My Profession: Activist and comic Diane O’Connor

Did you at all times need to be a comic?
No, I don’t suppose I at all times knew it was a factor. From after I was a toddler I at all times wished to carry out and liked making individuals snort. Initially, I pursued appearing as being a comic wasn’t even on my radar, so appearing appeared like the apparent approach to do that. However on reflection, comedy, improv and simply being in a theatre or on stage had been my actual passions, I simply hadn’t figured on the market had been a number of methods to do it.

In faculty, I studied… appearing, then I skilled to be a drama facilitator after which just a few years later I did a Drama & Theatre Research H Dip as I believed it will enhance my profession prospects (I snort as I say this, I used to be truly working extra earlier than it!), however then graduated straight right into a recession so the joke was on me! I nonetheless liked every of these programs and suppose all of them contributed to the place I’m now. I like to inform myself there isn’t a improper path, simply many alternative ones – solely symbolically in fact…

My most formative work expertise was… most likely working as a drama facilitator. I liked it a lot and obtained such a buzz out of it so it was the primary time I realised I could possibly be completely satisfied working in one thing that wasn’t appearing. The abilities that you simply develop as a facilitator (and particularly throughout my coaching, I had wonderful academics) will stand to you in any job – notably comedy; listening, pondering in your ft, being conscious of how individuals within the room are responding and being empathetic. And likewise planning – at all times have a agency plan however be prepared to throw it out the window if wanted.

My first actual job was… SuperQuinn, in fact! Do not forget that one?! How thrilling it was to make €3 an hour. I keep in mind my first payslip was like €33 and was lodged into my Tusa account. Particular nostalgia brownie factors for anybody who remembers Tusa Financial institution.

Probably the most invaluable factor I discovered early on in my profession was… to work for individuals you respect and that respect you and are working to make the scene higher for everybody. You could have to show down a gig or two however you’ll sleep higher at night time for it. Additionally, present up on time and don’t go over your allotted time – you’re taking another person’s time in case you do.

A standard false impression about what I do is… that we’re joke jukeboxes and may lash out a joke on demand at a household dinner or in a taxi. I learnt shortly to not inform the taxi driver what I do. I say that, BUT a few weeks again I used to be having a little bit of banter with the taxi driver so I advised him, predictably he requested for a joke, stupidly I advised him one… His response? He advised me one in all his jokebook jokes. I completely deserved it!

My important duty in work is to… make individuals snort. If I’m not doing that, then I’m not doing my job; I’m not completely satisfied, the promoter is just not completely satisfied and the viewers is questioning why they didn’t keep house and watch Netflix as an alternative.

Do you will have a profession mentor or somebody you look as much as/search recommendation from?
Sure, it’s one thing that took me a very long time to do as I believed I used to be speculated to know all of it and questions would imply I didn’t have a clue what I used to be doing! However not too long ago I get higher at reaching out if there’s one thing I’m not sure about or having conversations with comics about bits in my set I really feel want work. Additionally, Moms Artists Makers – a parenting artist group I’m a member of – has been an enormous a part of my journey in exhibiting how one can make it work whereas juggling caring duties. You miss a variety of alternatives, festivals and different stuff, however they do wonderful work in advocating for child-friendly practices and supporting dad and mom who want to return to the sector.

The largest danger I’ve taken in my profession to this point is… most likely my newest present which tries to make the Local weather Emergency humorous. It’s simply low-hanging fruit actually. I get extra political than I might in my typical set and have a go at some billionaires… hope they’re not studying this.

I wake at… 7am usually or every time my one-year-old decides to descend upon me with cuddles or launch a ebook at my head shouting, “Learn!”

The very first thing I do each morning is… attempt to persuade the aforementioned one-year-old that it will be enjoyable to sleep for 10 extra minutes or learn the ebook herself so I can nod off. I fail each time, however that doesn’t cease me from attempting which is mad as a result of if a joke failed that always you’ll bin it!

My morning routine is… dress, feed my two pretty youngsters, assist my 6-year-old prepare for varsity and desperately attempt to be on time – which works about in addition to getting the one-year-old to relax out with the Gruffalo. In my defence, it’s removed from an 8:30am faculty begin we had been raised! Once I get again from drop off I attempt to compensate for emails, then when my toddler naps, I write and do some social media.

I can’t go to work with out… my pocket book and pen.

