Hi all, just wondered whether other comics use their own name on stage, or have a stage name. I can see the benefit of using your real name but at the same time, if you are trying to build a character away from the eyes of those who know you (at least until you are one step up from awful), I can see the advantage of another identity. But is it too diva-ish to have a stage name before you've even popped your stage cherry? A bit of a ramble think-aloud post but would appreciate your comments.
Why not? If it helps you step outside of your real identity, it could help. Could be difficult changing it back again,though, if you become wildly successful.
I chose a stage name purely because I didn't want friends and family to see my name listed in TimeOut when I was starting out and rubbish.
It was a name which some people involved in comedy already knew me as (I'd previously used it as a "username") which helped.
Sometimes, after 10 years of performing under my stage name, I wish I could go back to using my real name, but on the other hand it's often nice to keep the two sides of my life separated somewhat.
The only thing is that it's weird in social situations where there are people who know me through comedy and people who know the "real" me, I have to be ready to respond to both names and to explain why some people are calling me one name and some another.
Quote: Tony Cowards @ 23rd February 2014, 1:18 PM GMTI chose a stage name purely because I didn't want friends and family to see my name listed in TimeOut when I was starting out and rubbish.
It was a name which some people involved in comedy already knew me as (I'd previously used it as a "username") which helped.
Sometimes, after 10 years of performing under my stage name, I wish I could go back to using my real name, but on the other hand it's often nice to keep the two sides of my life separated somewhat.
The only thing is that it's weird in social situations where there are people who know me through comedy and people who know the "real" me, I have to be ready to respond to both names and to explain why some people are calling me one name and some another.
Jerry Sadowitz is a lovely name, don't worry about it.
Quote: Tony Cowards @ 23rd February 2014, 1:18 PM GMTI chose a stage name purely because I didn't want friends and family to see my name listed in TimeOut when I was starting out and rubbish.
It was a name which some people involved in comedy already knew me as (I'd previously used it as a "username") which helped.
Sometimes, after 10 years of performing under my stage name, I wish I could go back to using my real name, but on the other hand it's often nice to keep the two sides of my life separated somewhat.
The only thing is that it's weird in social situations where there are people who know me through comedy and people who know the "real" me, I have to be ready to respond to both names and to explain why some people are calling me one name and some another.
So if you're not Tony Cowards... who are you? 
I think you should be unmasked in a real-life Scooby Doo ending. 
Thanks for your comments. I'm going to go with a variation of my first name (which I've never been called) and my real surname. Its won't take Sherlock to work it out, but it should keep me out of sight for couple of shows.
Quote: SirVyvor @ 24th February 2014, 8:39 PM GMTThanks for your comments. I'm going to go with a variation of my first name (which I've never been called) and my real surname. Its won't take Sherlock to work it out, but it should keep me out of sight for couple of shows.
Good luck Dav Le Travis!
I could never go with a stage name. Because my mother was one of those left over hippies who had to have everything her way, my first name "Nathanielle" is spelled in a way I have never seen others spell it. I think it showed up in a baby book once or twice, but otherwise, it draws attention.