Title of Show: Anthony Schuman: I Just Want to Be a Good Dad Venue: Just the Tonic at The Grassmarket Centre Time: Times vary Dates: 4th – 28th August (not 15th) Photographer: Erica Schuman Links: Profile and Social Media
Tell me about your 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, I Just Want to Be a Good Dad.
I Just Want to be a Good Dad is a stand up comedy show that features my life as a Stay-at-Home dad to 4 kids. From how I navigate other parents to my own insecurities and even some of the naughty bits about being a good husband.
It says here that you are “a father of four, a subsistence farmer, a writer, and a US Army combat veteran”. When do you find the time to perform stand up comedy?
It is always a game of balance and communication. If I can peel myself away, you will find me at a show or an open mic. I try to be out doing spots 3 nights a week. I also try to include my family in the journey. I have taken my wife across the country for comedy, and my older kids just finished up a short tour of Oregon with me.
How common is it to be a stay-at-home dad in the United States?
According to the internet, only 17% of stay at home parents are dads. They are few and far between. I have only had a few come up to me after shows. I think we are the first generation of dads to be hands-on with our kids in general. Dads didn’t change diapers.
Is this your debut Edinburgh Fringe appearance? What have you heard about the Fringe? What are your expectations?
This will be my first appearance at Edinburgh Fringe. I was told by everyone that Fringe is a marathon, so I am worried about how I will fare. I have been working hard to build my jokes for the last 3 years, and I am hoping that being at Fringe will take my comedy to another level. I hope by performing at Fringe that I will find people like me who are a little weird and outside the box.
Finally, ask and answer a question of your own.
What’s your Fringe Fear?
Mine is that no one will show up. Or I lose my voice
