @durhamimprov & @antimommy