Comedian says what he feels to perform in a war zone
Comedian Don Barnhart says what is needed to make the soldiers laugh in a dangerous environment like a war zone.
My name is Don Barnhart and I am a professional stand-up comedian. What do we mean by "professional"? Well, what I mean is that I have been fortunate to make a comfortable living traveling the world making people laugh to respond to the follow-up question, yes, I am really very funny. I've been in some television programs and appeared in some movies. If you're a rabid fan of comedy, you may recognize me as I run of more than 250 days a year, but I'm not very up in the celebrity status the likes of Jim Carrey, Robin Williams or Jerry Seinfeld, but I'm right behind them.
Since 1992, I have also tried to spend several weeks a year entertaining the military troops stationed in abroad. I have done this during peacetime and wartime and wherever I go people ask what is to be performed in a hazardous environment such as Afghanistan or Iraq for it is my story.
First, consider it an honor and a privilege to be asked to come and entertain the troops. As I said before, I am very fortunate to make a living doing what I like and I think we all have an obligation as American citizens to support our troops in the best way know, even if you oppose the war itself.
The reason I started doing "my part" is that part of my program community work and only have 30 hours of community service after I'm done! (Just kidding, it was a joke.) Seriously, men and women in the armed forces defend America and all its freedoms and am able to make a living using these freedoms. I also think it is important to support the troops in any way you know how. If I knew how to make cookies, I would do that and send over a care package, but I'm much better at telling jokes, so go there and entertain, giving hand and thank the men and women who serve our country. It is both emotionally and physically tough, but not as immense sense of pride I feel when I get to do my part and be part of the team. But honestly, I feel a little like I am the least important thing. I feel a bit like the water boy in the Super Bowl team.
The whole reason I started doing military shows dating back to mid-1992. I went through a bitter divorce after I found out my wife was "out again. (A joke, but not really a joke), I took off to Europe to find myself (actually, to go as far as possible from all who knew or who knew me and my "situation"). Anyway, while I was doing shows all over Sweden, I found myself sitting in a cold smoke, filled with dark and gloomy coffee feeling sorry for myself and I looked out the window and saw a sign for the USO. I finished my cappuccino and painfully through the snow lined street entered starting asking if I would be interested in a comedy and had a lot of free time and nothing to do, so I gave the main information and sent my demo and the next thing I know, I'm on a plane to war torn Bosnia under the Gin Blossoms and 49 Cheerleaders.
Each show is different and depends on who the reservation and for more great shows with celebrities and bands that need lots of lead time. For them, it's a much bigger production and logistics are a nightmare, as they have sound equipment, personnel, clothing, equipment, and who knows what else. For a celebrity, never travel manifests itself, and he wanted a four star hotel and limo for her concert Afghanistan. She did not understand. We are here on a military base in the middle of a war and not on the beach the French Riviera. Anyway, went to rehab in the next month so that never made the tour.
For groups like the comics service that specialize in just comedy shows, it is much easier and can be prepared to go to the drop of a hat, but on average a few months lead over time is best. with comedy, it's much easier to change places, to add programs and adjust to changing conditions on the ground. When it's over of comedians trying to add shows whenever he can on tour and we try to pull the troops that really need it most. We've added shows on racks without equipment sound, in the flight deck, flat beds, against a field of landmines. Any non-glamorous enough.
Carrying out the troops is different perform in a regular comedy club in the states and once you've done a few tours, which are bonded with the soldiers and there really is a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Behind the sample is a realization that at any second, we might have to fight and get caught in a gunfight. We may have to run for cover or return of fire. So while I'm in the middle of a joke, my senses on high alert. Once when I was in the middle of the show I heard a loud explosion outside and I fell to the floor of the deck and the audience laughed, because the sound was "normal" for them. I almost wet my pants but I was now part of the team. I'm there to make you laugh if it's something to say or something I did, I'm there to entertain. I shudder at best, but I'm still fully aware of all the external sounds and surroundings when I'm doing there.
