THE HIGHS OF DOING COMEDY: Fringe Festivals

Yes, some people get high from jogging and running marathons.  Not wanting to do those physically strenuous activities, I found that writing a good joke premise could also give me a high and a feeling of satisfaction. I eventually wrote more material than I could perform, because I was allowed only so many minutes of stage time.

Once again, my dear friend Bob gave me inspiration.  He wrote and performed his own one-man shows at the local Bloomington theater.  Why couldn’t I do that?  So, my next big goal was to write a show for the many Fringe Festivals across our country.  I was accepted in the Indianapolis Fringe Festival (2021, 2022) and the Orlando Fringe Festival (2023). My show was Deadpan Jan: My Life Is Not a Sex Party, Or Is It?

My show: Deadpan Jan: My Life Is Not a Sex Party, Or Is It?

If you look up Gudaitis in Urban Dictionary, Gudaitis is defined as a “Sex Party”.  Yes, it is!  I am not joking. Look it up. How and why Gudaitis became a “Sex Party” in Urban Dictionary is shared in my show. The audience is invited to come to a sex party at my house with my best friend Oprah helping me plan the party.  

The urban dictionary definition of Gudaitis

Reviews from the Indy Fringe shows

“Jan Gudaitis is quite the enigma. She speaks in a monotone voice, she makes sharply hilarious observations, and her etymology of the English language is sublime. Her flat vocal cadence is reminiscent of the great comedian Stephen Wright, and like him, her content is exceptionally funny. I can guarantee that there will be some intercourse during the performance, as well as a strong possibility of ejaculation.”

— Wendy Carson, Plays with John and Wendy, 8/28/2021

“In the style of Mark Twain, the aka part of Deadpan, a self-deprecating Jan retells of stuff that happens or doesn’t much to her regret-- and thus stirs up a witch’s brew for our imaginations to inhale. Her zingers hit home. Exactly what is the meaning of “intercourse” sans snickering? And how did it get from verbal communication between people to tousling bodies? Gudaitis is an expert at conjuring up thinking points alongside finding humor in the mundane. And then there’s that party for which you’ve sent out invites and the ever-present concern, will they come? Never fear, Jan: if it’s your stand-up act, we’re in the seats. Wry humor feeds the soul.” 

— Rita Kohn, Nuvo Magazine, 9/9/2021

Postcard of Deadpan Jan at Indy Fringe Festival

Orlando Fringe Festivals