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Comedian says what it's like to play in a war zone
Comedian Don Barnhart said what it takes to laugh soldiers in a dangerous environment like a war zone.
My name is Don Barnhart and I am a professional comedian stand. What I mean by "professional"? Well, what I am saying is that I had the chance to make a comfortable living traveling the world making people laugh people who should answer the follow-up question, yes, I am really very funny. I was on a television and a few appeared in several movies. If you are a hard fan of comedy, you might recognize me as I shot over 250 days a year, but I'm not quite up there in the celebrity status the likes of Jim Carrey, Robin Williams or Jerry Seinfeld, but I'm right behind them.
Since 1992, I also tried to spend several weeks a year to entertain troops stationed abroad. I did this peacetime and wartime and everywhere I go people ask what it's like to play in dangerous conditions such as Afghanistan or Iraq so here is my story.
First, I consider it an honor and a privilege to be asked to come and entertain troops. As I said before, I am extremely fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love and I think we all have an obligation as an American citizen to support our troops in the best way we know, even if you oppose the war itself.
The reason I started doing "my part" is that it's part of my program of work release and I'm only 30 hours more community service then I'm done! (Just kidding, it was a joke.) Seriously, men and women in the military defend America and all its freedoms and I am able to make good use of these freedoms. I also think it is important to support troops in any way you 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 I go there and entertain, shake hands and thank the men and women who serve our country. It is both physically and emotionally difficult, but it is Such an immense sense of pride I feel when I'm doing my part and be part of the team. But honestly, I kinda feel like I am the person the less important there. I feel a bit like the water-carrier of the team Super Bowl.
The only reason I started doing military watch was in mid-1992. I went through a bitter divorce after I found that my wife was "dating again." (A joke, but not really a joke), I took off to Europe to find me (in fact, to get as far away as possible from everyone I knew or who knew me and my "situation"). Anyway, while I was doing shows all over Sweden, I found myself in a smoke cold, dark and gloomy full of coffee to feel sorry for me and I looked out the window and I noticed a sign for the USO. I finished my cappuccino and plow through snow lined street and went in I from asking if they would be interested in a comedy as I had plenty of free time and nothing to do, they gave me the info I sent my main demo and the next thing I know, I'm on a plane to the civil war in Bosnia with the Gin Blossoms and 49 cheerleaders.
Each show is different and it really depends on what is booking for shows and more with celebrities and the groups they need plenty of lead time. For them, it's a lot more great production and logistics are a nightmare because they sound equipment, personnel, costumes, gear and who knows what else. For celebrity, the tour never showed, as she wanted a four star hotel and limo for her concert Afghanistan. She did not get it. We're here on a military base in the middle of a war and not on the beach the French Riviera. Anyway, she went rehab next month, she never did do the trick.
Comics for groups like service, specializing in comedy just is much easier and we can be ready to go at the drop of a hat, but on average a few months time execution is the best. With humor, it is much easier to change places, and add entertainment to adapt to changing conditions field. When it's just actors, we are trying to add shows whenever we can on tour and we try to get the troops really have the most need. We have added shows in hangers with no engine sound, the flight deck, platforms, across a field of landmines. Anything rather non-glamorous.
Performing for the troops is different than playing in a comedy club regular in the States and once you have made some visits, you are bound with the soldiers and it really is some sense of camaraderie and understanding. Underlying the watch is an awareness that every second, we might have to scramble and be caught in a firefight. We could have put away or return fire. So even if I'm in the middle a joke, my senses are on high alert. Once when I was in the middle of the show, I heard a huge explosion just outside and I dropped to the ground for cover and the crowd roared with laughter, as was "normal" at his home. I just about wet my pants but I am now part of the team. I'm here to laugh if it's something I say or what I did, I'm here to entertain. I stand firm not much but I'm always fully aware of all the external sounds and surroundings When I play there.
The reason we come is to entertain and show our support and to let them know how much we care about them and the work they do … how much we respect them and I think they have some respect for us to come there. We're all in this together as we eat the same food and have to deal with the same amenities. If no hot water, then there is no hot water for everyone and it is sometimes MREs (meals ready to eat) for weeks at a time.
