“I haven’t been to Cal Poly before. I have never heard of the school before. I’m going into it blindly. I hope no one shouts racial slurs at me and throws bottles at me on stage,” Dye joked.
This past summer, the 26-year-old Washington native competed on “Last Comic Standing” against thousands of aspiring stand-up comics and placed third.
In order to be on the comedy reality show, most aspiring comedians have to go through an audition process. Dye was the only person in the history of the show not to audition.
“I was hand-chosen by Bill Bellamy, the host of ‘Last Comic Standing,’ in Seattle,” he said. “He saw me. They were doing a thing originally on NBC where Bill Bellamy would go from town to town and surprise comics to go on (the show).”
Dye’s comedic material originates from everyday life observations. He jokes about working out at the gym, Starbucks Coffee and Campbell’s Soup.
“I think a lot of comics just joke about sex a lot. I watch TV or I read the paper. I see homeless people. My jokes are pretty much from everything in life that’s not dirty. I feel like I have a whole plethora of things to joke about,” Dye said. “I feel like there are a lot of other funny things that happen. I could go to a restaurant and find a lot of funny things to observe.”
Ever since “Last Comic Standing,” Dye’s career has been taking off with recent TV and movie offers.
“More people know who I am (now),” he said. “But as far as my family and my personal life, it hasn’t really changed anything. (But when it comes to) my comic career, it knocked me up into a different level that I’m really grateful to be at.”
Dye’s comedic career started when he was young, always goofing around and being the funny guy at school.
“I was really bad at math, spelling and geography, but I was pretty good at making people laugh. I didn’t know that could be a career. I wish my teachers would have told me that. They treated me like I was retarded. I actually was gifted at being funny,” Dye said.
According to Associated Students Inc. program coordinator Michelle Curro, Dye was a perfect fit for a performance at Cal Poly.
“He’s a funny guy. We’re happy to bring him, especially since it’s something students ask for so much. It’s just nice to be able to bring something they really want,” Curro said.
ASI Events tries to coordinate at least two to three comedic performances per quarter.
“It is by far the most highly requested thing from students,” said Curro, who said student surveys are conducted at every ASI event.
“Our hope is that people laugh and have a good time. It can be a stress reliever or an hour or two away from studying or from what’s going on. You can just zone out and have a good time, (which is) our ultimate goal always,” Curro said.
This event will begin at 8 p.m. in Chumash Auditorium. It is free for students with a PolyCard and $10 for community members. Seating is limited and entry will be on a first- come, first-served basis. Dye will sell CDs and take photos with students after the show.
“This is no doubt what (students) asked for. They ask for it, they should come. It’s going to be a great show. So if you need that distraction or want to get out or enjoy comedy, then you can’t get much better than this,” Curro said.