Everybody knows these days that it’s increasingly difficult for comedians to actually practice the art of comedy in certain venues, and this is just the latest example. Don’t be drinking anything when reading this university’s contract demand for potential comedic performers:
I just received an invitation to perform *comedy* at a university…
The title of this "contract" nearly made me puke. @UnleashedComedy pic.twitter.com/4tUPCFwTLG
— Konstantin Kisin (@KonstantinKisin) December 10, 2018
Do those guys know how to party, or what? Oh, and bonus points:
Plot twist: it's an UNPAID charity gig.
— Konstantin Kisin (@KonstantinKisin) December 10, 2018
So in other words:
Comedian asked to sign "no joking" contract. https://t.co/1mVNsQcthN
— Alex Tabarrok (@ATabarrok) December 11, 2018
Comedian asked to sign a "no comedy" contract. https://t.co/bmsce1DtSJ
— Cameron Soran (@cameronsoran) December 11, 2018
You can’t make this stuff up! PJ Media added some details:
A student club at the University of London is requiring that all comedians sign a “behavioral agreement” as a condition of performing at a January comedy night.
According to emails reviewed by PJ Media, the UNICEF on Campus chapter at the University of London sent five local comedians — including Russian-born free speech advocate Konstantin Kisin — a request to perform.
“Attached is a short behavioural agreement form that we will ask for you to sign on the day to avoid problems,” wrote Fisayo Eniolorunda, the club’s event organizer, in an email to Kisin and four other comedians sent Sunday.
Sometimes the comedy literally writes itself:
So, the contract becomes the comedic act?
No need to attend. Send money.— Tortured Tale (@TaleTortured) December 10, 2018
Unreal, right? The entire comedy set could consist of just that contract demand.
This sounds like it will be so much fun. https://t.co/ssZ87DL7ml
— Nathan Wurtzel (slight return) (@NathanWurtzel) December 11, 2018
It sure COULD be.
This is the logical outcome of the notion that speech is violence. A contract for a comedian guaranteeing that "all topics must be presented in a way that is respectful and kind." https://t.co/soqOJCiqod
— Bari Weiss (@bariweiss) December 11, 2018
I don't think they understand the concept of comedy.
— The Silver Fox (@AthLib666) December 10, 2018
Ahahahaha, "all topics must be presented in a way that is respectful and kind". https://t.co/VDqopDZfq9
— Crackademic (@DoctorDegrees) December 11, 2018
Don Rickles, Red Foxx, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Chris Rock — wouldn’t be able to start careers now. https://t.co/CXuHErrO4s
— Howard B. Owens (@howardowens) December 11, 2018
The contract is a joke.
Just sign it.
Go.
Read it to the audience.
Leave 'em laughing their pants off —
Didn't mean that —
— about the pants
That could be offensive.— Bob Mellors (@SofaAssoc) December 10, 2018
You should sign the contract and recite the first hour of Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious.”
— Midlife Crisis Actor (@Scott_at_Home) December 10, 2018
Cue head explosions!
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