My most unique corporate gig ever?
I did my comedy hypnosis show at the headquarters of a top-secret spy agency most Americans have never heard of, have no idea what they do, and even have a hard time spelling: the National Reconnaissance Office.
Security at this facility was super tight. They put their dog in my car, on top of the engine block, and in the trunk before I could drive in. One challenge was I was not allowed to have any electronic equipment.
So that meant I had to use their microphones and had to do my sound cues by hand signal to an NRO staffer.
A question I ask all my bookers is, "Hey, are there any content areas I need to make sure I stay away from?" She says, "You can't talk or do anything about our work."
I think for a minute, realize that what they do is really super secret, but hey, I sometimes listen to Joe Rogan and know what is usually in my show, "Look, I don't know everything that you guys do. So I've gotta ask, is it okay if my closing bit is one where I have one hypnotized volunteer thinking they're a Martian who only speaks Martian and another volunteer who is SpaceX's Martian translator?"
She bursts out laughing. I'll call you later this afternoon. She calls me back and tells me to go for it.
There are countless situations where, as an entertainer, I get curveballs thrown at me. My approach to handling all of these regardless is to make sure I am the easiest person they have ever had to work with. My job is to give these people a great show. It isn't to show off how much of an egotistical diva I am. That version of my show I save for my wife.