Posts tagged ‘New York Times’

On a trip to San Diego with Larry David, Bob Shaw, the comedian who passed me on audition night, called Larry. LD put him on speakerphone and asked Bob to guess who was in the car with him. Bob asked for a hint. Larry said, “The 920 spot.” Bob immediately replied, “DeBellis.” The 920 spot was the first spot on the first show on weekends at the Improv. I was told by Elayne Boosler; that the 920 spot was the slot that best simulated working as an opening act for a star on the road. The audience is cold, so it’s the best way to learn, and gives you a real indication of how well your set is going. I always requested that slot at the NYC clubs, and I became known for the 920 spot—so it has a very special meaning for me. Although this blog will center around the stand-up comedy world of the late seventies and early eighties, it will also be about comedy in general, and comedy related stories, as well as anything that seems pertinent.