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The comedian says it is playing in a war zone
Comedian Don Barnhart said he needed to make the soldiers laugh in a hostile environment like a war zone.
My name is Don Barnhart and I am a professional comedian. What I mean by "professional"? Well, what I mean is that I had the opportunity to make a comfortable living traveling the world to laugh people who must answer to the question of surveillance itself I am really very funny. I was on a TV and a few appeared in several movies. If you're a fan of comedy hard, you may recognize me as I shot more 250 days a year, but I'm not up in the celebrity status the likes of Jim Carrey or Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, but I'm right behind them.
Since 1992, also tried to spend several weeks a year to entertain military troops stationed abroad. I peacetime and wartime, and wherever you go What people are asking is to play in dangerous conditions such as Afghanistan or Iraq, so here is my story.
First, consider it is an honor and a privilege to be asked to come and entertain the troops. As I said before, I am very fortunate to make a living doing what I like and I think we all have an obligation as an American to support our troops as best we know, even if they oppose the war itself.
The reason why I started doing "my part" is that part of my agenda and I have only released 30 hours or more of service to the community, then I done! (This is a joke, it was a joke.) Seriously, men and women in the military to defend America and all its freedoms and am able to make a living these great freedoms. I also think it is important to support the troops so I know how. If I knew how to make cookies, I would do that and send a care package, but I'm much better at telling jokes that I go and have fun, shake hands and thank the men and women who serve our country. The physically and emotionally and difficult, but it's like a huge sense of pride I feel when I do my part and be part of the team. But honestly, I feel I am the least important person there. I feel a little like a child of water in the Super Bowl team.
The reason I started doing shows military backing in mid-1992. I went through a bitter divorce after I discovered that my wife was "out again. (A joke, but not really a joke), I took off to Europe to find myself (in fact to get as far as possible from all who knew or who knew me and my situation. ") Anyway, while I was doing shows all over Sweden, I met sitting in a cool, smoke-filled coffee dark and gloomy feel sorry for me and I looked out the window and saw a sign of the USO. I finished my cappuccino and walked down the street and the snow came, I asked if I would be interested a comedy that had a lot of free time and nothing to do, gave me the information I have I sent my main demo I know I'm on a plane to a war-torn Bosnia with the Gin Blossoms and cheerleaders 49.
Each show is different, and it really depends on what is reserved for shows and more with celebrities and groups who need plenty of time. For them, production much larger and logistics are a nightmare, as the sound equipment, personnel, clothing, arts and who knows what else. For a celebrity, visit occurs, and that he wanted a four star hotel and limo for her concert in Afghanistan. She did not understand. We are here on a military base in the middle of a war and not the beach on the French Riviera. Anyway, he went into rehab the next month if you never gave a visit.
For groups like the comic Service who specialize in comedy is just much easier and can be ready to go to the drop of a hat, but on average several months of waiting time is the best. With humor, it is much easier to move, and add entertainment to adapt to changing conditions on the ground. When it is fair for actors, trying to add shows every time they can go and try to get the troops who actually need them most. We've added a shed is no engine sound in the flight deck, flat beds, compared to a field of land mines. All nice not glamorous.
From the stage for the troops was different playing on a regular comedy club in the States and once they have made some routes, which are bound with the soldiers and what really is a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Behind the clock is an awareness that every second, we might have to fight and be caught in a crossfire. We may have to run for cover or return fire. Therefore, although I am half of a joke, my senses are on high alert. Once when I was in the middle of the show I heard a loud explosion outside and I fell to the ground to cover and the crowd roared with laughter, as it was a "normal" home. I just wet my pants, but is now part of the team. I'm here to laugh at something you say or what I did, I'm here to entertain. I do not move much, but I'm always fully aware of all sounds external surroundings of the scene when I'm there.
The reason we are is more for fun and show our support and let them know how much we care about them and the work they do … how much respect and think they have a little respect for us to come there. We are all in the same boat as we eat the same food and have to deal with the same amenities. If there is no hot water, then there is no hot water for everyone and sometimes it's RPM (meals ready to eat) for weeks time.