I journey to work by… foot, bus or prepare – I attempt to keep on model! All I’m lacking is the biking. I used to cycle to work years in the past however fracturing my elbow whereas falling off a stationary bike together with another misadventures made me suppose I’m higher alone two ft.

On a median workday I… attempt to spend time writing, in search of or reserving gigs, selling upcoming gigs and my favorite – getting on stage. Most not too long ago, I’ve been busy prepping for my present so if I had rehearsal, I’d go to Axis in Ballymun to satisfy my director Kelly Shatter.

I break for lunch at… the time my toddler sleeps. I’ve been recognized to get a sandwich into me at 10am. If you miss sufficient lunches you begin to replenish upfront.

Probably the most helpful enterprise device I exploit day by day is… my pen and paper, although I suppose my telephone is indispensable because it’s how all gigs are booked today.

I not often get by my working day with out… spending an excessive amount of time on social media, then scolding myself for it.

The very best a part of my day is… being on stage and getting to speak to different comedians. The comedy scene is absolutely thrilling in the meanwhile I believe. It seems like there are extra golf equipment and comedians than ever and such diversified kinds in what every has to supply. Additionally the educational, I really feel like from each a writing and performing standpoint – and from watching different comics – I’m at all times studying one thing new.

Probably the most difficult a part of my day is… if I’ve a foul gig, I’ll actually be replaying and dissecting it in my head all night time. You are feeling actually crap when that occurs, it usually stays with me for 2 days then I’ve to get on with it and remind myself that I truly do know what I’m doing.

I do know it’s been a great day if… I sleep effectively after a gig.

I normally finish my day at… 12am with tea and toast if I’ve a gig and 5pm if I don’t have a gig, so that you couldn’t precisely set your timer by me! It actually varies although as with two younger youngsters it’s hectic so it’s a variety of attempting to seize a couple of minutes right here or half an hour there.

I swap off from work by… going for a few pints with buddies, doing yoga or baking scones. Usually, if I’m overwhelmed as a result of I’ve to a lot to dom if I discover myself making scones after I undoubtedly don’t have time… it’s like my physique simply says “Fast get the blending bowl out earlier than you lose the plot.”

Earlier than I am going to mattress I… TRY to write down a to-do listing for the following day. My reminiscence is surprising if I don’t have issues written down.

I usually put together for tomorrow by… making faculty lunches and double-checking my calendar (surprising reminiscence…)

After an extended work week, I destress by… having a few beers and a packet of Keoghs Salt & Vinegar crips whereas watching a horrible movie with a number of plot holes. Actually nothing makes me happier.

The accomplishment I’m most pleased with is… most likely my final present, Breastfeeding Alfresco. I wrote it largely through the first yr my child was born after I was in that whirlwind. I ended up being nominated for advocate of the yr with the Buddies of Breastfeeding award on account of it. To be sincere, it solely occurred as I had a tremendous household prepared to leap in and assist with childcare and so forth. I keep in mind after I approached Niamh Ní Chonchubair at Axis Ballymun to carry out there she was so encouraging and supportive – that form of gave me the idea within the present to tour it. I by no means actually anticipated having a child and my work to collide like that so it nonetheless makes me actually completely satisfied after I suppose again on it

If you wish to get into my line of labor, my recommendation is to… go watch reside comedy if it’s accessible for you. If not, watch it on-line. Simply watch hundreds! Learn comedians’ autobiographies too as they offer good insights. Discuss to comedians after gigs, write, write, write (at all times carry a pocket book or use your telephone) and don’t be afraid to ask for assist and recommendation. I’ve solely not too long ago gotten good at that half.

I’ve simply completed engaged on… my new present, The Unintended Activist. I’ve at all times wished to write down in regards to the surroundings and what’s occurring however I didn’t have a approach in, then the idea for this present got here to me a few years in the past when it was identified to me that I could, in actual fact, be an activist and it simply constructed from there. I began growing it over a yr in the past as a part of the Axis Assemble program in Axis Ballymun which has been a tremendous expertise as an artist, the experience of the crew there’s second to none. This actually helped me form the present.

Diane O’Connor is a slapstick comedian,  author and drama facilitator primarily based in North Dublin. She was one in all 29 artists engaged within the Axis Assemble Programme in 2021. Diane can be a local weather activist who loves combining her ardour for the surroundings and the humanities to create, educate and entertain and is one half of the social enterprise The Sustainable Life College.