Kyle Cease

[Two2Coins2]

I know I'm relatively new to the forum, so I figured I'd start a discussion on one of the most inspirational comics I've ever seen. Kyle Cease is not only incredibly talented in my opinion, but also clearly eager to spread his optimism and comedy with everyone who is willing to lend an ear. He started the Comedy Bootcamp, which is an intensive "bootcamp" for prospective comedians who want to cut the crap and really dive in headfirst. Now I have no doubt that people on this forum have heard of him/seen his specials/perhaps even know his more catchy jokes. I am a part of the Comedy Committee at UNC and I'm considering pitching to the committee to bring him to our annual Comedy Festival to perform and speak on panel. Any thoughts? For perspective, we brought in PFT and Maria Bamford last year, among others. And I really can't think of a better guy to bring in than him.

For those of you who don't know him, his inspirational blog can be found at http://kylecease.com/blog/stop-being-a-coward-and-go and you can youtube him pretty easily.

[tuggboat]

I'm not a fan of his comedy, but he does have the worlds most punchable face.

[scamboogah]

He started the Comedy Bootcamp, which is an intensive "bootcamp" for prospective comedians who want to cut the crap and really dive in headfirst.

You mean all that 'crap' that gives you a personality and makes you an interesting human being?

Also, why would you put 'bootcamp' in quotes as a way of describing something called 'Comedy bootcamp'? That's like saying, "I was in the US Army, which is like this 'army' of dudes that fights in wars.".

As for Kyle Cease, personally, I think he sucks.

[KevinLee]

I just saw him at Zanies in Chicago and I think he's great. He has some really absurd jokes that I can appreciate for their originality and warped logic. I got a chance to talk to him with a friend, after the show over a beer and got to know him a little. He is a really nice guy who I think would be perfect for your panel.

A couple of strange things we talked about were that his dad used to take him to comedy clubs when he was very young and he doesn't remember the first time he was on stage because he was only like five years old. Also, he told me that when he is rehearsing his jokes he doesn't like to think of the last time he told them onstage; he thinks about something totally unrelated like having sex with a beautiful woman or some other positive image, His logic behind this is that the last time you told the jokes it might not have gone well but if you think of something positive you will feel the same way you did when you wrote the joke, and leave your mind open for creative ideas. I don't know if this will works for everyone but I thought it was an interesting take on a subject I have put a lot of thought into.

[Hated Milk Machine]

Also, why would you put 'bootcamp' in quotes as a way of describing something called 'Comedy bootcamp'? That's like saying, "I was in the US Army, which is like this 'army' of dudes that fights in wars.".

Yea, take that, new poster!

[myhandleonast]

This guy's sense of humor annoys me to no end, but I guess if you need inspiration then he isn't the worst you can do.

[Two2Coins2]

I definitely appreciate the character he creates onstage - Much like how I appreciate the characters that Daniel Tosh and Pardo create onstage. Part of what makes it funny for me, but then again, I suppose I'm not the most picky person when it comes to humor.

I put bootcamp in quotes because it is a play on what immediately jumps to mind when someone says bootcamp - a bunch of guys in army suits doing pushups and living in crappy bunks and tents. It is a 4 day intensive course in comedy. Not exactly what one would immediately label a bootcamp. It is not like the idea of an army being an army of dudes that fights in wars, because that's the accepted definition of an army. But I guess because it's in the title they weren't needed. I sincerely apologize.

KevinLee, that's really cool that you got to sit down and have a beer with him - it's that kind of relatability that I'm looking for in comics to bring down to my school. It's amazing how down to earth he is. I've seen him live and I think he could have some great advice on not only the comedy world, but also more general things, like life. Stuff that college kids really would appreciate.

[dorothy mantooth]

I think he could have some great advice on not only the comedy world, but also more general things, like life.

"Life" is pretty fucking general.

[Two2Coins2]

Yeah well, at this point we're just looking for some roundabout stuff. Try to get too specific, like zeroing in on just comedy, and you'll lose college students. I think that's what has been holding back the festival to tell you the truth - turnout hasn't been as great as the talent we're bringing in. Maybe some fucking general shit will actually make sense to them.

[DJ Sam]

From what I've heard about Kyle throwing some scientology-lingo into his "comedy bootcamp," plus the overall early Dane Cook vibe that guy gives off (at least to me), I know I wouldn't really be interested in seeing him speak. But that's just me, a college girl and hard-core comedy nerd.

If all your concerned about is crowd turn-out, why not just get Tim and Eric? I'm not puting them down, I love them, but they are also a lot more known to college students than Kyle.

[Having Fun!]

oh, he's a syguy?

[TacoSmith]

If he's not careful, Scientology might send him a CEASE and desist order.

This is a funny joke not only because of Kyle's last name but also because Scientology is notoriously litigious. Now give me a bootcamp.

[Jixby Phillips]

boot camp more like butt camp

[Alex Mac]

Cease isn't too bad. One Dimple is definitely a decent CD. There are some great examples of what makes Cease good on that CD. My mind immediately jumps to his "jack o' lantern" joke which is so bizarre and strange in the direction that it goes that I have to admire Cease's balls for sticking to such a strange riff.

But outside of those few moments of absurd brilliance, I get the feeling that he develops a potential concept but doesn't completely follow through all the time. He's definitely more of a performer than anything else, which has its own set of advantages and advantages. His energy helps when watching him but I feel that sometimes it is used simply to fill in the gaps on angles which he doesn't seem to want to sit down and develop definitely. He sort of just riffs and hopes that his off the wall characterizations make up for anything that his jokes might lack. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it gets a bit drawn out, going on a bit too long.

[JayRunner]

This is Kyle's plug for his "bootcamp":

"My Comedy Bootcamp is about being OK with shit in your life and using it on stage. Carlin, Pryor, Cosby, and Hicks, are legends because they speak the truth and don’t talk about airplane food like most road hacks. Instead they talk about their abuses and struggles. I want to teach you how to be a great stand-up comic and not just teach you setups and punchlines like other classes. Depth is so much more important then the basic ways to tell a joke."

This is Kyle's "comedy":

[YOUTUBE]Dq_wz8xVku4[/YOUTUBE]

Topics include old naked guys in gym locker rooms, pillsbury commerials and that wacky izzle my nizzle rap speak. I guess this speaks to the depth of Kyle's life.

I really hate his awful presence and his scam "comedy" class that's run like a puppy mill, churning out the unfunny.

[tuggboat]

I hate him for the same reasons I hate Dane Cook. He gets up there and says (with overly hyper delivery) "Remember shit from the 80's and 90's? That was the best shit! High Five!". It drives me crazy. I can get about 30 seconds into his act before I can't take it anymore.

[tatanjinx]

this thread is LIIIIIIIIKEEEEEE AAAAAAAAAA VAAAGIIIIINAAAAAAAAAAA

[aenemaTron]

[YOUTUBE]Dq_wz8xVku4[/YOUTUBE]

I was just thinking about how this thread seemed a little harsh, but then I watched 47 seconds of this.

[CaptainBreakfast]

I made it to a minute and a half before giving up on him. Please, college person, get someone other than Kyle Cease.

[Hated Milk Machine]

Did Dennis Hopper hook a bomb to Kyle Cease and tell him if he slows his delivery down, he will blow up The Improv?