A rising comedian Ben Hague will be performing as part of the university's Green Week events. Hague has been gaining recognition as a "rising star" comedian all over the country and has been performing since 2003.
Hague won the "2006 Catch a New Rising Star competition," and as a result made the cover of "POINT" magazine. Hague launched his career after waiting in line for six hours to do a three-minute set at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.
"I enjoyed it right off the bat. I've always enjoyed getting in front of people," said Hague. Originally from Rhode Island, Hague attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and upon graduation drove to Hollywood.
Hague describes his comedy as high energy and builds off his jokes with ongoing punch lines. Pulling material from personal experience, he does bits about living at home, being at college and what he has encountered from being on the road.
While living in Los Angeles, Hague caddied at a golf course for comedy writer and producer Larry David and has since toured with many household names like Dane Cook, Dave Attel, Gilbert Gottfried, Dom Irrera, Louis CK and Jim Norton.
Currently touring both nationally and internationally, Hague is extremely positive about the experiences he has been able to expose himself to by being an entertainer. "Reactions are always different and making people laugh is great. The college atmosphere is really fun and all the cities are awesome," said Hague.
"I love to travel and going to a city for a week by myself doesn't bother me," said Hague. Driven by the opportunity to see the world by telling jokes, "I try to treat my job like a 9-to-5," said Hague. He is constantly calling potential gigs, writing jokes, keeping up on relations and planning how to be where when. Hague has some management but does most of his work on his own.
Having a career touring the country is a unique opportunity and when asked about advice, Hague commented, "Find an open mic and see if you like it. Don't hold any stock in your material. If your not getting laughs don't sweat it. It takes a while to learn how to tell jokes."
With roughly five years of professional experience, Hague is in the common position for comedians to constantly be touring and getting their name out there. When talking with bigger comedians Hague said the older guys laugh at a couple years of experience and predict eight years before anything big will come about.
Obviously, every comedian wants to be the next Jerry Seinfeld. In Hague's case, "in all honesty you know I would be thrilled to death to be a household name in comedy and be able to support a family and myself."
This event is free to Edinboro students with student I.D. and $5 for all others. All proceeds benefit the students fundraising campaign Brown Goes Green, to help secure an outdoor green space for students.
The show will take place on April 24 at 6 p.m. in Cooper Hall 102.
Be the first to comment on this article!