You’re a Bob Curry Fellowship Graduate… What Happens Next?

Well, you’ve done it. You’ve graduated from Second City’s Bob Curry Fellowship, as I did last year. Here are a few things to think about as you prepare for the next phases of your work in comedy:

There’s an old Black proverb– “You have to work twice as hard to get half as far as your white counterparts.” That is true, even in the world of comedy. You cannot rest on your laurels if you want to make some noise in this community. Continue to put in as much time and effort as you possibly can to earn whatever spots you can here. Do shows, do jams, do mics, write, create.

Remember to watch and learn from those who came before you and those who are with you now, because you will pick up so much from those experiences. There are three Bob Curry alums on Second City stages now, five touring with the Second City, five that play with the award-winning iO ensemble 3Peat, several who have understudied, done cruise ships, and performed in theatricals with Second City. A host of others are doing shows around the country and filming their own material. That should be a constant motivator to not let this be the end of your journey.

Always remain humble and grateful, especially to the people who gave you those opportunities and who paved the way. I wouldn’t have been able to do half of what I do here without the constant support and advisement of Dionna Griffin-Irons.

Know what you’re doing this for. Comedy is to make people laugh; satire is to make people learn while laughing. Use your powers for good.

Some of the best advice I’ve ever received was from comedian Eric Andre: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. If you stick it out, your time to shine will come. Some other great words of wisdom were those I got from a good friend (and former wrestling personality) Brent “Tiny Tim” Tarring: “There’s no denying hard work and talent.” If you’re putting in the work and you have the skills, it will pay off in some capacity at some point.

Think of what inspires you and never forget it. The first show I saw at Second City was “South Side of Heaven.” That show not only made me say, “I want to do that,” but also taught me that I could do that. I’m constantly inspired by the people around me. Every time I see a Facebook post from Chris Redd or Edgar Blackmon about what they’re doing in L.A. Every time I see a movie preview with Sam Richardson or Hannibal Buress. There are people who look like you who did amazing work in this city who are doing amazing things around the world, and it should constantly push you to be great.

Leave it better than you found it. Fill in whatever “it” is for yourself.

Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. There will be moments when you’re encouraged to subscribe to the belief that “you should just be happy to be here.” Know your worth and never sell yourself short.

You will hear mean comments from aforementioned counterparts about some of the opportunities granted to you as a result of this program. That’s mediocrity wrapped in envy. Don’t listen to it or let it bring you down. Flourish beyond anything they could ever achieve because of your work ethic, values, and ability to generate material that hasn’t been done before.

Form bonds and friendships with the people that you are in the Fellowship with–if you haven’t already. There are things that will connect you from this experience that you won’t get from any other program.

Be proud of what you’re doing. Be proud of what you did. Be proud of what you’re about to do. Not a lot of people get this opportunity that is bestowed upon you. You may be that next great inspiration. Make the best of it. You’re a Bob Curry Fellow now. Congratulations.

The one-night-only 2016 Bob Curry Fellowship Showcase is Wednesday, June 1st. 

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Martin Morrow (@martinMmorrow) is a stand-up comedian and member of the Second City Touring Company who has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and Comedy Central’s “Why? with Hannibal Buress.” He was also a 2015 Bob Curry Fellow.