My night with a professional.....comedian. That's not right!!

Let's start with a trip trip down memory lane from the ole' Dimension household...

I'll set the stage: its late 1980's, I was just a youngster, late teens, and was highly obsessed with comedy. Around this time, I became familiar with comedians like Andrew Dice Clay, Bob Nelson, Rick Ducommun and Howie Mandel to name a few. One comic in particular made a lasting impression, not just upon me, but upon my entire family. This comedian was Kevin Meaney.

Kevin Meaney was funny, charismatic and over the top. Doing impressions of his family, how over bearing his Mother was and the pure ridiculousness of everyday life made perfect sense to me. My Dad had raised me on Jonathan Winters and Kevin really reminded me of Winters, with his great sense of storytelling and sketch mastery. "That's not right" and "go upstairs and put your big pants on" echoed our household for years and it even leaked into my own household, when my wife and I would tell our kids "stop walking around with that puss on your face!" They never laughed, but we sure did.

So, fast forward 30 years...

In our hometown, we have a theater; The Act II Playhouse, here in Ambler, and while Kim and I were out for our walk, I noticed they host comedy shows. I had never been to this theater, even though I lived here for 15 years, my wife has lived here, basically her entire life. I have no idea why I've never been there before, but let's just say, I'm glad we investigated things further.

I came home, looked online and, nearly fell over. I see "Kevin Meaney" coming to our hometown!! After being a fan for nearly 30 years, the opportunity had come to see him...live!! Obviously, you can see, just by my use of exclamation marks, I was flipping out. I grabbed two, 2nd row seats and we were set.

Kevin with Kim and I

Let's just talk about the theater for second, before I discuss the night in question. The theater was so great. Its quaint, intimate and I was regretting not being there before. It will be a monthly spot for Kim and I. There is nothing better than being part of a small town and enjoying the finer things like the Act II Playhouse.

Now, Kevin came out like a house on fire, for the first 25 minutes, he was firing off funny stories, relatable family commentary and punchline after punchline and Kim and I were dying. Just full of energy. The entire, sold out crowd was in tears. He did new material, plus some of his most notable. He involved the crowd but here is where you can tell that Kevin is seasoned comedian....

Meaney chose stories and content based upon the demographic of the crowd. The audience was made up of mostly 35-65 yr olds and every story he told was relatable. Situations we can all look back upon and laugh, like going outside and playing, by digging a hole, not staring at people while driving and your parents being able to reach into the backseat, no matter how far away you squirmed from their reach. It was all 100% on point and took us all back to growing up.

I can't recommend these 2 things anymore.

1. If you're in Ambler, PA and you're looking for a great comedy show, play or musical, make sure you stop by the Act II Playhouse. 
2. If Kevin Meaney comes near your town, go out and see him. I promise, you will not be disappointed. 

Here are all your ways to stay in contact with them:

Kevin's Twitter - https://twitter.com/kevinmeaney

Kevin's website -http://www.kevinmeaney.com

Act 2 Playhouse - http://act2.org

Act 2 Twitter - https://twitter.com/act2playhouse

Until next time...make sure you subscribe to my Youtube channel www.youtube.com/robdimension and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/RobDimension 

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson : Life Lesson's & Robots

On today's episode of Acting with Andy, Andy tries to offer his help with Life Lesson's and Robots. Yeah, we though the title sounded off too. Well, make sure you follow all his tips (ok..that's probably a really bad idea).

Make sure you visit www.ActingwithAndy.com

and subscribe

www.youtube.com/RobDimension 

To stand up or sit down.

Well, here we are again...the internal debate that has been going back and forth in my head since I was nine years old. Stand Up Comedy. Imagine this; a nine year old kid reading a Steve Allen book, titled How to Be Funny. I had hopes and dreams of being the next Rodney Dangerfield, as I sat watching HBO comedy specials and the Gong Show. Obviously, after all that...I'm still wondering how to be funny.

Let's jump ahead to 2011-2012, the dream almost became a reality. Open mic's had become a very real option and I was actually being requested to come to a few. I had several comedians offering to mentor me, show me the ropes and go over my material. So, what happened? Honestly, life happened. I had personal problems at home, was struggling with who or what I was and just wasn't coping well. This should've been great material, instead, I just backed off and went a different direction. I turned to filmmaking.


Filmmaking ended up becoming a blessing in disguise. I found a voice and a happiness that I had never really thought possible. I was able to have an outlet and express emotions and touch on deep hidden horror that was within me. I love horror and this was a dream to achieve, for sure. Besides comedy, I grew up a monster kid. For me, depression and horror went hand and hand. They were a couple. When I was miserable, I wrote about loss, I jotted down people who lived behind closed doors with terrible secrets. Then, the sun began to shine....

The clouds split and the days were filled with happiness. Sounds corny, Right? It's true. I broke through the depression and found out who I was again. I still struggle day to day but I do feel better. I won't ever recover 100% but I'll do my best to keep my sanity in check.

