On Thursday afternoon, comedian Sam Comroe performed a show about living with Tourette’s syndrome. The show covered various topics including dating,
parties, bullying and even driving in Utah snow.
“This is a weird setup for a comedy show,” Comroe said about performing in the Shepherd Union Building’s cafeteria. “You guys are like 35 feet away from me. I’m in front of grocery store. ‘Can I get a milk? This guy is hilarious. Can I get a donut?’”
Comroe was born with Tourette’s and has used it as a way to break the ice and get people laughing at his shows.
“I’ve been on stage for a couple minutes — you guys might notice that my head flops around, my face twitches. I have Tourette’s syndrome. It’s kind of cute,” Comroe said. “I’ve had it since I was born. I’m 25. It always looks like I’m telling you a secret.”
As the ongoing theme for the show, Comroe was open about his Tourette’s syndrome and encouraged the audience to ask questions, using them as a way to connect to the students.
“What’s the best part of Tourette’s? I’ve never had that question before. I don’t know that there is a good part,” Comroe said. “I get a lot of free drinks. School was easy for me. It was easy to cheat. ‘Hey, was that Tourette’s? Yeah, it is!’”
The show at Weber State University was part of Comroe’s first trip to Utah.
“I’ve never been to Utah before. I’m not used to your weather,” Comroe said. “I’m cool with snow. I’m glad it’s nice outside, but when I first got here, it was snowing. I’ve seen snow before. I’m from Los Angeles, but I’ve seen it. You know what I mean? I like it. It’s pretty. I didn’t like your kind of snow, hitting me in the side of the face! ‘Welcome to Utah! Relax, you are aggressive!’”
The 50-minute show attracted many students in the Shepherd Union Pillar Plaza. Most of the chairs in the lunch room were filled, and many students were standing in order to stay and listen to the show.
“The show was hilarious,” said junior Megan Flint. “I think it’s really great to see someone turning their disability into something positive. I think a lot of people don’t know a lot about Tourette’s syndrome, so they might be apprehensive about it, but he makes everyone feel really comfortable and ready to laugh.”
More information about Comroe is available at www.samueljcomroe.com, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
“I’m really glad I stayed for this show,” said sophomore Jenny Lake. “Sam Comroe is very talented and so funny. It’s really great to see that so many people were here participating and laughing. I thought tying in the aspect of his Tourette’s syndrome was really interesting too. He turned his disability into something that he can share with people in a positive way.”
