By: Kaitlyn Boisvert
Posted In: Campus News
On Sept., 29 2009, comedian Josh McDermitt paid Salve Regina a humorous visit. Salve students attended the event, occupying the auditorium seats with excited faces, wondering what the funnyman has in store for them.
As soon as the appointed time arrived, McDermitt immediately delved into his comic routine, his face suddenly serious as he began to unleash a horde of funny dialogue that never failed to elicit a laugh. He engaged with his audience, taking the time to get to know them, asking their names, hometowns and planned majors, to which he conjured quick witty remarks that cause uproars of laughter. In one such a moment, after a student told him that she plans to major in graphic design, McDermitt said, “Oh, took the easy way out, eh? So what did your parents say when you told them that you wanted to design posters for a living?”
Most of the show continued this way, with McDermitt quickly producing numerous unplanned dialogues without needing to pause. Even when a late guest enters, he is unfazed, walking straight up to her, inviting her in as if he were expecting her. Upon learning that she has sweets McDermitt said, “Oooh candy!? I’m fat-gimme!” He snatched a silver-wrapped square from her fingers. After a few moments of thorough inspection he realizes it is dark chocolate and tosses the treat back to the girl.
McDermitt continued to delight with his spontaneous and silly strategy, relaying humorous life stories and providing creative insights onto numerous topics, always causing his audience to erupt into fits of laughter. At perhaps the most notable moment, McDermitt incorporated his comedic trademark into his act, which involved him offering a very reluctant individual a pony ride, seating her upon his lap. The entire audience and even the lucky “pony rider” burst into hearty chuckles. McDermitt’s brief stay at Salve Regina University has thus proved itself as a funny, memorable experience for all the students who attended.
An Arizona native, McDermitt was luckily introduced to the world of comedy at a young age through his mother. Growing up, he admired famous stand-up comedians such as Richard Jeni and Daniel Tosh.
At only age sixteen, McDermitt took his first official step towards becoming a future stand-up comedian when a local radio station hired him. He first began by calling the station, speaking in numerous silly voices, to request for songs. Soon, he was appointed as a writer and producer for the station, and later hired as a syndicator for CNN.
McDermitt had originally desired to become a policeman, but after getting a full glimpse of the entertainment industry, he decided to become a stand-up comedian, and after two years of working with CNN, he left his position to pursue his dream.
McDermitt’s enrollment in improvisation classes and television appearances eventually lead him to his first show at the Tempe Improvisation Comedy club, where he opened to wide positive audience appeal. And ever since, good luck and good fortune have presented themselves within his developing career.
He has appeared on NBC’s hit television show Last Comic Standing, and has traveled as far as Canada for his shows. McDermitt feels that his free schedule stands as the biggest perk of being a stand-up comedian. His parents offer loving support and feelings of pride towards his career, as it continuously encounters more successful shows. His most favorite performance seated only eight people in the audience; however, each person loved and admired it incredibly, thus confirming McDermitt’s statement that “size doesn’t matter.”
For a common routine, McDermitt enjoys napping and then waking up to a hot cup of coffee before each of his shows, admitting that he likes feeling that he has fresh energy flowing, which helps keep him focused and quick-minded while performing.
As his career continues to thrive and grow, McDermitt hopes to one day work with Adam Sandler in his upcoming comedy movie, The Informant.
A very innovative and funny man who admits that he finds corn skewers the most humorous kitchen utensils, McDermitt is truly a comedian who has both a lot of job success and more pony rides in his future.