The troops are so welcoming to us and his way of making us feel at home. We were doing shows in the Persian Gulf and get ship to ship by helicopter and a storm is really bad happened and they could cancel a show because if they flew, would have to spend the night on the boat but there was no place for us to set up and the guys on the boat offered to give us the beds and sleep on the floor only to have their ships do not stop taking a detour.
The real difference between a so-called "regular" audience and the stage for the troops is now, the troops are the best audience ever. There really is no comparison. These men and women put their lives on the line every day and have no time to laugh if it is not fun. They are honest in their likes and dislikes and makes you step more books. In the States, people can go to a dinner date and have a drink and if you do not like the show, you can always leave and go do something else. When you are entertaining troops, the show may be the only news they receive for months at a time if you should bring your A game 'and be above it. For this reason, so important to bring the best comics title and not a group of fans here. To give troops of an inferior product really boil my blood. There are various organizations which reserves humor programs, pocketing the money and then send a truly professional and amateur shows here. So I started my booking shows and tours. The comic I use are headlining comics seen in comedy clubs nationwide and television. Not going to see an open mic night. You must be a main event to do well here you can take to get your act on the logic and sensibility of what is happening that day … you could have an act celebrity to follow Kid Rock Tim Allen o. After so many towers, also created and host a new television show called, freedom of expression comedy series with all the great comedians who have more to do military programs. It is ironic when you say freedom of expression, while thinking is automatically a dirty show. Freedom of speech is also freedom of thought and the concept of the show is to leave most comics do what you want. Some may be a little dirty, some politics, but the aim is to be fun. The program's website is www.thechucklehut.com
At first, I did not understand very direct and positive impact of doing shows for the troops morale. It's the greatest feeling after a show where everyone comes to thank us its fun. We are here to make our shows to show our appreciation to them! At the end of a show, the colonel has all the comics in the scenario that we present a certificate of recognition and pieces and all men and women stood up and greeted us Thanks. Literally up to the four comics tears. We could not believe how grateful these young men and women came over us when we were there to show our appreciation to them. So continue to make these visits, over and over again.
Comedy is a topic of conversation, breaks the routine and monotony and laughter really is the best medicine. Remember that some of these men and women here are not been home long and we are the closest things to be at home that we obtained from. I truly believe these men and women are my family and my job is to make people laugh and forget their troubles, sorrows and difficulties for a short time. I saw the soldier more difficult research laughed so hard he had tears streaming down her cheeks and after the event, all the world says Guy never smiles, even. He arrived after the fair and gave me a bear hug that nearly broke my rib cage, but it was great to see him laugh.
Let's face it. It is not always easy being away from his family and friends in a war zone. We all know the dangers and opportunities. It's sort of an unspoken truth but also creates tensions and underlying and some people have difficulty coping. In a recent tour, we had a chaplain traveling with us and he was sitting in the row before each show. It was a bit confusing at first but then I explained that if the soldiers could see him laugh, even in some of the materials doubt that maybe it was accessible to their needs and problems and was only a normal kid. It was great, because it has been included in the show and he noted, joking a bit, but everyone knows his face. In fact, several days after my return, I received a letter from him telling us the difference it makes and that has really opened a dialogue of communication for him and some soldiers. We are all part of the same team.
You might think it is difficult to get the laughter of the soldiers facing war, destruction and horrible conditions, but not is. While you're funny! Comedy has always been a relief valve and allow the tension before removing. The most uncomfortable situation, the higher the voltage and the more need to release tension before something breaks. We've all been in these situations the real high pressure. Even as a child when her parents told to go to bed and keep everything or you will be in trouble and you can not contain his own laughter. Or the day of your marriage when you are about to give their votes, then start crackin 'Up My wife and I started laughing, but also unite us. As to entertain the troops, there is no place for comics suck so much. This is a situation vi tense and bad cartoons losing the crowd. Therefore, be selective when putting a show together. We grunts when troops so that you can not view the show running-Dona crying because they could not get his eight hours of sleep and brunch noon.
