Marie Ortiz East Brunswick funny man, David Sirus, 22, started doing stand-up comedy during “open mic” night at the Stress Factory, New Brunswick, five years ago.
‘Funniest Person From N.J.’
E.B. comedian earns big laughs in ‘Big Apple’
By nicole c. vaccaro
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — While most college grads worry about getting jobs, David Sirus worries about getting laughed at — literally.
Sirus, 22, is a recent graduate of Syracuse University, New York, and an aspiring stand-up comedian.
He performs about twice a week, mostly in New York comedy clubs, earning laughs with his sometimes controversial routine.
"I talk about lots of things that people don’t like to hear about, but should. I enjoy getting people worked up over common hypocrisies," said Sirus.
Some of Sirus’ favorite topics include homelessness, racism and witchcraft, to name a few.
"For example, when I talk about homeless people, I’m not making fun of them, but rather the society that expects them to survive without government help," he said.
But as harsh as it may seem at times, Sirus’ sarcastic sense of humor still manages to win over most audiences.
In fact, this talent for poking fun at the flaws in society was enough to earn him first place in the "Funniest Person From New Jersey" contest, which was held last month at the Stand-Up New York Comedy Club, Manhattan.
This marked Sirus’ first big victory since starting to perform at the age of 17.
His first attempt at comedy took place while on vacation with his family in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, when, on a whim, he decided to enter a talent competition.
"My family didn’t even know I was doing it. I just felt like getting up there and giving it a go, like I had nothing to lose," said Sirus. "I won first prize and was hooked on stand-up ever since. It was a great day."
During his senior year in high school, Sirus began performing at the Stress Factory, New Brunswick, on open mic nights.
It was there that he and six other male comedians got together to form their own comedy tribe, Baggonuts.
"We all have very similar comedic styles, poking fun at society, politics and relationships," said Sirus. "You know, your everyday fodder."
Baggonuts serves as its own booking agent, arranging for the comedians to perform at various clubs throughout the New York/New Jersey metro area. They’ve even launched their own Web site, www.baggonuts.com and had T-shirts printed.
"We don’t always perform together, but there are many times we will all perform individually at the same gig," added Sirus.
"There’s this pact between us that whoever breaks out into the business first needs to let the rest of us ride his coattails. Hopefully, I will be that guy," he said.
Throughout Sirus’ five years of performing, he’s put together 40 minutes of routine, which he likes to rotate to always give his audience something new to chew on.
"Most places require their comedians to perform five- to 10-minute acts, so it’s not likely I’ll use the same act more than once a month in the same place," he explained.
Sirus earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration from Syracuse’s College of Visual and Performing Arts earlier this year.
Since then, he has done some free-lance artwork, mostly on album covers, which he hopes will eventually lead to full-time work.
Sirus said he majored in illustration at the request of his parents, who suggested he get a degree in something with a more secure future.
"Don’t get me wrong, I love to draw. But I ultimately hope to make my living as a comedian," said Sirus.
For now, he works at a friend’s delicatessen part time to make ends meet when he’s not illustrating or performing.
He’s also working on his first novel, a satire on millennium conspiracy theories.
"I’ve been interested in comedy and satire since I was 12 years old, if not younger. That’s when I met [comedian] Jeff Ross at this camp I was attending," he said.
"He told me to drop out of school, live on the street and learn the hard way how to be a successful comedian," Sirus added.
While he wasn’t quite ready to throw away his education, Ross’ advice ignited a passion in Sirus to pursue his dream full force. He credits his inspiration to comedic legends George Carlin and Bill Hicks.
"Comedy is hard work and something you have to continuously perfect," says Sirus. "I’ve gotten much better since I was 17."
You can catch Sirus in his act at the New York Comedy Club, Manhattan, on Dec. 8 and at the Stand-Up New York Comedy Club on Dec. 5 and 19.

