This is from February, but i'm sure not all of you have read it so here it is.
Dropping bombs from his ROFL-copter
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Only six months into the comedy scene, Moorpark student, Kassem Gharaibeh, is already making a name for himself. [Click to enlarge]
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Every Friday at The Sportsman in Camarillo is comedy night. In a room full of tattooed grunge-meisters who likely got to the venue in their monster trucks, some might be hesitant to enter the room, much less take the stage armed with nothing more than a microphone and a hat full of jokes.
That doesn't scare comedian, Kassem Gharaibeh, 23, Moorpark College marketing major. As a young contender in the arena of stand-up, he already possesses confident delivery and a fair degree of stage presence - not bad for six months work. The audience knows him only as Kassem, and they warm to him quickly.
On his feelings about being first in the ring, Kassem says, "As a new comedian, I really don't mind. I actually like to set the tone. And if someone says, 'You were great. You set the bar pretty high and we really enjoyed it.' That makes me feel good. To [become] a headliner, you have to be ready to open shows for other comedians. And knock 'em dead."
Kassem's philosophy was proven later in the show when another comedian had a train wreck and nearly emptied the house. The audience began to chant Kassem's name in a vain plea for his return.
"People have worked hard all week and they really want to laugh. It's their time to unwind," said Kassem. He draws a distinction between comedy that's offensive and offending the audience.
It doesn't take long to realize that Kassem understands the importance of paying his dues and having realistic expectations. One way he gets involved is by working with established comedians Eddie Ifft and Bryan Callen to produce the show HandheldComedy.com.
Besides working with professionals whenever possible, Kassem acknowledges the value of having mentors. Among them, he credits John Loprieno, who's had a successful acting career in daytime drama and now teaches acting at Moorpark College.
Describing how he got his start, Kassem reveals, "I took an improv class that John [Loprieno] taught. He really encouraged everyone. He [also] wanted us do stand-up and gave us some structure. He used to do stand up [himself]. He always takes time out to listen to a new bit I have to pitch and critique me. That helps a lot."
In addition to writing all his own material, Kassem currently books his own shows. This allows him to play out two or three times a month in local spots. Grounded in reality, he's adept at combining talent with business acumen.
"You want to feel confident in your talent but you don't want to be arrogant about how to create a name for yourself," he advises. "You've always got to think there's someone out there doing exactly what you're doing - only better. And you've got to work on everything to make yourself the best."
To find out more about Kassem and watch video clips, visit
www.myspace.com/kassemg.