The reason to come is to entertain and show our support and to let them know how much we care about them and the work they are doing … how much we respect and believe that they have some respect for us coming out there. We're all in this together as we eat the same food and have to deal with the same amenities. If water is not hot, then there is no hot water for everyone and sometimes it MRE (meals ready to eat) for weeks at a time.
The troops are so accommodating with us and go out of their way to make us feel at home. We were doing shows in the Gulf and get pulled from ship to ship and a very bad storm came and they were going to cancel a show because if we fly in, we would to spend the night on the boat, but there was no place to stay and the guys on the boat gave us cots and sleeping on the floor just as his ship not Miss get some entertainment.
The real difference between a regular public "call" and the conduct of the troops is that for the moment troops are the best audience ever. There really is no comparison. These men and women risk their lives on the line each and every day and have no time to laugh if not funny. They are honest in what they like and dislike and that makes you sharper comic. In the states, people can go out on a dinner date and have a drink and if not you like the show, you can always leave and go do something else. When you are entertaining the troops, the show may be the only thing new they receive per month at a time you have to bring your best game and be above it. So it is so important for the best comic headliners and not a handful of fans around here. To give the troops of an inferior product really makes my blood boil. There are several booking agencies that comedy shows, pocketing the money then send sample very unprofessional and amateur here. That's why I started booking my own shows and tours. Comic strips I use are the headlining comics you see in the comedy clubs in the top of the nation and on television. You will not see an open mic night. It must also be a main event to make well here as you might have to change your act on the basis of logic and sensibility of what is happening on that day … or may have to follow a celebrity Kid Rock act or Tim Allen. After making so many trips, he also created and host a new television show called Freedom of Expression a series of comedy with all the great comedians who have come to do military shows. Ironically, when they say that freedom of speech automatically all think it's a show dirty. Freedom of speech also means freedom of thought and concept of the program is that we let loose to do what comics they want. Some may be a little dirty, some politicians, but the goal is that it must be fun. The website of the fair is www.thechucklehut.com
At first, I really not understand the direct and positive impact doing shows for the troops were on their morale. It's the greatest feeling after a show when everyone coming to thank us entertained. We are doing shows there to show our gratitude for them! After a show, Colonel gathered all the comics in the scenario we present a certificate of recognition and of their currencies and all men and women stood up and greeted us in gratitude. It is literally the four comics to tears. We could not believe how grateful these young men and women were coming to us while we were there to show our appreciation to them. That's why I keep doing these views again and again.
The comedy shows are something to talk about, break the routine and the monotony and Laughter is truly the best medicine. Remember that some of these men and women here have not been home long and we are the closest things to the house to be like we do get out. I truly believe that these men and women are my family and my job is to make people laugh and forget their troubles, sorrows and suffering for a while. I have seen more Soldier's difficult to laugh so hard I had tears streaming down her checks and after the show, everyone boy said he never even smiles. It approached after the show and gave me a bear hug that nearly broke my ribs, but it was great to see him laugh.
Let's forehead. Not always easy to be away from your family and friends in a war zone. We all know the dangers and possibilities. It's sort of unspoken truth, but also creates tension and underlying and some people have difficulty dealing with it. On a recent visit, we had a chaplain traveling with us and sat in the front row of every concert. Is a little disturbing, but then explained that if the soldiers saw him laughing, even some of the questionable material that perhaps was accessible to their needs and problems and was just a regular guy. It was great because we included it in the program and said, mocked him a bit, but letting everyone know his face. Indeed, several days after my return, I received a letter from him telling us that made the difference and actually opened a dialogue and communication for 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 appalling conditions but is not. While you're funny! Comedy has always been a pressure relief valve and allow the tension out before removing. The more uncomfortable the situation, the more tension there is and the more you need to release tension before something breaks. We've all been in those situations high pressure. Even as a child when his parents told him to go to bed and keep quite or you'll be in trouble and then you can not contain his own laughter. Or in his day the wedding when you're about to give their votes and then start crackin 'up. My wife and I started laughing, but that also brought us closer together. As for entertainment troops, no room for mediocre comics at this point. It is a tense situation and have seen very bad comic lose the crowd. That's why we have to be so demanding when to put a show together. We growling out like so troops can not have any prima-dona artists running to mourn because he could not get his eight hours of sleep and lunch at noon.
