The Lumberjack/Alonda Thomas

Stand-up comedian Roy Wood Jr. has been tickling audiences’ funny bones for more than 12 years now. He has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. Look for Wood Jr. and fellow Last Comic Standing comedians to be bringing the laughs tonight at the Prochnow Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The Lumberjack was able to secure a phone interview with Wood while he was between shows.

The Lumberjack:  What got you into doing comedy in the first place?

Roy Wood:  When I was 19, I made some dumb mistakes and got put on probation for a year. It made me change my life priorities and helped me put my life in perspective in terms of achieving goals and things of that nature. Comedy was on my list of things to do, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

LJ: Is there a particular subject matter you like to use in your comedy?

RW: No, I just try my best to talk about everyday scenarios that happen in life. I’m not big on picking stuff out — some guys are strictly politics, some guys are strictly relationships. My stuff is a nice blend of whatever is pissing me off that week.

LJ: What is your favorite part about stand-up?

RW: A lot of guys will say that the best part is when you make people laugh, but for me the best part is anytime people understand. When people nod and go, “Yeah, uh huh” — not necessarily agreeing with me, but taking the time to understand where I’m coming from. Those types of jokes are what made comedian George Carlin so special, because he had the ability to make you laugh at something you didn’t even agree with. That takes a special kind of wordsmith to be able to do that.

LJ: What is it like constantly traveling with the rest of the Last Comic Standing cast?

RW: It’s very quiet on the bus. I thought it would be a lot more boisterous, but there are no fights; there’s no drama. Everyone gets along well. Everybody has totally different personalities, but we’re all laid back; none of us are really alpha-male types. In terms of being civil with one another, we’re definitely good.

LJ: Despite your fame and comedic success, you’re only 31 years old. Do you have any particular career plans or goals for the future?

RW: Right now, I’d like to have my own sitcom and/or show on Adult Swim. I’m very anxious to get some of my radio stuff off the ground, as well.

LJ: What advice do you have for people who want to get into stand-up?

RW: I think that anyone who wants to get into stand-up comedy cannot have fear. You’ve got to swallow your fear and get on stage as much as possible. A lot of guys take for granted that this is an art. It’s easy for guys to act drunk or as if they’re on drugs, but that’s not what it’s about. This is an art; respect the game, and it’ll respect you. Also, write down anything you find funny, and find a way to incorporate it into your performance.

LJ: When you’re not making people laugh, what do you like to do in your spare time?

RW: I’m pretty laid back in my spare time. I play my Playstation 3 online (Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Madden 2011), take a lot of naps and that is pretty much it. I do a lot of sleeping and field a lot of phone calls.

LJ: Why should NAU students come to the Last Comic Standing show Thursday night?

RW: Students should come to the Last Comic Standing show because it features five of the best comics you have ever seen, and at this point in the semester, something bad has probably already happened to you. You’re probably already flunking something, so come to the show ready to start laughing.

Ticket information can be found at the Central Ticket Office by calling 523-5661 or emailing tickets@nau.edu.