Derek DeAngelis seeks to fulfill lifelong dream of becoming comedian

Derek DeAngelis has performed several gigs, including Caroline's on Broadway and the Gramercy Comedian Club in NYC.

By Andrew Cohen
Staff Writer

Derek DeAngelis is one funny graphic design major.

While the 21-year-old senior at William Paterson University enjoys studying the arts, his real hopes and dreams lie in becoming a successful comedian and entertainer.

“Graphic design is really just something I hope to fall back on someday,” said DeAngelis. “Doing stand-up comedy and performing in front of an audience is where I really see myself being successful.”
DeAngelis is not one to simply watch his dream pass him by. After taking Fundamentals of Comedy Writing and Performance in the Communication Department two years ago, DeAngelis performed several gigs including some at Caroline’s on Broadway and the Gramercy Comedian Club in New York City.

Last month, DeAngelis hosted and performed at MEISA’s “Amateur Comedy Night” at Billy Pat’s in the student center. The event drew more than 200 students.

“Performing at the pub was really a good experience,” said DeAngelis. "The audience was really in to the routine and I just had a lot of fun being in front of a Willy P. crowd.”

DeAngelis, a resident of Neptune, says he's wanted to be a comedian ever since he was little. He says his personality has always been people-oriented and he thrives on making people laugh. However, he never thought about actually performing until his freshman year at WPU after watching the MTV made-for-TV movie “2-gether.” The flick consisted of five guys trying to beat the odds and become a successful boy band.

“That movie just got me thinking if these guys can do it, then why not me,” said DeAngelis. “From then on I was set off and decided to take advantage of every single opportunity to perform.”

DeAngelis, who lives in Heritage Hall, describes his comedic style as “fit-for-TV” comedy. He doesn't like to curse in his acts, preferring to keep things clean.

DeAngelis is also a big fan of writing parodies to mainstream music. At the amateur comedy night in the pub, DeAngelis wrote and performed his own rendition of 50 Cent’s ‘In Da Club’ called in ‘In Da Pub.’ He is working on a parody of Lil’ Kim and 50 Cent’s ‘Magicstick’ called ‘Magicclick’ that pokes fun at college students and their obsession with Instant Messenger.

“I find that the audience really loves the parodies,” said DeAngelis. “I like starting my shows by playing air guitar to Twisted Sister’s ‘Wanna Rock’ and getting the audience fired up. It really sets a positive mood for the rest of the act.”

Not every single performance has been a smooth ride for DeAngelis since he started stand-up comedy. He recalled one time when the audience was just not responding to his routine.

“The guy who performed before me really bombed and that put the audience in a bad mood,” said DeAngelis. "I started out tense and the audience picked up on it right away. Next thing that happens I start get frustrated with the crowd and it turned out to be a pretty bad show.”

Not everything coming from that show was negative DeAngelis said. In fact, he claimed to have a learned a valuable lesson about stand-up comedy.

“A key for every comedian is to not get frustrated with the audience,” said DeAngelis. “As soon as the crowd senses even a little tension, they will look to grill you and not laugh. It is vital to always keep the energy level high and the delivery of your act sharp.”

While DeAngelis has a unique comedic style, there are a few comedians he has come to respect and emulate. His favorites include the older works of Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy. Tops on his list for a current comedian on the stand-up circuit is Dane Cook.

“Robin Williams was the master of stand-up comedy back in his day,” said DeAngelis. “No one could compete with the energy and insanity he brought to every show. Eddie Murphy and more recently Dane Cook are always good for cracking me up.”

Future goals for DeAngelis include continuing to perform stand-up whenever the opportunity arises. His next gig is May 28 at Rascal’s in Ocean Township at 8 p.m. In the long-term, DeAngelis would love to take his act to the next level and one day star in a sitcom or sketch comedy show. Whatever lies next for DeAngelis, one guarantee is that his best shot will be given to make his dreams a reality.
He says he loves stepping on stage, landing his first joke and hearing the applause.

“Performing stand-up is just a great thrill for me,” said DeAngelis. "There is just not a better feeling in the world. I hope to entertain people for a long time after graduating.”

May 8 , 2003 Issue