Homecoming Comedy Show Serves Up Plenty of LaughsBy Clarese AlexanderThe homecoming comedy show kicked off Oct. 6 hosted by Bowie State University's own Christian Lymus and sponsored by the SGA. The crowd packed into Meyers Auditorium anticipated a night filled with laughter and entertainment provided by comedians Lil Duval, Buck-Wild, Spank, Wil Sylvince and Lawrence A. Killebrew. The show opened with a dance contest giving an opportunity for a man and a woman to win tickets to the homecoming concert. Although, there were technical difficulties in the beginning, the show picked up momentum as the stage got heated up with the performances. "This is my first semester here and I enjoyed the festivities," said Leon Pendegram, a BSU student. "Especially the show because there were a variety of jokes involved and the comedians kept my attention throughout the show." Although there was much laughter and applause on the outside, behind the scenes of a comedian's life is no joke. Everything is not what it seems in the entertainment industry and the comedians wanted to let those interested in the field of comedy, the real deal. One shocking fact is that it takes years to make good money. "My first performance was at a birthday party in Atlanta City and I got paid only $50," said Lawrence A. Killebrew." The entertainment business is also very competitive, and just because a comedian may be funny, that does not guarantee a job. Spank, who got his start at the Laugh House in Philadelphia, gives advice to all those who are interested in a career in comedy to really work hard. "It's not a good career choice if you aren't strong-minded. There is constant rejection." Sometimes, when a comedian does get the job, their expectations of the crowd may be different from what they are used to. Good performers know how to work with any type of crowd. Funny man Lil Duval said, "My first gig was in Alabama with about 12 people, including the animals." Overall, comedians must have the passion to get into the business of comedy. At the end of the day, it's about bringing joy and laughter to the people. "I think that laughter is one of the best things in life," Wil Sylvince said. | 
I chose Bowie State University because not only was it close to home, but it also has a growing and terrific communications department. 
Dr. Azene Zenebe joined the College of Business (COB) at Bowie State University in fall 2005 and currently serves as associate professor of Management Information Systems (MIS).
Donna Broadway launched her writing career at Bowie State when she first became a contributor to The Spectrum newspaper, where she rose through the ranks to become Deputy Managing Editor during her senior year. 
