Meet Me In New York: Rory Scovel

What do they say about New York City: There are eight million stories, and sometimes it seems as though eight million of the people telling them think they're comedians? No, that's not it. It is a fact, though, that America's biggest city is also its biggest comedy mecca. Hollywood may be Hollywood, but New York City is where comedians are born funny, become funny or arrive to thrust their funny upon us. I think we should meet some of these people. This is a new recurring feature, a mini-profile of newcomers, up-and-comers and overcomers of New York's vibrant comedy scene. It's called Meet Me In New York.

Tumblr_kpcn77h0Ou1qztv2io1_500 Today I introduce you to Rory Scovel, who I first read about when he entered Seattle's comedy competition in 2006 and made it to the finals with his unique set choices. This summer, he appeared at Montreal's Just For Laughs as a New Face, and this fall, he is a finalist in New York's Funniest Stand-Up contest (finals to be held Nov. 3 as part of the New York Comedy Festival). Photo of Scovel by Mindy Tucker.

Name: Rory Scovel

Arrival date: March 1, 2007

Arrived from: Washington, D.C.
When and where did you start performing comedy? March of 2004 in Washington, D.C.
What was your best credit before moving here? Live at Gotham on Comedy Central taped right when I moved up.

Why did you pick NYC over LA or anywhere else? I moved to NYC because I grew up on the East Coast. I lived in Greenville, SC, then Spartanburg, SC, then Washington, D.C. It only made sense to keep moving north to NYC. I've always wanted to live here and be a part of the entertainment universe that NYC is. I love everything about this place in and out of performance. NYC has so much character and I felt I would miss ever being here if I went to L.A. first. I think NYC is also a great place to really sharpen your skills as a stand-up comedian and meet lots of comics that are really doing great things with their careers.

How long did it take to get your first paid gig in NYC after moving here? Two months. I emceed a night at the HA Club, then didn't.

How is this scene better/same/worse than the scene you moved from? I think it's a different level of the entertainment industry. Not that the shows or performers are better or worse than those in DC, but the level of being involved in the entertainment industry definitely feels different. As far as quality stage time on a more consistent basis, I probably crafted an act faster in DC. I was able to get up most nights of the week and the shows were really fun. Granted the volume of comics is much smaller. New York City has those same shows but for me they aren't as easy to get on and then if I do get on a great one I just want to let loose and have fun instead of work on something I'm trying to craft for the road. I still enjoy NYC more because the scene is so big. You're always meeting new people and new shows are constantly popping up. I definitely enjoy heading down to DC frequently, though, to perform on shows at Ri-Ra on Wednesdays. Plug? Where?

Do you already have an "only in New York City" moment yet? Probably every time I get on the subway or walk anywhere in the city. I love the circus and I love living inside of one. I told my roommate that I saw Willem Dafoe at a Karaoke bar as a joke and because it's New York he believed that it was real. The next day, less than 24 hours later, he actually ran into Willem Dafoe in Greenwich Village. Probably not the greatest story ever.
What tip would you give to any comedian who moves here? Rid yourself of jealousy. It will ruin the entire city and your experiences here and your creativity. 
Where do you see yourself five years from now? I'd like to not be worrying about money anymore, but I'm cheap, so that may never happen. Probably in NYC, jealous of all these new assholes that move here.

Where can you see him in NYC now and in the near future? Today is Oct. 29, 2009. See Rory Scovel on Nov. 2 at "County Fair" (Arlene's Grocery); Nov. 3 at Carolines for New York's Funniest Stand-Up finals; Nov. 7 at Hugs in Williamsburg; Nov. 8 at Bar 13 in Union Square; Nov. 11 at "Haiku" in the East Village, then "Big Terrific" in Williamsburg; Nov. 13 at "Hot Soup" (Professor Thom's) in the East Village.

Here is a video of Scovel performing earlier this month back in Washington, D.C., at the inaugural Bentzen Ball. Roll it!

Which NYC comedian would you like to see me style and profile next for Meet Me In New York? Send your nominations to: thecomicscomic AT gmail DOT com

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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