Three months ago, I finally pulled the trigger and got started on youtube. I started to post videos about what made me happy and then I started to think about developing some characters that bounced around in my head. I started to write and work on weird shit that might make me laugh or that I would watch. Sure, I know I'm not normal, but this was where my head was leaning towards. So, I'm doing a form of improv and comedy. I'm creating content that hopefully makes you laugh a little, between Acting with Andy and Petey Panda, its all a work in progress. More characters are coming, so be patient.

Lately, I have been thinking about a possible live stage show or even performing stand up comedy. The debating, within my head, along with the voices have begun. At age 45 3/4, do I bother learning another craft that will, no doubt, be tough? Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to have some success in a few things..obviously success is different for everyone. For me, its simple, just don't suck.

The live stage show is a possibility. Stand up is possible. I guess I will wait and see where Youtube takes me. Thanks for reading.

Acting with Andy - How to do Audition

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson - How to do Audition

Andy Pyles returns today to help those who might need help with the audition process. Andy offers 4 important tips to secure that acting job. How to properly put together a resume, doing your own make up, how to look the part and much more!! For more tips, follow Andy on twitter http://www.youtube.com/andypylesactor

Please remember to subscribe to our channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and watch for new content every Wednesday and Friday. Also, if you enjoy, please share, like and comment! Thanks and enjoy your week!!

acting with andy, acting tips, how to audition, auditioning for an acting job, how to be an actor, learning your craft, how to do your makeup, looking like an actor

This week's Dimension Chat - My Pet Monster

You remember My Pet Monster, right? The plush toy from the 80's designed for boys, that launched a made for TV movie, an animated series and an undying love for all things Monster! This week, join me as I look closer at My Pet Monster, the craze and how badly I NEED one!!

TvLand kicks it to the Curb

TvLand kicks it to the Curb

This past weekend, TvLand started to run the Larry David sitcom show, Curb Your Enthusiasm. For me, it's crazy that after 8 seasons, this show will grab an entire new audience. Those that loved Seinfeld, will love this show too.

Being a Seinfeld fanatic, once HBO originally announced Curb, being helmed by Seinfeld creator Larry David, it was a must watch for me. On Seinfeld, the character George Costanza was written around Larry David, even though the show itself was a basis of some of David's real life escapades and adventures.   

Curb Your Enthusiasm is part sitcom, part improv and part sheer craziness. The Larry David character has no filter, can't let things go and has a constant problem with being in the middle of a bad situation. I guess the genius of the show is it's not that far from reality. We all hate lending items out, we tend to lack social skills and we all handle things badly at times...well, that's what is typically premise for each 30 minute episode. From have a "Pants Tent", that your Wife's best friend thinks is a boner to a reunion of sorts for the cast of Seinfeld. Larry takes in a family misplaced from Katrina, his marriage to Cheryl has ups and downs and his professional life meet issues with his manager, Jeff, his wife Susie, his friends and his celebrity run ins are always awesome.

Now, with that being said, this show will not cater to everyone. Yes, plus being on TvLand, the show at times, is edited but nothing that you can't look past. For me, it's still funny and to relive the series makes late night battles with insomnia, not so bad. The show is on most last nights (set your dvr) usually 11pm or later, but it's well worth a watch. 

The show is currently on hiatus from it's new season, scheduled to be rumored for a shooting start in the Fall. The seasons are all available to purchase for usually around $20-$25 and have a high re-watchability. So, if you're watching late at night, make sure you tweet to @TvLand and Me and use the hashtag #CurbYourEnthusiasm and let's talk!

Small Business Marketing found in weird spot!

Small Business Marketing found in weird spot!

Let's face it, I am a small business. I am a film maker, writer and actor. I host several podcasts, host events and take a lot of shit.... so I need a way to let people know what I'm are up too. The biggest question is - how do I do that?

I always claim to be the "Social Media Whore" or some sort of social media expert, but just like you, I am always trying to find the best way to get the message out. Social Media is the tip of the iceberg and like I've said so many times before, it's not the only way. 

Several months ago, I took a chance on a new podcast to listen too (honestly, I listen to a lot to up my game and see what's out there). Being a comedy fan, I was aimed in the direction of "Connected Comedy". Quite frankly, I really want to be a stand up comedian and I figured this show might give me insight to get out of the shadows and do something...but upon listening...I found out more than I could ever hope for. (btw..I'm still lurking in the shadow's)

The "Connected Comedy Podcast" is really a tool for comedians that are looking for ways to promote themselves and they discuss countless avenues to take to reach what path you're looking for. From email marketing to having exactly what you should have on a business card. Better way to design a website and things to add, that really help push what you want pushed. Help with bookings, dealing with promoters and how to host your own event. Online marketing..the list goes on and on.

For instance, I'm using one of their recommendations now, taking a minute and writing more. Sure, it doesn't seem like much but if it drives one new person to follow me on twitter, possible listen to my podcasts or even buy my movie, then how great of a chance it that? Like I've said, the podcast is aimed at comedians but it's so much more than that. Each week I listen, I learn something else...seriously. Josh Spector, Jordan Cooper, Chelsie Rice and Josh Homer plus the rest of the crew often debate and question each other's methods, often bringing up more good ideas to try. 