To be funny in an environment that represents the ravages of destruction may be a little intimidating. I was planning to take Depends on who came first. Seriously, at first, is truly disturbing and noise, but the soldiers so far from its path so that you feel at home and then a while it's time to "intensify". If they can not be here and live under these difficult conditions, then I can though, is not for everyone. It takes a strong person to be here as much as a soldier and a comedian. There is much pressure, but that's so important to be the best at what you do. It's very nerve racking go hear the explosions as they tried to deliver his shot or sirens whaling and planes taking off but sort of used to it. Sure brings back the states and audition for a major agent much easier. The last audition I had, they said seemed so relaxed and unlike all the other actors. I told them I just returned from Afghanistan where the mortars were leaving and there was a missile attack in the middle of my program … and no, not shoot me because of my act. (laughs)
For the most part, there really is not any way to the idiosyncrasies of research related to the activity shown in 'the field'. Is a kind of litmus test and is difficult to explain to a new comic, and what do we really need to understand. You just dive into it and find out. Variables always are changing and all I can tell is something that is always changing what really has to be able to roll with it. Sometimes there is no sound system or lights, to Sometimes the audience is standing in 120 degree heat with the sun in your eyes and you can even see, sometimes you're using FLAC his jacket and helmet, sometimes doing 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 really just such a unique experience that you have to see for yourself. Each visit I've ever done something memorable. Even the comics who have traveled abroad have a link with others. Oh, I've been to Afghanistan or Iraq, UAE, Dubai or Saudi Arabia? There's a certain amount of respect we give each other to make these tours as well. At the end of the day, we're just a bunch of goofballs who are fortunate to make a living telling jokes, but there is a respect among those who choose to do these shows.
It is important be able to edit on the fly and adjust their actions to adapt to their environment. The military are not allowed to talk about certain issues and it is important to know how far you 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 with freedom comes a lot of responsibility. You can talk all you want, but if you cross the line, surely lose the crowd to know better what we're doing. With this in mind, we have to mind that we are guests in many countries that are very different from what we are used and it is important to remember that as a guest, we must respect cultural differences and the traditions of our host countries.
It is also important to be very aware of what conflicts are going on in the lives of Soldiers also. Virtually any topic is open, but with something tragic, a certain amount of time must pass to be able to "find the odd 'in something. If something has happened, is probably not prudent to try to joke about it until some time has passed. It may be too crude. Often times we get local dignitaries next to the sample to see what it really is comedy. I think it's great because many people are not allowed to speak and be critical of his government in the United States, where you can talk about our political leaders and make fun of them. However, if not fun, dear! The crowd turn on you. My rule is, as invited, do not go to someone's house and start breaking dishes and kicking their pets and so does the comedy. Know your people and be respectful, while still pushing the limits.
Most of my songs are my life everyday and I bring a lot of my military travel experiences on the show, as there is a common bond. You also have to read the crowd. Are they young or old, are the officers or higher and has to call his show, as it is happening. I am constantly editing in my head. Will this work kidding? If it did, I'll go soon, or if I will not change up. That's where a fan gets into trouble as he / she only has a small amount material and will do so if people like it or not. So it is so important to get rid of these smaller agencies that are sending what I like comedy rejects call here. They get a contract and pay some lame ass comic who can not get work in the states of a few dollars and the agent of the pockets of others. It's funny speculation and really makes my blood boil.
My material comes out of my life so it's not unusual for my field experiences to become a part my regular schedule. The crowds in the country really want to know what's happening outside of what they see on the news. People come after every show and want to know all about my travels. They wonder how the soldiers and what it feels like there? They are really concerned and interested in the way our soldiers are doing. I feel a little as intermediary exchange banter back and forth.
