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So how much do they get paid for such dedication? No one will be specific, but everyone agrees it's somewhere between enough for a cup of coffee and enough for a beer. Snyder describes the Perch Experience as "a labor of love." Bass guitarist Jeremy Cline says the band gets some decent tips for its improv music-making, but, more importantly, "It's just a fun gig. It's a great place to hang out." For Holland, it isn't about money at all. "I desperately needed some stage time somewhere with other sick and twisted individuals," he says.It's 9:15 and the show is about to begin. Brice packs up the "box office" tin, remarking that The Perch has seen its audiences double and triple since its neon window sign was installed in February 2001. "It was like, "Oh, they have a sign. They must be for real,'" she says. "Suddenly, people in the neighborhood felt it was OK to show up."Come the beginning of next year, Perch fans may have to reorient themselves; Brice says The Perch is thinking of flying the Central Avenue coop, taking up residence in a mill building that's being renovated off Hawthorne Lane. The new space would provide seating for 100 and more room backstage.
As it is now, the backstage area can get tight, especially when cast members, or maybe stage manager Andy Grosso, are running around looking for props that have gone missing.
Tempers rarely flare, Brice says, because the cast is incredibly simpatico. Brice has three rules: cast members must have "real" (day) jobs in order to keep some outside focus in their lives; they can't be high maintenance; and they're not permitted to possess large egos.
"If you can't get along," she continues, "it's not funny."
Rogers moves to the front of the stage, to give the crowd its five-minute warning. Now's the time, he says, to use the restroom and to order more beer, cookies and Nip-Chee crackers. "Who likes Nip-Chee crackers?" he asks, already getting the audience involved. While some folks take advantage of the warning, he regales the rest of the crowd with tales of his bowel movements.
Next up is Keenan, who explains to newcomers that, despite what their friends may have told them, all The Perch performs is gay porn. He then recites The Perch rules:
#1: Tip the band. "Prostitution is still illegal in Charlotte, unfortunately."
#2: When the stuffed parrot drops from the ceiling, the sketch is over. That's the time to head for the bathroom or the kitchen. When the parrot goes up, a sketch has started, and you're not advised to go back to your seat. "You could be put in a sketch," Keenan explains, "and that would suck for you. I'm not a psychic, but I see lots of dick jokes in your future."
#3: Using the crayons provided, circle your favorite sketches in your program. That's how the cast knows what audiences like best, so they can put together new Audience Favorites shows, like this one.
#4: Turn your cell phones and pagers off, or set them to vibrate.
After the seriousness of the rules, Keenan subtly reminds audience members that they're here to laugh. He launches into a medley of rap songs set to Cline's acoustic guitar. "My name is Humpty," he sings, leading into the Humpty Dance. Moments later, he has the audience howling as he speaks the finale. "Ice Ice Baby. Too cold! Too cold!. . .Enjoy the show, everyone!"
The Perch Audience Favorites (Part II) will be presented Friday and Saturday, July 26-27, at 9pm, 11pm and 1am. For reservations, go to www.theperch.com or call 704-372-7724.
