I am so excited to introduce you to this week’s interviewee. I first met Timmy Boyle at the FaithWriters conference last August. He provided entertainment one night and taught a class the next day. And he excelled at both. During his comedy act, he had everyone in stitches (figuratively, not literally) and in his workshop, he taught us a thing or two or ten on the ins and outs of humor writing. If you pastor a church, or are looking for great, clean entertainment for an upcoming event, I highly recommend checking out the links at the end of this interview.

And now, without further ado, heeeeeeeeeeere’s Timmy!

LYNDA: Tell us a little about yourself (loaded question, I know.) :-)

TIMMY: I wear wool socks 24-7…except when swimming. I don’t think Cheese Whiz should include the word “cheese.” I start every day by waking up. 

I desire to provide an “upstanding” comedy experience, through live performance, video and writing that is both high in quality and clean in content.

I’m 6′1″ in 1″ heels.

LYNDA: Were you always a “funny guy?” When did you first think you might have a shot at making people laugh for a living? And is this your “regular job” or do you do comedy on the side?

TIMMY: That’s like asking if sugar has always been sweet.  I’ve always felt I was hardwired for comedy.  In fact, I believe the ability to make people laugh is my primary spiritual gift.   
 
I always figured (or at least hoped) I’d end up entertaining for a living, in some capacity, but it wasn’t until February, 2009 that the door opened wide enough for me to truly pursue my dream.  That’s when I founded Up Standing Comedy and went full-time.  Actually, I guess I’ve always been a full-time entertainer…it’s just now I’m “Professional”.
 
LYNDA: Do you remember your first stand-up routine? Did they stand up and applaud or heckle you off the stage?
 
TIMMY: I remember my first “official” stand-up set incredibly well.  It was late February 2007 in Ottawa, ON.  I’d been working on material throughout Leland Klassen’s Comedy Tournament Tour in an emcee role, but tossed my hat into the ring during the last week of the competitiion.  I was hardly a comedy novice, but it was the first time I’d ever been introduced as “Comedian, Timmy Boyle”.
 
Believe me, putting the title ”comedian” before your name ramps up the pressure to be funny ten-fold, because people almost dare you to make them laugh.  I’m happy to say on that night I proved I deserve the title.
          
LYNDA: Where does writing come in? Do you write all of your own jokes? And do you always write humor or is there a serious side to Timmy Boyle?
  
TIMMY: I pride myself in not only being a joke-teller but in being a joke-crafter.  I write all of my own material and I take the writing process quite seriously.  The difference between a good joke and a great joke can sometimes come down to simple word placement….or placement of word.
 
I have an intensely serious side.  It’s nothing dark or ominous, but certainly serious.  ”The funny” naturally flows, but as a teacher/exhorter, as well, I like to inspire and challenge.  Believe it or not, I can actually dwell within a sober moment without feeling the need to crack a joke to break the tension.  Occasionally that comes out in my writings.     
 
LYNDA: How did you come  across FaithWriters? Is there one particular aspect you like most about the site?
  
TIMMY: After a comedy show in Guelph, I was telling another comic about my new blog when he mentioned he had submitted some articles to FaithWriters and I should look into it.  A few days later I entered my first FW Writing Challenge entry, “Through a Mother’s Eyes”, and I was hooked.
 
The Challenge is awesome.  When I started, I think I submitted 11 in a row.  I really enjoyed the “challenge” of having to come up with something new and fresh each week.  I stopped for a while, but will be jumping in more regularly in 2011.  I think if anyone really embraces the opportunity to write weekly, regardless of topic, he or she will improve as a writer.   
 
LYNDA: I realize that humor is a natural part of your personality, but you mentioned earlier that the title of “comedian” adds pressure. How do you handle that?
 
TIMMY: I do understand I have a role to play in life that goes beyond the stage.  In some relational settings I’ll forever be “The Entertainment”.  I get that…and embrace it.
 
However, I can’t stand when people say, “Tell us a joke”.  My response is usually, “I’m not your dancing monkey” followed by a deliberate attempt to become non-funny out of pure stubborness.  It may come across harsh, but you wouldn’t invite a doctor to a party and then ask them to perform a surgery…unless one of your guests just got their arm caught in the juicer.    

LYNDA: I can definitely understand what you’re saying. So tell us about your family. Do they all laugh at your jokes?

TIMMY: I’ve been happily married for 10-years to my Jr. High crush.  It was very one sided in Grade 8, but she eventually came around.  My little boy is 8 and I have two daughters aged 13 & 17.  Ya…I know the math doesn’t work.  In fact, you’d need a seperate interview for that story…or you chould check out this blog post:  http://www.insidetimmysmind.com/2009/09/living-fairytalewithout-ogres.html
 
My kids find me amusing most of the time and my oldest daughter attends almost every show I do.  However, in regards to my wife…let’s just say we don’t share the same sense of humour.  In fact, when I test new material on her if she walks away rolling her eyes…I know it’s GOLD!  But, to be fair, she is very supportive of me pursuing the things I love and she’s always been a huge fan of my writing, in general.   
 
LYNDA: Any interest in or plans to write a book on comedy?
  
TIMMY: Um…  YA!  I desperately want to write a comedic book.  I have one project fairly complete and a  few ideas circling but I’m really excited about possibly compiling some of my funnier blog entries into a published work.  I think a window into Timmy’s mind is a must for every book shelf, coffee table or, at the very least, bathroom basket.
 
LYNDA: What types of events do you work? How do people go about hiring you for a particular event?
 
TIMMY: Although most of my time has been spent within a church setting, I have also taken the stage in community centres, schools and at a local dinner theatre, at which I am a regular host/performer.  And, of course, a highlight of 2010 was being invited to the FaithWriters Conference in Livonia, MI.  It was a blast to not only perform but to also teach a workshop on using humour in writing.  *Note: I’m still waiting for my invite to FW Australia…
 
Whether it be a fundraiser, outreach event, conference or even wedding reception – which is one of the best gigs in the whole world! – my clean brand of humour, embraced by all-ages and across religious lines, fits nicely into almost any situation (well…maybe not a funeral – unless it’s an Irish wake). 
 
Since I believe clean comedy to be a unique and effective bridge-building tool, I’ve also created two comedy events that I offer to churches who’d be interested in partnering with me so I can help them connect with their communities.
 
In other words…I can add an element to your event or provide the event itself.  Either way, Up Standing Comedy wants to help others bring the amazing gift of laughter to those around them. 
   
You can find more information, including my booking details, at www.upstandingcomedy.ca
 
LYNDA:  Where else can we connect with you online?
 
TIMMY: I’m slowly increasing my online presence, but you can connect with & follow me pretty closely at the following links:
 

LYNDA: Thanks so much for making us laugh and giving us a peek inside your mind…as scary as it might be. Wishing you much success as you continue along your comedic journey.

 

 

 

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