Steve Gallas presents comedic 'Scenario' at Lit Lounge
Steve Gallas performs at Lit Lounge in central Seoul's multicultural Itaewon, December 2024. Courtesy of Steve Gallas
"I should have thought of that." That's what Steve Gallas wants audiences to think when they watch his comedy.
An American resident of Seoul, Gallas has been a part of the local comedy scene for a number of years. A producer as well as a comedian, he has performed and put on shows in many different venues in the city. His latest special, titled "Scenario," will be hosted by Lit Lounge in Itaewon this Friday.
The venue, one of the most vibrant and exciting in the area, is a hotspot of cultural activity, boasting many different events in a week. Among these are comedy open mics, where Gallas also regularly performs and hosts. However, "Scenario" will be a full-length show of tried and tested material.
"I have been consciously working on this special for a little over a year now," Gallas told The Korea Times.
However, he explained that he might have written some of the jokes even earlier than that. "It all depends on whether it's a good fit," he said.
Covering a wide range of topics from the mega-rich to the film industry, the special is a presentation of Gallas' unique comedic voice. Since he wrote all the material himself, he can craft the jokes to his strengths.
As a writer of satirical fiction, which he did for 15 years before trying comedy, Gallas prides himself on not just telling jokes but also creating hypothetical narratives for audiences to follow. Having the crowd visualize what he's talking about helps him to skewer certain topics more easily.
"My approach to humor skews toward making up scenarios that ... veer into the ridiculous," he said.
This approach, Gallas says, is somewhat unusual in stand-up comedy. It also gave him the title of the special.
On top of these bits, he likes to add in social commentary. He stresses that it's important never to punch down, especially when covering hot-button issues such as racism.
Gallas mentions that with longer pieces like a special, the structure is key. So not only writing jokes, but finding where to place them is crucial, "Some jokes fall flat if you open with them, but get a good laugh if you lead into them with other bits," he said.
Comedian Steve Gallas / Courtesy of Steve Gallas
If Gallas succeeds in this, he explains, the special won't feel long. "The time will fly by," he said.
However, his most important rule is that his voice shines through during his sets. The comedy and the viewpoint should go hand-in-hand.
"I really value originality and authenticity," Gallas said, "so my goal is to always make audiences laugh in a way that is unique and true to me."
Along with making people laugh, he also aims to get his spectators asking, "What the hell?"
As for "Scenario" specifically, he promises that his special will make attendees "question humanity."
Gallas will be joined on stage by D. Hall, who will host the evening. Hall is an established foreign comedian in his own right, having produced and performed specials and stand-up nights around Seoul. In addition, Woosog Chay will open.
Doors will open for "Scenario" at 8 p.m. and the performance will begin at 9 p.m. at Lit Lounge in Itaewon, near Noksapyeong Station on Seoul Metro Line 6. Tickets are 15,000 won, with one free drink included in the price of admission.
Follow @steve.likes.dumplings on Instagram to get a sample of his work, and visit planethustle.com/events for more information about the event and to purchase tickets.
Rory Kelly is a writer, actor, improviser and stand-up comedian based in Seoul. He's also often spotted not quite winning pub quizzes in the Itaewon area.