Friday July 25th, 2014 – Milwaukee, WI
I love being a mentor. It’s got a lot of the same rewards of
fatherhood without having to change any diapers. I have had some tremendous
mentees along the way of all ages, and it’s funny when they have been
physically older than me. It doesn’t matter, as they are still in the role of
student.
I am a student myself of many things, but in comedy I am the mentor.
It’s one of the few topics I’m able to speak on with relative authority, even
though the entire time I am teaching I remain a dedicated learner. I just
happen to be farther along than most, so I can reach back and nurture.
The challenge of figuring out how to bring out the best in each
individual is something I never get tired of. Everybody is different, and
mentoring is not something that is started and finished in one session. It’s
long term, and requires dedication and input from both parties. I really enjoy
it.
One of my current favorites is twelve year old Trevor Burke along with
his father Joe. Joe took one of my classes at Zanies in Chicago many years ago,
and now Trevor is doing comedy. He’s a super kid and I have grown to really
like him – even though I would highly recommend that kids don’t do standup
comedy for more than fun. There are several reasons for that, and all are
legit.
First off, kids don’t have the life experience to be able to draw upon
for material. They are in a tough spot, and I don’t think it’s fair to the
average kid to put them in a position to be on stage in front of total
strangers – especially adults. Too many things can go wrong, and it’s
intimidating.
Second, bombing on stage can be an absolutely horrific experience. I
wouldn’t want to throw a kid – especially one I like – into such a precarious position
with any sort of regularity. If the kid is doing a talent show at school or
something for other kids, fine. But as a career path? No way.
Of course there are exceptions to almost every rule, and Trevor is it.
Joe has a background with entertainment, as his brother had a band. Joe is
fully aware of the pitfalls, and is very good in the way he keeps Trevor
grounded. He and his wife Pam are excellent parents, and it all just works.
People frequently ask me, “Is the kid funny?” He’s a KID. He’s still
developing as a person, so it’s unfair to put adult expectations on him or any
other child. He’s funny enough, and should he decide to stay with standup as he
matures, I think he’s got an extremely bright future. What he is loaded with is
likeability and experience. He’s been acting for years, and is at home on the
stage.
He enjoys performing, and that’s a huge part of it. He’s a novelty right
now, and everyone gets that. He’s getting a lot of attention because Joe knows
how to play the entertainment game. He is Trevor’s manager, and it’s a chance
for them to bond as father and son but still develop a career.
Tonight I rode to Milwaukee with them both and watched Trevor compete in
a talent contest at a street fair. It wasn’t the greatest of circumstances, but
he went up and did his set anyway. There was a girl about his age that was a
singer, and she had a bunch of her family come out so she was the winner
because it was based on audience response. Trevor wasn’t disappointed, and we
went to dinner at The Safe House afterward. It was fun to hang out, and no
matter what happens I will still be his mentor and friend. Comedy is a nasty
racket. I want to see him enjoy his childhood.
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| Trevor Burke has done more in show business at age 12 than most do in a lifetime. Plus, he's a really nice kid too. I'm a big fan. www.trevorburke.com |
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