Every so often I stumble across a neatly folded red t-shirt tucked way back in my closet when I'm organizing or looking for something. I'm always compelled to unfurl it, and unfailingly get lost in memories. It's my two-thousand-dollar t-shirt. I've never worn it. I'm not even sure I've ever washed it, but I have considered having it framed because of the price.
In spite of the sage words of my grandma, I never liked to stand out, preferring a safe place huddled in the masses. It wasn't that I didn't know how to sparkle—intentionally or not—but that there was no expectation of it. I had developed a quick wit over time and by my mid-20s knew when—and when not—to use it.
I began hearing "you should do stand up comedy" around that time. Though I didn't have anything against the idea, I had no concept of how to begin. Besides that, it looked terrifying. Alone. On stage. Dying. Being heckled. Scary stuff that I wasn't ready for.
But I had the benefit of living in the home of The Second City. And as I heard the "stand up" comment more and more, I began to understand that it was misunderstood by many people to mean improv comedy. A couple of years later my bestie and I began to consider seriously signing up to take classes at the venerable improv comedy institution.
Once we had decided it was time to pony up the $2,000 fee, we reported to 1616 N. Wells on March 15, 1997 (and still it feels like only a couple of years ago). My nerves were atwitter and my IBS went beyond teasing me to blatant torture. It was a sensation that never let up as class approached each week. It was terrifying—in the way only something that exciting can be.
Article comments
1 - Tina
Ron, You are spectacular and you ARE fearless! Some of the best memories of my entire life were made on that stage with you -- and in those "apres classe" sessions that came so highly recommended!
MUCH love to you and your faux-dark hearted self!
xoxoxo
ts
2 - Jim
Inspiring!
3 - Kim
How awesome! You are such a wonderful writer. I'm so glad you are doing what you so enjoy.
4 - Mindy
Awesome story as only you could tell it. And as always, you pass on such amazing nuggets of inspiration through those stories.
5 - Louise K
Wonderful!
6 - Ross
The owner of the $2000 shirt obviously hates attention as he shuns the expensive shirt. His reason was that he hates being the center of attention. Well, I can only guess if it's a $2000 shirt, it must really live up to its price and that in turn, will turn heads. However, his story has a strong message. If you're always afraid to take the plunge, then you'll never know what you're missing. The author decided to sign up for classes and trainings to be a comedian when in fact, if he hates attention, will be a huge NO for him. Yet, he took that leap and came out from the experience more confident as he met interesting and fun people along the way. A lesson that we all must ponder on..