The logistics of actually getting going in the abroad from the simple to the complex.
For most tours, fly leg of the journey leading commercial, then it is with the "time to soldier '. On one trip, our commercial flight had problems and we diverted to Russia, but we could not leave the airport for almost twenty-four hours for another plane was ready. We all feel like Tom Hanks in that movie where he is stranded at the airport. Once we are "in the country, we are almost into account in the military and get to run like the troops, but there is an emergency, all personnel and equipment were diverted and we sat on the sidelines until all is safe. We extend a safety report, which is much more than a handshake and a bottle of water. They want to be as prepared as in the case of an emergency, depending on location and quantity of information varies. Say you're trained and ready to fight if necessary. Actually I've never felt safer than when I'm with the troops. We have done many strange places. We a spectacle before them a field of landmines, Saddam's palace, and a coliseum in Greece, in a plane, in mud and rain. The great thing about comedy shows is we can go almost anywhere, unlike a band or other group that the tools they need, sound equipment, lights and more than a few people to do it. I was on a tour that was closed so the band could not perform with all the lights and sound so I just improvised a show saying black jokes soldiers. With comedy, it can fit almost any situation. We do not need a sound control, simply turn the microphone and go and if we have a microphone, then we do it the old way and project to the back of the room.
As for the unpleasant war, I have seen more than ever have wanted for sure, but not nearly as much as men and women who serve our country. It's not something I or most of the soldiers to discuss care or share. If you've been there, you know and if not then it is probably best not to ask someone who has been there what I saw. War is hell and details can lead to trial. It's hard enough to return home without reliving the horrors. There is a sense of what should and should not do or talk We're all on the same team so it is important to know your limits. Obviously you would not want to pull a "Herald" and goes on the news, draw a map and say, "Look everybody, I am here and we sneak up on bad guys. "
With this in mind, the first time I went abroad was to Bosnia for some very difficult political times. We were on alert for snipers 24 / 7. Like Hilary, but without advertising. It really showed me the good and bad side of I do these tours and confirmed the importance of these programs are men and women who serve our country. When you're under fire, the mundane hassle of everyday life does not really matter, because actually have to live in and for the moment. This is why the troops actually get a kick out of comedy shows. Not much laughter and fun in your life during an active war we value what little they have.
Since then, I've tried to do several tours each year. Does Some years, I have seven or eight trips and each is usually two to three weeks at a time. A recent tour was thirty days in Afghanistan. Kinda sounds like the title of a movie or really bad nightmare. Because of the war, recent years have been on tour throughout the Southwest Asia: Afghanistan, Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Abu Dubai, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, but I've also done all of Europe, Japan, Iceland, Greenland, Korea, Micronesia … basically if U.S. troops somewhere, I've been there. At first my wife was always very happy that I speak to a war zone to tell jokes, but he understands and supports me when I go and want to do their part as well. We have several trips coming back waiting all year and that's going to be one with me. Recently starred in the film China Dolls thriller that I wrote and directed, and she (Linda Vu) and going to host the sample and meet and greet autograph session afterwards. My website has my current schedule and always try and blog, post photos of my trips to keep it current. www.donbarnhart.com
Both my brother and my brother-in-law and my father was serving in the reserve so I feel like the military is a big part of my family. When I do a meet and greet after the show, and always try to find out what soldiers want to talk and what's on your mind. Occasionally, you find someone who really needs a friend. Sometimes you need to talk and sometimes they just want to entertain or reminded of his house.
People always ask me to describe my act or tell a joke. My act history is driven by the punch lines. As before leaving to go 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 people got tired of false and pretentious attitude, so he moved to Las Vegas. We were poor growing up and I'm finally happy that my mother turned sixty-five she has been using a fake ID to get the discount for older for years.
