Andrew Eisenberg (sophomore) grew up surrounded by comedy, tagging along as a child with his father who taught improv class. He had performed improv throughout middle and high school and is now a member of the Fantastiprov improv troupe at Occidental. Eisenberg said he was inspired to start performing stand-up comedy locally after he saw Margaret Cho’s performance at Occidental.
“One of the craziest experiences of my life was my first open mic on a Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, California,” Eisenberg said.
According to Eisenberg, his comedic process has changed over time. He said for his very first open mic, he wrote joke ideas he had been compiling.
“I carry with me a small notebook, and I write down anything that I think is remotely funny and then I will usually write down more of that joke and try to do a voice memo,” Eisenberg said.
Eisenberg said he continues modifying material before, after and even during the show.
“I film every open mic I go to, and then look back at the film and see what got the most laughs,” Eisenberg said. “I’m like ‘OK, I like this part of the joke, and this part isn’t really getting laughs, so it doesn’t need to be there.’”
Eisenberg said he has learned to adapt to the crowd by improvising on stage.
“I do a joke about Romeo and Juliet about the age difference, where its like ‘13 is too young — even for Matt Gaetz,’” Eisenberg said. “I think the way I said his name, it took a minute to recognize who I was talking about, so nobody laughed. Immediately I was like, ‘OK, we like him here?’ and that got a big laugh.”
When writing his own material, Eisenberg said he takes note of how he presents himself to the crowd.
“A lot of times I’ll be reading news articles and that’s where I’ll get an idea for something that’s funny, but trying to figure out ways to not come across as this super-educated 20-year-old who thinks he’s better than everyone,” Eisenberg said. “The Los Angeles comedy scene is oversaturated with white men.”
In addition to performing solo sets around LA, Eisenberg is part of Fantastiprov, Occidental’s improv troupe which performs on and off Occidental’s campus. Fellow Fantastiprov member Pika Whitman (junior) said she admires Eisenberg’s creativity and courage on stage.
“He’s one of the more risqué members of the troupe and I think does a little more thought-out jokes,” Whitman said. “It’s just very specific jokes.”
Eisenberg said he takes inspiration from comedians Nate Bargatze and James Acaster, appreciating how they tend not to make jokes at the expense of others.
“I feel like Andrew focuses a lot more on truly finding what’s funny in the world rather than making fun of people,” Whitman said.
Jonathan Henry (sophomore) said he admires Eisenberg’s stage presence after having seen him at his first open mic.
“When he gets up on stage there’s no sense of him being nervous or not knowing what he’s doing, which I think is a sign of good stand-up,” Henry said.
Whitman said it is cool to watch Eisenberg do a different form of comedy that is not improv.
“It’s not my thing, but it’s really cool to see him in his element doing something completely different,” said Whitman.
As a newcomer to the standup world, Eisenberg has developed a method to combat anxiety.
“I know that I’m funny and enjoy the bombing. So whatever happens, I still have worth and value as a human being, and it’s important to remind myself of that,” said Eisenberg.
In starting to pursue something like improv, Eisenberg said he has one piece of advice.
“Just jump into it,” Eisenberg said. “You’re allowed to be new.”
Contact Mars Gallati at gallati@oxy.edu