To be funny in an environment representing the ravages of destruction may be a little intimidating at first. I depends on the intention to cause the first time I came. Seriously, the principle is actually doing Click and disturbing, but the soldiers are so far from how to make you feel at home and after a short period of time, it is time to "strengthen." If they can not be here and live in such difficult conditions, then, I can Although it is not for everyone. It takes a strong person to be here so as a soldier and an actor. There are a lot of pressure, but it is so important to be the best at what you do. It's stressful enough to hear the explosions sounds when tent to deliver his finishing sirens or hunting and planes taking off, but kind of used to it. It meant returning to the States and auditions for a lot of great staff easier. The hearing, which was, and commented that I seemed so relaxed and unlike all the other players. I told them that I have just returned from Afghanistan, where there were mortar and rocket attack in the middle of my living room … rather, they are not working because of my act. (Laughter)
For most, there is really no way to seek to demonstrate the characteristics associated with "the field." It's kind of a litmus test and is difficult to explain to a new comic, as it only has to understand. You have to dive into the information and understanding. The variables are always changing and the only thing you can say something is constantly changing so it really should be able to roll with it. Sometimes there is no train noise or lights, sometimes the crowd standing in the heat of 120 degrees the sun in his eyes and can not even see, sometimes you wear your life jacket and helmet flac, sometimes to do a show in a tent for six guys that look like they have not seen a shower or a razor or fresh meat in the months … unique experience is only true must-see for yourself. Each trip I made there is always something memorable. Even Strips comic tour abroad was linked. Oh, you've been in Afghanistan or Iraq, UAE, Dubai or Saudi? There is a certain respect we give some others to make these visits. At the end of the day, we're just a bunch of goofball who have the opportunity to make a living telling jokes, but there is a respect among those who choose to do these shows.
It is important to modify on the fly and adapt his act to suit your environment. Soldiers are not authorized to discuss certain topics and it is important to know how far you can take a joke. We have done events and each place is different. The irony is where America is founded in freedom, but with freedom comes a lot of responsibility. You can talk about whatever you want, but if you cross the line, surely the public will lose, is better know what you do. In this spirit, we must take into account the fact that we are guests in many countries that are very different from what we're used to and it is important to remember that as a guest, we must respect cultural differences and traditions of our host country.
It is also very important to be aware that the ongoing conflicts in soldier life. Almost any topic is open, but with something tragic, a certain amount of time must pass to be able to "find the fun "something. If something happened, it probably is unwise to try to joke about for some time has passed. It would be too strong. Very often we local officials who come to see to see that comedy really is. I think it's great because many people are not allowed to speak and criticize their own government, when in the Together, we can talk about our political leaders and make fun of them. But if this is not fun, yikes! The crowd turns on you. My rule is, as a guest, not someone you and begin to break plates and kicking and their pets is the same with comedy. Know your people and be respectful, while pushing the limits.
Most of my songs are my diary and I bring a lot of my military tour experiences in the show, because there is a common bond. You I have also read to the crowd. Are they young or old, are dignitaries or more and has to call its program as is the case. I am constantly mounting head. Is this joke work? If so, I I go to this small or if not, I go up. This is an amateur problems as he / she has only a small amount of material and they will do if people like it or not. So it is so important to get rid of these small organizations that send what I call comedy rejected here. They get a contract and pay the lame ass comic can not find work in the states a little money and the agent of the pockets of the rest. It's funny and speculators who really makes me blood boil.
My team is out of my life so it is not unusual for my field experience to become a regular part of my show. The home fans want to know what happens outside what they see on the news. People come after each show and want to know all about my travels. They wonder how the troops and what seems to be? They really are interested and the way our soldiers are doing. I feel a bit like jokes intermediate exchange return.