The troops are so welcoming to us and out of their way to make us feel at home. We were doing shows in the Persian Gulf and get choppered ship to ship and a really bad storm came and they would cancel a show because if we flew, we 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 there are beds and sleeping on the floor just so that their ships would not miss taking entertainment.
The real difference between a so-called "normal" audience and performing for the troops, is that by far, the troops are the best audience ever. There's really no comparison. These men and women put their lives on the line every day and they do not have time to laugh if it is not funny. They are honest in their likes and dislikes and makes you stronger comics. In the States, people can go on a dinner date and a few drinks and if you do not like the show, you can always leave and go do something else. When you are entertaining the troops, the show can be the only new thing they get for months at a time so you must bring your game "A" and be above it. That is why it is so important to bring the best comic headliner and not a bunch of amateurs here. To give the troops an inferior product that really boil my blood. There are several organizations that are booking comedy shows, pocketed the money then sending professional and amateur really shows here. That's why I started my own booking shows and touring. The BD-I use all comics are headlining you see in the top comedy clubs in the nation and on television. You will not see them at a party open mic. You must be a headlining do well here you might have to get your act based on logic and sensibilities of what happening that day … or you may have to follow a celebrity acts Kid Rock and Tim Allen. After so many visits, I also created and host a new TV show called, The Freedom of Speech Comedy Series, featuring all the great comedians that have more to do shows military. It is ironic when you say that freedom of expression while automatically think it is a dirty show. Freedom speech is also freedom of thought and the concept of the show is to let the comic coward to do what they want. Some might be a bit dirty some policies, but the goal is that it should be funny. The show's website is www.thechucklehut.com
At First, I did not really show the direct and positive impact to the troops on their morale. This is the greatest feeling after a show when everyone came to thank us for the fun. We're here to do our shows to show our gratitude to them! At the end of a show, Col. brought together all the comics on stage to present us with a certificate of appreciation and their parts and all the men and women stood up and saluted us in grace. She literally put the four comics to tears. We could not grateful believe how these young men and women were for us being here while we were there to show our thanks to them. That is why I continue to make these visits and over again.
The comedy is a subject of conversation, he breaks the routine and monotony laugh and is truly the best medicine. Remember, some of these men and women here are not been home long and we are the closest thing to being at home we get to leave. I sincerely believe that these men and women are my family and my job is to make people laugh and forget their troubles, sorrows and difficulties for a small time. I saw the soldier more difficult to find laughing so hard he had tears streaming down her checks and after the show, everyone said that Guy never smile. It came after the show and gave me a bear hug that nearly broke my rib cage, but it was great see him laugh.
Let's face it. It is not always easy being away from your family and friends in a war zone. We all know the dangers and opportunities. It's sort of an unspoken truth, but it also creates and underlying tensions and some people are struggling to cope. On a recent visit, we had a chaplain Travel with us and he was sitting in the front row each show. Was a bit confusing at first but then he explained that if the soldiers could see the laughter from a portion of questionable material that might be it was accessible to their needs and problems and it was just a normal guy. It was great because we included it in the show and he pointed out, teasing him a bit but everyone know him by face. Indeed, several days after my return, I received a letter from tell him what difference it makes and it has really opened a dialogue of communication for him and some soldiers. We are all part of the team.
You might think it's hard to get the laughter of the soldiers face war, destruction and conditions but it is not atrocious. While you're funny! The comedy has always been a relief valve and the tension before it lets you snap. The more uncomfortable the situation, the more tension and more you need to release the tension before something breaks. We've all been in these situations High pressure really. Even as a child when your parents told you to go to bed and be quiet or you'll be in trouble and you can not contain your own laughter. Or the day of your marriage when you're about to take your vows, then start crackin 'up. My wife and I both started laugh, but who also brought us closer. As for entertaining the troops, there is no room for mediocre comic at this point. This is a tense situation and saw the cartoon really bad loose the crowd. Therefore you must be picky when you put a show together. We 're at it growls like the troops so you can not have a view of artist-run Dona cry because they could not get their eight hours of sleep and brunch noon.
