Wright State student Lucas Williams got his start in standup three years ago when he was a student at Miami University.
“During my lunch period I would just start talking,” said Williams, “and it went from three or four people listening to people skipping class to come and see me.”
Williams said it got easier as more people came to listen.
“20 or 25 people is a lot harder than a big crowd,” said Williams.
Since then, Williams has brought his “Good Ole Boy” comedy style to several stages including a performance at Wright State in 2011.
“I got to open and M.C. the event when Michael Malone came to Wright State,” said Williams. “That was one of my favorite [performances] because it was a great response. They were ready to laugh.”
The blue-collar comedian grew up and still lives in rural Champaign County, Ohio. When asked to explain his self-described “Good Ole Boy” comedy style, Williams said, “People from the city laugh because it’s strange and people from the country laugh because it’s true.”
Williams said his interest in being a comedian came after seeing a standup act.
“The real true start [of comedy] for me was when I won tickets to watch Jon Reep at the Comedy Barn in Dayton,” said Williams.
While writing for his second CD, “I’m Not as Dumb as I Look but that Don’t Mean that I Ain’t,” Williams said he started integrating “straight jokes with punch lines” into his usually story-based set.
“I like to have different sets ready so I can change and adapt to the crowd,” said Williams. “If they just aren’t feeling it, I can do something else.”
When asked what makes a good joke, Williams said, “Taking the normal and making it abnormal, that’s what makes a good joke. It’s the truth behind it.”
Williams is in the process of planning a performance for later this fall.
“We’re planning a big show in Piqua, Ohio,” said Williams. “It’s the recording of my second CD.”
Williams also hopes to organize a Good Ole Boy comedy fest. “It would be our first official festival, and it would feature bands and other comics as well,” said Williams.