Logistics is abroad varies from simple to complex.
For most circuits, business fly leg of the visit, then it is time to "Soldier Up '. In a travel, commercial flight had problems and we diverted to Russia, but we could not leave the airport for almost twenty-four hours until another plane was ready. We all feel like Tom Hanks in the movie where he is detained at the airport. Once we are "in the country, we are quite well reflected in the army and learn to roll as soldiers, but if there is an emergency, all personnel and equipment were diverted and we sat on the sidelines until everything is secure. We received a safety report that is much more than a handshake and a bottle of water. They want to be as prepared as in the case of an emergency based on location and amount of the charge varies. In short, we are trained for battle when needed. I never felt safer when I'm with the troops. We have done many strange places. We did a show before a field of landmines, Saddam's Palace Greece and the Coliseum, on a flat surface in the mud and rain. The best of the comedy is that we can go almost anywhere Difference tapes or other group that the necessary instruments, sound equipment, lights and more a few people move away. I was on a tour that was in solitary confinement so that the band could not play with all the lights and the sound of them, then we a show of wealth in the dark to tell jokes soldiers. With comedy, you can adapt to almost any situation. We do not need a sound check, with only look at the microphone and let go, and if we do not have a microphone and then do the former and project to the back of the room.
As for the disadvantages of the war, I never wanted this for sure, but not nearly as much as men and women who serve our country. This is not something I or most care of the soldiers to discuss or share. If you've been there, you know and if not, then it is better not to ask someone what they saw. War is hell and details may lead to termination. It is quite difficult to return home without reliving the horrors. There is a sense of what should and should not do or talk We are all part the same team, it is important to know your limits. Obviously, do not pull a Heraldo "go to the new, draw a card and say" Look everybody, I'm here and we slipped into the bad.
In this sense, the first time I went abroad was in Bosnia during very difficult politically. We at alert for snipers 24 / 7. Like Hilary, but without advertising. He showed me a very good side and bad these visits and he confirmed shows how these are men and women who serve our country. When you're under fire, the mundane boredom of everyday life is not really important because you really have to live in and yet. That's why the troops actually open the comedy show. There is lots of laughter and fun in their lives during active war, and we value what little they have.
Since then, I tried to do several tours each year. Some years I have been seven or eight laps, and each is usually two or three weeks at a time. A recent visit thirty days in Afghanistan. Sounds a bit like a movie title or a very bad nightmare. Because of the war, the last years has been visiting most of the region of South-West Asia: Afghanistan, Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, but also throughout Europe, Japan, Iceland, Greenland, Korea, Micronesia … basically, if U.S. troops somewhere, I've been there. At first my wife was not always happy I go to a war zone to tell jokes, but she understands and supports me when I go and want to do their part. We have several tours in the meantime come back every year and it goes with me. She recently starred in the thriller China Dolls that I wrote and directed, (Linda Vu) goes off and the driver of the program and make known and greet with an autograph session afterwards. My website is my current schedule and always try to blog, post pictures of my visits to keep up. www.donbarnhart.com
Both my brother and brother-in-law and my father had served in the reserve so I feel like the army is a big part of my family. When I do a meet and greet after the show, I always try to find what the soldiers want to talk about this and their minds. Occasionally you meet someone who really needs a friend. Sometimes I had to talk and sometimes just want to be entertained or recalled from the house.
People always ask me to describe my act or to tell a joke. My act is driven by the beat of history. As before I go abroad to receive the vaccine and gave me a shot for Anthrax. Now I can eat without concerned at any Taco Bell for the next twenty years … I grew up in Los Angeles and has had enough of the people of the false and pretentious attitude, so they moved to Las Vegas. We were poor growing up and I'm finally happy with my mother turned sixty-five years because I was using a false identity to obtain a discount for retired people per year.
