Comedian Kyle Cease (left) invites NIC student John Yearsley on stage for a duet.
More than 200 students and community members enjoyed Comedian Kyle Cease’s visit to NIC, part of his 2011 “20 Colleges in 20 Days” tour. The show took place in the lower level of the SUB the evening of Sept. 22.
“[I got] a standing ovation. Couldn’t ask for more than that. Unless I could fly,” said Cease.
His interaction with the audience was a significant element of his act, incorporating audience members in his jokes, conversing with them, and convincing two audience members to sing back up vocals while he performed a song on the piano. Ryan Garner, a third year psychology student at NIC who was one of the two audience members called onto the stage, expressed his enjoyment over being chosen to be part of the show and his hope that Cease would be back soon.
Cease began his career at the age of 12, performing in clubs and corporate parties. He had small roles in multiple movies, including a character role in “10 Things I Hate About You,” as well as playing the guy who constantly attempts the slow clap in “Not Another Teen Movie.” Cease has had his own special on Comedy Central, appeared on “Premium-Blend,” and placed first on Comedy Central’s “Stand-up Showdown.” However, Cease brought something besides a comedy routine with him. He carried and shared a message of inspiration.
“We’re not here to get anything. We’re here to let it out,” said Cease.
Cease told the audience about difficulties he had faced when he was stuck between the desire and fear of success.
“Anything that someone else did, we can all do,” Cease said. “You have proof cause someone else did it.”
John Smith, 18, who sings lead vocals in a local heavy metal band, agreed.
“It’s nice to see that the same mentality has actually gotten people somewhere,” Smith said.
Cease will release his book “Wasn’t Next Week Great?” next fall. He said the title is a testament to his live in the flow attitude.
“It’s a book with full on proof. Scientific proof, my life proof, everything proof, that you can have, be, do, anything that you want,” Cease said. “And it’s f-ing funny.”
The show was booked by ASNIC last July, and as all events put on by ASNIC, it was free of charge.