Be funny in an environment that represents the ravages of destruction may be a little intimidating at first. I intended to wear depends on the first time I came. More seriously, at first it's really clicking and disturbing, but the soldiers go so far from their best to make you feel at home and after a short time, it is time to 'Step Up'. If they can not be here and live in these difficult conditions, so if I can Although it is not for everyone. It takes a strong person to be here as a soldier and a comedian. There are many pressure but that is why it is so important to be the best at what you do. It is very nerve racking to hear explosions from when you try to deliver your punchline or sirens whaling and planes taking off but you kind of get used to. He made sure to return to the States and auditions for a great agent much easier. The last audition I had, they said he seemed so relaxed and contrary all other actors. I told them I just returned from Afghanistan where mortars were leaving and there was a missile attack in the middle of my show … rather, they are not shooting at me because of my act. (Laughs)
For most, there's really no way to research the specifics associated to watch in "the field". It's sort of a trial by fire and it is difficult to explain to a new cartoon as you just have to do to understand. You just immerse yourself in it and understand it. The variables are constantly changing and the only thing you can count on something is changing, so you really need to be able to roll with it. Sometimes there is no speed of sound or light, sometimes the audience is standing in 120 degree heat with the sun in their eyes and they can not even see you, sometimes you wear your life jacket and helmet flac, sometimes you do a show in a tent for 6 guys who look like they have not seen a shower or a razor or fresh meat in the months … it's just really an experiment you only have to see for yourself. Each lap I did there is always something memorable. Even comics who have toured overseas are connected with each other. Oh, you were in Afghanistan or Iraq, UAE, Dubai or Saudi? There is a certain respect we give each other to make these visits as well. At the end of the day, we're just a bunch of goofball who are lucky enough to stay jokes but say there is a respect among those of us who choose to do these concerts.
It is important to be able to edit on the fly and adapt to fit your act to your environment. The military are not allowed to discuss certain topics and it is important to know how far you can take a joke. We have shown in the world and every place is different. The irony is here that America is founded on freedom, but with freedom comes an enormous amount of responsibility. You can talk all you want, but if you cross the line, you will definitely lose the crowd for you know better what you do. In this spirit, we must take into consideration the fact that we are guests in many countries that are very different than what we are used and it is important to remember that as a guest, we must respect cultural differences and traditions of our host country.
It is also important to be very conscious of this conflict is underway in the soldier's life as well. Almost all topics are open, but with something tragic a certain period of time must pass to be able to "find the funny in something. If something has happened, it's probably unwise to try and joking about it for some time has passed. It might be thought too. We often receive local dignitaries coming to the shows to see what that comedy really is. I think it's great because so many people are not allowed to speak out and criticize their own government, which in America you can talk about our political leaders and make fun of them. However, if this is not funny, oops! The crowd turned against you. My rule is, as Guest, you do not go to someone and start breaking dishes and kicking and their pets is the same with comedy. Know your crowd and be respectful, while pushing the limits.
Most of my subjects are my daily and I bring you a lot experiences of my military tour in the show, because there is a common bond. You also read the crowd. Are they young or old, are they the highest dignitaries and you have to call your watch as it happens. I am constantly editing in my head. Done that joke? If this were the case, I'm going to this little or if it does not I will put in place. This is an amateur will be in trouble as he / she has only a small amount of material and they are going to do if the crowd likes it or not. That is why it is so important to get rid of these small agencies that send what I call comedy rejects here. They get a contract and pay a lame ass comic who can not find work in the states a little money and the agent pockets the rest. It's funny profits and it really makes me blood boil.
My equipment is out of my life so it is not unusual for my field of experience become a regular part of my show. The home crowd really want to know what is happening outside of what they see on the news. People come after each concert and want to know everything about my tour. They wonder how the troops are and what it did there? They are really concerned and interested by the way our soldiers are doing. I feel a bit like the medium of exchange banter back and forth.