So, for all you that ask me the best way to promote yourself...here is a FREE podcast to listen too & take advantage of. It's well worth the listen, seriously, regardless of what you do. This caters to all forms of entertainment and small business and is a valuable listen. Can't recommend enough.

www.ConnectedComedy.com

Check out there Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConnectedComedians

Their podcast is the same name on iTunes 

Finding a groove - Satire

Finding a Groove - Satire

Sure, just like most adults in their early 40's, like me, we remember reading Mad magazine or having their subscriptions to Cracked. Getting our dose of satirical humor long before most of us even got the jokes. Hell, I remember one of the highlights of Mad was to fold the back cover to see something funny. 

At the age of 8-13 what could I possibly relate too based on World issues or economic struggles? Seeing Mad make fun of Jimmy Carter because he liked jelly beans was funny...to an 8 year old, who also loved jelly beans.

Let's jump to 2012, I'm guessing that Mad magazine is still published. Alfred E Neuman is probably still taking jabs at the president, plus Hollywood's finest are still gracing the cover. It wasn't until just recently that I discovered my love for Satire, but it was hidden. 

Twitter has made satirical writing much more easy; given us all "open mic night", if you will. Obviously, if you just read my "Keys to Social Media Success" you can tell, I don't take the social media or myself serious. I enjoy pointing out the obvious, making fun of things and people...especially Steve Corino. Watching the news; great way to see humor in things. Just today, I see that the 1st ever recipient of a Kidney Transplant finally died at the age of 93. Now, to some this might seem like a milestone for science, to me..an opportunity for a tweet:

"1st ever successful Kidney Transplant patient finally dies at age of 93...guess it wasn't that successful"

Sure some people will roll their eyes, while others will miss the joke and even some will point out the mean. I never like to be outright mean; tweeting to celebrities awful things is the new "hip" thing. I just don't do it...or at least..often.

I also have no problem making fun of myself...a lesson I learned in Professional Wrestling. Some of the best heels in wrestling made a legacy, pointing and laughing at themselves. Look at Bobby Heenan, a classic manager, who was serious when he needed to be but was also an amazing color commentator who added quick wit and satire to make others look better. 

I am always the first to point out how awful my jokes are, how I tweet a line that gets no response or even pointing out what everyone else thinks. Last night, I tweeted:

"Ever been so proud of a tweet, sit idle, waiting for the RT's to hit...& then...Nothing?         That's what my day consists of. #Disappointment"

See, you know we have all thought "Man, I have the killer tweet...gonna kill!" We tweet it, wait and nothing. I'm not comedian..just follow me and you'll see that. I'm just a guy who read Mad magazine, thinks farts are funny and likes to point and laugh at the world. I have no idea why I wrote this today..motivation? Finding a groove? Wanting too share? No idea...just having fun I guess. Until tomorrow..follow me on Twitter @RobDimension - "I'll be here all week..order the veal."

Introducing - Dimension Monster Chronicles (coming soon)

Dimension Monster Chronicles

Filming this weekend, Dimension Monster Chronicles will be something a little new and kind of the same. Yeah, confusing right? Kim and Rob Dimension, the couple who, last year began a new type of review show. Tired of the same old, basic, guy in front of a camera review, they started using puppets, humor, clips and showing their "unique" love for each other in the process. Getting some attention, the couple decided it's time to work a little harder this time around...but, with a twist.

Rob had an idea (we know, very rare) to change things up a bit...what if...Dimension was a Monster dealing with Monster issues, while still reviewing movies and products? At the same time, while dealing with trying to become human again and trying to get along with Hack and Danny Pickle..this could be fun. If anything spells fun, it's puppets....or maybe it's a creepy thing, either way, the couple is excited.

Rob, who voices all the puppets, plus writes, edits and directs the process had this too say; "I love working with Kim, we had gotten some good reviews for our reviews..haha...and I figured I could step back a little and work on producing a fun concept. She has a dry sense of humor and gets where the joke is going. We want to create an awareness of what people might be missing, or simple forgot about." When asking Kim, she says "I'm not an actress..I just do this to have fun and I've fallen in love with some of these puppets personalities, especially Danny Pickle. He's such a Momma's boy, I forget that Rob is behind it...I have so much fun."

That sums up the project, as the key word is FUN. Rob closed with this "I think it's safe too say, we won't win any awards, we will be thankful to those who tune in and watch, even if it's just us. The episodes will have run times of 3-10 minutes, based on what we are talking about or doing....we also have a Villain that will make his presence known."

Right now, stay tuned to http://www.robdimension.com/ until we launch http://www.dimensionmonsterchronicles.com/ within the next few weeks. The episodes will be every few weeks...we look forward to seeing you guys!

Extreme Odd Couple - Episode 1 hits the net

The Extreme Odd Couple - Episode 1

Over a decade in the making, these two have finally decided to let you see what everyday life is like between Professional Wrestler Steve Corino and his Manager, Rob Dimension.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the 1st episode that shows you how the roles aren't always as they appear...out of the ring, behind the curtain...two guys that have totally different interests except to make each other miserible.

Please vote for us on Funny or Die:

http://www.funnyordie.com/rob_dimension

Follow them on Twitter:

@SteveCorino and @RobDimension