Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to Sinclair Community College.
Mike Canestaro, chair of geology and chemistry, performs stand-up comedy with a group of current and former students across the city.
Canestaro, originally from upstate New York, hosts a show at the Fox and Hound in Beavercreek on Friday nights once a month. He said he also performs at least once a month at Wiley’s comedy club in the Oregon district on Sunday nights.
“I was always a big fan of comedy, but I was always too chicken to try it out,” Canestaro said.
Now Canestaro has really begun to come out of his shell as a comedian, according to Sinclair graduate and fellow comic Adrian Cosby.
“He actually has a whole set in character as a guy in a hazmat suit. It’s pretty funny,” Cosby said.
“I’ve learned how to accept my ‘nerdy-ness’ as a comedian,” Canestaro said.
Canestaro’s routine generally includes material that he comes up with from his experience as a professor. But there is one part of his life that will never be incorporated in his stand-up routine.
“I try not to use my wife in any of my material,” Canestaro said. I would never want to be hurtful to anyone while performing.”
Dayton’s comedy scene is surprisingly active, according to Cosby.
“Every night there is a comedy show in Dayton, and most people don’t know it,” Cosby said.
Current students Travis Clyburn, Nathan Hall and Cosby all perform in an Improv (Improvisational comedy) group they call Angry Bacon.
Travis Clyburn, theatre major, 21, is the comedian with the most experience, according to Canestaro. Clyburn teaches an Improv class at the Rosewood Arts Center in Kettering, and has been doing the comedic art form for seven years. He also performs at Laffs in Germantown.
Cosby, has always had a passion for comedy, but until recently hasn’t had the confidence to get on stage and give it a try. Until he saw a flyer for Clyburn’s improv class at the Rosewood arts center.
“Everyone was a stand-up comedian in the class,” Cosby said. “That first day, I knew I had just changed my life forever.”
The cost for the Rosewood Arts improv class is $57 for residents of Kettering and $67 for non-residents.
Cosby began his endeavors as a comedian in the Rosewood class. Now Cosby is taking an advanced class at the Front Street Lofts.
Clyburn is also the instructor for the advanced class at Front St. The class is offered on Wednesday’s at 7 p.m. and runs for five weeks. The cost for the class is $50 roughly $10 per session.
The group has expressed interest in doing a show for Sinclair, and possibly starting a comedy club for students who are interested.
“Blair hall would be a great venue for a performance,” Canestaro said.
“If there are enough students that want join, we would be all for it,” Clyburn said.
“Come to Wiley’s on Sunday, its open mic night,” Hall said. “See how it’s done first, then sign up and give it a try.”
Cyburn suggests aspiring comedians set a date for their first performance to ensure they go through with performing.
“It’s better to regret something you did than something you didn’t,” Clyburn said.
For Hall, 22, automotive technology, comedy has been addictive.
Hall also encourages other aspiring comedians to watch live stand up at Wiley’s before attempting stand-up for the first time.
“[Because] once you get that first laugh, you don’t want them to stop coming,” Hall said.