The logistics of reality ranges overseas from simple to complex.
For most circuits, we fly leg of the journey leading commercial, then it is time to "soldier up '. During a trip, our commercial flight had problems and we have turned away Russia, but we could not leave the airport for nearly 24 hours until another plane was ready. We all felt like Tom Hanks in that movie where he is stuck at the airport. Once we are "in the country, we are fairly well reflected in the army and learn to roll like troops, but if there is an emergency, then all personnel and equipment were diverted and we remain on button until everything is secure. We receive a security briefing, which is much more than a handshake and a bottle of water. They want us to be as prepared as they are in the case of an emergency situation and depending on where the amount of the charge varies. Let's just say, we are trained and ready for battle when needed. I never really felt safer when I'm with the troops. We have made many strange places. We made a spectacle in front of a field of landmines, the palace of Saddam Hussein, and a coliseum in Greece, on a plateau in the mud and rain. The great thing about comedy is that we can go almost anywhere unlike a tape or another type of group in need of instruments, speed of sound, lights and more than a few people to remove. I was on a tower which was in solitary confinement so that the band could not perform with all their lights and sound if we had a show of wealth in the dark jokes to tell the soldiers. With comedy, you can adapt to almost all situations. We do not need a sound check, just turn the mic and let's go, and if we do not have a microphone, then we doing the former and projects on the back of the room.
As for the inconveniences of the war, I saw more than I had ever wanted that's for sure but not nearly as much as men and women who serve our country. It is not a something I or most of the soldiers care to discuss or share. If you've been there, you know and if you do not then it is probably better do not ask someone who was what they saw. War is hell and details may lead to discontinuation. It is hard enough to return home without reliving the horrors. There is a common sense of what you should and should not do or talk We're all part of the same team It is therefore important to know your limits. Obviously, you do not pull a "Heraldo" by going to new, draw a card and say: "Look everyone, I'm here and we go out on the wicked. "
In this spirit, the first time I went abroad has been to Bosnia during very difficult times politically. We were on alert for snipers 24 / 7. Like Hilary, but without advertising. He showed me a really good side and bad to make these visits and he confirmed the importance of these shows are to men and women who serve our country. When you're under fire, the mundane boredom of everyday life does not really matter, as you really to live in and for the moment. That is why the troops actually kicked out of the comedies. There are not many laughs and fun in their lives during a active war so that they cherish the little they have.
Since then, I tried to do several tours each year. Some years I have been seven or eight rounds and each is usually two to three weeks at a time. A recent tour was 30 days in Afghanistan. Kinda sounds like the title of a film or really bad nightmare. Because of the war in recent years have been mainly directed southwest of Asia: Afghanistan, Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, but I also throughout Europe, Japan, Iceland, Greenland, Korea, Micronesia … short, if American troops somewhere I've been there. At first my wife was not always happy that I'm heading towards a war zone to tell jokes, but she understands and supports me when I go and wants to do its part too. We have several tours in the meantime come back all year and it will go on with me. She recently starred in the thriller China Dolls that I wrote and directed and she (Linda Vu) goes out and host the show and do a session Home autographs afterwards. My website has my schedule today and I always try to blog, post photos of my visits to maintain. www.donbarnhart.com
Both my brother and brother-in-law and my father had served in the reserves, I feel like the army is a great 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. Of Occasionally you meet someone who really needs a friend. Sometimes they need to talk and sometimes they just want to be entertained or recalled the house.
People always ask me to describe my act or tell a joke. My act is the story driven by punch lines. As before I left to go abroad, I had to get vaccinated and they gave me a shot of Anthrax. Now I can eat without worry at any Taco Bell for the next twenty years … I grew up in Los Angeles and had enough people with the false and pretentious attitude if I moved to Las Vegas. We were poor growing up and I'm finally happy that my mother was sixty-five years because she was Using a fake ID to get discount for seniors for years.
