Behind the Jokes with Forrest Shaw
Forrest Shaw
On the eve of the South Beach Comedy Festival‘s big Saturday night performance at the Fillmore, Miami-raised comedian Forrest Shaw is preparing to be the first to take the stage. Opening for international headliner Jim Jeffries is no easy task, but with it being Shaw’s fourth time at the South Beach Comedy Festival, he’s keeping his cool. We catch Shaw backstage preparing to go on by brushing up on his material and goofing around the unseen area of the historical Jackie Gleason theater.
But this funny guy, who always had a knack for the form of anger referred to as sarcasm, had a more serious start to his career as a comedian. It was about eight years ago that Shaw decided to try and showcase his efforts to make people laugh on a bigger scale. Inspired by his grandfather who passed away in 2004, and upon preparing for his memorial service, Shaw was awe-stricken with what a full life his grandfather lead. It was at that moment that Shaw realized he didn’t want to grow old full of regrets, so he made a list. Comedy was at the top of it.
Forrest Shaw
He took that first step and signed up for an open mic night. For the first five years of his foray into the world of comedy, Shaw balanced his career as a marine biologist here in Miami with dabbling in jokes at night and on weekends. He would drive the distances to perform at spots that, in the beginning, often didn’t pay or even reward him with laughs. The beginning of a comic’s career is usually rocky, as it takes some time before you learn what to do to be consistent and how to connect with the audience. But hey, sometimes you just might not connect with that audience at all, and you roll with the punch lines.
In 2010, Shaw made the leap he had been straddling for five years: to become a full-time comedian. His shows with crickets became far and few in between, and his jokes took center stage. His background and love for the environment still come through in some of his material, though he’s careful to not stand on stage and pull an Al Gore for 45 minutes. His biologist skills of questioning, analyzing, and finding angles all come into play for producing new material. He also draws from life experiences, interactions with people, and the news. “We are a dumb species masquerading as an intelligent one,” says Shaw. Sure there are creative, ingenious minds, but the majority of America is much more entertained watching TV shows to find out who someone’s baby daddy will be. Which, Shaw admits, he is one of said masqueraders watching those shows.
One of the biggest freedoms and challenges about this fun job is that, according to Shaw, “You are the CEO of your dick jokes.” So if you’re not writing funny, relevant jokes constantly, you won’t get booked. Shaw’s trying to avoid the depressing future of some comics who, as they get older, so do their jokes- the “ultimate sad-faced clown.”
Forrest Shaw & Dave Williamson
Forrest Shaw & Lisa Corrao
To keep things fresh, it helps that Shaw’s girlfriend, Lisa Corrao, is also a comedian. They’ve known each other through the comedy scene for about seven years but just started dating a few years ago. Sure, they bounce jokes off each other and help work out material together, but they aren’t always jokesters. While Shaw tries his best to turn it off for the romancing in the relationship, he admits he’s a bit immature. But that probably just goes with the territory.
As far as his plans on the horizon, Shaw says this is it. He left the science community behind (slash says they don’t really want him back), and is on the comedy road for the long haul. Starting from open mic nights to opening for big Comedy Central acts, he is well on his sarcastic, environmentally-conscious way. Maybe next year we’ll even see Forrest Shaw’s name on the Fillmore’s marquee.
As he approaches center stage, we turn the spotlight on Shaw and ask him our five burning desire questions. Check it out below.
World Red Eye: Who’s your idol or role model? Any favorite comedians at the moment?
Forrest Shaw: Favorite comedians at the moment: Jim Jefferies, Nick Griffin, Bill Burr, and Jake Johannsen. I always loved Carlin growing up. Patrice O’Neal passed a short while ago; he was great too.
WRE: What’s been your favorite show or venue since you started performing?
FS: The Fillmore this year at the South Beach Comedy Festival was pretty great. The history there and the size of it were awesome.
WRE: Do you, or did you, get stage fright?
FS: Not to the point of not getting on stage. I did have a panic attack a couple of times. I was going through some crap and brought it up there with me. The sets I’m sure sucked. It’s hard to be funny when you think you are going to die.
WRE: What’s the best and worst part about living in Miami?
FS: Best part about Miami is that I grew up here- the familiarity of it for me. Also Biscayne Bay and the ocean are right here, and for the most part in decent shape quality wise. Most cities don’t have that luxury. The water is either too polluted or cold or both. Worst part is the people running it. Miami seems like it was designed by a five year old with Sim City. I travel to other major cities, and I’m like ‘oh this is how a city functions when people have a vision or foresight or planning skills.’ That’s also what make Miami great though, is its dysfunctionality.
WRE: Do you remember the first joke you ever told?
FS: It was a joke about my cats rebelling against me because they found out they were adopted. So they started doing drugs, getting their nipples pierced, you know, high quality shit.