One of the excitement is growing voting power of the soldiers. It's great to take pictures and do a handshake after the show. And now with the Internet, Facebook and MySpace, many of the soldiers that I am sending the photos and emails to keep in touch. I made great friends, many of the soldiers and still touring the States and is so cool when a guy or a girl comes and says that I was abroad. This means that they got home and that brings a smile to my face.
You really do not spend too much time thinking about security problems or threats. We fully informed, so we feel we are ready for whatever comes. I try to stay focused on giving the best show I can import conditions. Remember to go home in a week or two, so no matter the difficulty we have as artists, the troops are even more difficult and we are here for them. There is a great saying, if you're looking at the obstacles, your not focused on your goal. The soldiers that is safe for us to do our work.
There never really has been no terrible experiences or calls to less than about missiles being shot and flying around is frightening. I have some horror stories, but it's not something I choose to concentrate. I try to find the funny in it, if I can, that's part of being a comic. There once, however. I guess my worst experience of entertainment abroad while he was eating some fruit without washing in Turkey. We started the tour and could not bear more than a few minutes without running to the bathroom, but as they say, the show must go on. We had 3 comics on that tour and told them to just be ready, as would over time as I could then run off the stage and launch my own weapon of mass destruction. There was a lack cloud following me. I felt Pen and plug the Peanuts cartoon. Anyway, after a few of my races, the people really got into it and became part of the show. It was really time how long I could stay before sprinting to the bathroom again. Let me tell you, I am a very physical comedian with a lot of expressions facial and body movement and is not easy trying to be funny and squeezing the buttocks together.
Once we have in place, we to develop and stay as fit as possible because these are really exhausting tour. It could travel 24 hours after a show has to do immediately, and we give the best as being out of shape does not help. In general, do what soldiers do. If they have volleyball, then we sweat up there or if it is a movie night, then cool blocked out with them.
Each visit is different. If a larger base, we could be there for several days then branch out there to do shows by satellite to the smaller bases or just pop into place to another. everything is based off of what really happens on that day and if there is an active battle or security threat. That's what is so great at producing a comedy show as you can go to a different base, and then later with circle a set after the other greatest show a band or style of production.
My kind of race of the letters themselves. I grew up the son of TV director Don Lewis Barnhart who led Mork & Mindy and Saved by the Bell. Standing in the series in Los Angeles, I had the desire to hang out comedy and getting encouragement from Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters. Then I got a job at the prestigious Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, where I became in the MC house, talent coordinator and manger at age 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 more of the major superstars of comedy working today.
Ironically, comedy was not my first choice. When he was 18, lived in Hermosa Beach, CA surf much doing nothing with my life and went to join the service and the recruitment office was closed. It turned out on Memorial Day and I was pulling a Jeff Spicolli. Anyway, on my way home I saw a sign that it wanted to help a comedy club and went in and I was hired as a doorman. only working one night a week, so I went back and help, Bussing tables, videotaping the acts and just be there all the time to see the great and then one night, the master of ceremonies followed and became sick later, when I started doing comedy full time I promised myself that if I ever earned standing life doing something I do to support our troops. If not for the comedy, would be scrubbing the deck of an aircraft carrier or something.
With the encouragement of other comics, I left the security of the club to pursue his own dream and I have not looked back and I average 250 days a year performing on the road. I was just nominated as Best Comedian in Las Vegas and I am the creator and host of Freedom of Speech Comedy Show. I am the writer, director and star of the film independent, 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 duration American Idol Comedy and I have been fortunate to appear in every major comedy program for NBC to Comedy Central and MTV and I am a regular on the Bob & Tom Show, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.
My wife and I are Don Barnhart Entertainment specializing in independent television and film productions and have one of the principal reserve agencies to comedy shows for the military, colleges and corporate events and I am a consultant to the top comedy clubs across the country.
For more information about myself or to book a comedy show, please see our website for more information.
www.donbarnhart.com
www.chinadollsmovie.com
www.thechucklehut.com
About the Author
Award winning comedian, actor, writer and filmmaker
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