One of the greatest thrills is to get feedback from soldiers. It's great to take pictures and handshakes after only shows. And now with the Internet, Facebook and MySpace, many soldiers I meet, send me pictures and emails to stay in touch. I did so great friends with the soldiers and I continue to tour across the States and it is so cool when a guy or girl comes out and says he saw me outside. That means they have at home and brings a smile to my face.
You do not really spend much time thinking about security issues or threats. We receive well-informed and I think we are ready for all that. I try to stay focused to give the best show I can, whatever the conditions. Remember, we come to return at home in a week or two, then no matter how hard we as artists, the troops even more difficult and we are there for them. There a big word, if you're looking at the obstacles, you are not focused on your goal. The soldiers make it safe for us to do our job.
He really never had any experiences arduous, near misses at least get shot and the presence of missiles flying all around you is scary. I have some horror stories, but it's not something I chose to focus on. I try to find the funny in it if I can, it's part of being a comic strip. There was this time though. I guess my worst experience abroad while entertaining eating unwashed fruits in Turkey. We just started the tour and I could not stand more than a few minutes without having to run to the bathroom, but as they say, the show must go on. We had 3 comics on this tour and I told them just be ready, as I would as long as I could run off the stage and launch my own weapon of mass destruction. There was this cloud is following me everywhere fault. I felt like Peg Pen of the Peanuts comic strip. Anyway, after some of my sprints, the crowd actually got into it and it became a part of the show. They were actually me now how long I could stay before the sprint for the room bathroom again. Let me tell you, I am a pretty physical comic with a lot of facial expressions and body movements and it is not easy trying to be funny and tightening the buttocks together.
Once we get on the site, we try to work and to stay as fit as possible as these tours are really grueling. We could travel 24 hours and then do a show right away and we do our better to be out of shape does not allow. We usually do what the troops. If they have volleyball, then we're there until the sweat night or if the film is when we chill out a hang with them.
Each visit is different. If it is a larger base, we could be there for several days and then branch from there to do shows by satellite bases in size or just pop in another location. Everything is based off of what's happening that day and if there is a battle force or a security threat. That's what's so great about the production of a comedy show that we can go to another base, then circle back later with little set up for the difference in time a band or a big show to production.
So my career path itself. I grew up the son of television director Don Lewis Barnhart who led Mork & Mindy and Saved by the Bell. Spending time on the games in Los Angeles, I had the desire to do comedy to get by hanging and encouragement Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters. I then got a job at the prestigious Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA, where I became the master Ceremonial house talent coordinator, and eating at the age of 20 years and got to work with and opening for Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Robin Williams, David Spade, Jim Carrey, George Lopez, Harry Anderson and many other superstars of comedy high-level working today.
Ironically, comedy was not my first choice. When I was 18, I lived in Hermosa Beach, CA surf much not much point in my life and I am went to join the service and the recruiting office was closed. It turns out that it was Memorial Day and I pulled a Jeff Spicolli. What Regardless, on the way back, I saw a job Join a comedy club and went in and hired me as porter. I only work one night a week so I would go and help, bussing tables, video recording acts and be there all the time that I can look larger and then a night, the emcee got sick and went on later, when I started doing comedy time Full I promised myself that if I ever made a living doing stand, I'd do something to support our troops. If it were not for comedy, I'd be scrub the deck on an aircraft carrier or something.
With the encouragement of other comics, I left security of the club to pursue his dream and I have not looked back and I average over 250 days a year performing on the road. I wanted Just named Best Comedian in Las Vegas and I am the creator and host of freedom of speech comedy. I am the writer, director and star of the indie film, China Dolls, and has just completed writing and will star in comedy Freeloader. In 2007, I was the winner of the short-term American Idol Comedy and I had the chance to appear on every major comedy from NBC to Comedy Central and MTV and I am regularly on the Bob & Tom Show, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.
My wife and I formed Don Barnhart Entertainment specializes in TV production Independent film / and we have one agency of choice for booking comedy shows for the military, colleges and events Corporate consultant and I am the top comedy clubs across the country.
If you want more information about myself or to book a comedy show, please visit our website for more information.
www.thechucklehut.com
About the Author
Award winning comedian, actor, writer and filmmaker
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