One of the biggest thrills is to obtain Comments soldiers. It's good to take pictures and do a handshake after shows. And now, with Internet, Facebook and MySpace, large numbers I find soldiers to send photos and emails to keep in touch. I made friends with so many great with the soldiers and I always visit all states and it is too cool when a boy or a girl comes and says I was out. That means he went to the house and brings a smile to my face.
You're not really spend much time thinking about security problems or threats. Well received informed and believe that we are ready for whatever comes our way. I try to stay focused to give the best show that could, in any form. Remember, you get to go home in a week or two to No matter how difficult that we, as artists, soldiers even more difficult and we are here for them. There is a big word if you're research on the obstacles, is not focused on your goal. The soldiers that is safe for us to do our work.
I never really had any bad experiences or about to be asked shot at least and with missiles flying around, it's scary. I have some horror stories, but not something I chose to focus on. I try to find the fun if I can, is part of being a comic. It was not this time either. I think my worst experience abroad and fun to eat fruit without washing in Turkey. We just started touring and I could not resist anymore a few minutes without having to run to the bathroom, but as they say, the show must go on. We established three bands on this tour, and I told them that was just ready, as would all the time he could run off the stage and the launch of my own weapons of mass destruction. There was a cloud that follows me everywhere wrong. I felt as PEG Pen Peanuts comic strip. Anyway, after some of my sprints, the crowd really happened and became part of the show. Were in fact now how long I could stay prior to sprint to the bathroom. Let me say, I am a very physical comedian with a lot of facial expressions and body movements is not easy trying to be funny and squeeze your buttocks.
Once you get on the site, try to work and remain so in possible way these trips are really stressful. We could travel 24 hours and then having to do a show at the moment and we want to give our best effort to be out of shape is not. In general, do what the troops. If they have volleyball, then we're out there sweating up or if the night's film, then cool by being with them.
Each visit is different. If it is a broader base, we could be there for several days, then the branch from there to do shows satellite bases more or less fair to the COP from one place to another. Everything is based on what is really happening that day and if there is a force combat or the threat to security. This is so great about the production of a comedy show we can go to another base, then later with little circle created by the difference in time a band or a large production-style show.
My career himself. I grew up the son of television director Don Barnhart Mork and Mindy Lewis directed and Saved by the gong. Drag the Games of Los Angeles, I had the desire to do comedy to get on the gallows and the promotion of Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters. I then got a job in the prestigious Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, where he became master of ceremonies House, talent coordinator and eating at the age of 20 years and began to work with and for the opening of Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Robin Williams, David Spade, Jim Carrey, George Lopez, Harry Anderson and many other superstars best comedies of today.
Ironically, the play was not my first choice. When he was 18, I lived in Hermosa Beach, CA surf not much time of my life and went to join the service and the recruiting office was closed. It was the Memorial Day and I pulling a Jeff Spicolli. Anyway on the way back, I saw a sign of work in a comedy club and are dedicated and as a janitor. I was working one night a week and me So go and help, Bussing Tables, video recording acts and be there all the time so I can see one and then a big night, the master ceremony symptoms and continued afterwards, when I started doing comedy full time, I promised that if ever made by lifting a life I like to do something to support our troops. If it were not for the comedy, I would be washed from the deck of a carrier or something else.
With the support of other comics, I left security to pursue his dream club I have not looked back and do an average of more than 250 days a year from a place on the road. I was named best actor in Las Vegas I am the creator and facilitator and freedom of expression Comedy Show. I am the writer, director and star of the independent film, China Dolls, and has completed only write and star in the upcoming comedy, Freeloader. By 2007 I was the winner of the short duration of American Idol and had the opportunity Comedy to appear in all major NBC comedy Comedy Central and MTV, and I am regularly on Bob and Tom Show, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.
My wife and I are Don Barnhart Entertainment specializes in producing independent films / TV and have a booking agency of choice for comedy for military, colleges and corporate events and consultant I am the top comedy clubs across the country.
For more information about myself or to book a comedy show, if you please visit our website for more information.
www.thechucklehut.com
About the Author
Award winning comedian, actor, writer and filmmaker