Have you ever woken up for your 8 a.m. class and wished that you could fall back asleep without consequences?

During his early years at Heidelberg College, comedian Brian Regan felt the weight many students share. His friends called him Rip, short for Rip Van Winkle, since he had trouble waking up for class.

Instead of attending early morning classes, now Regan is up late most nights performing his comedy show in cities across the United States. He will be bringing his gut-busting show to Shippensburg University on May 2 at 8 p.m.

Regan will appear on the Luhrs stage to share his talents with SU students and the community.
Regan’s path to a career in comedy began when he switched from an economics major to communications and theater arts. When Regan was feeling confused about what he should study, his college football coach suggested the new major since Regan’s jokes were such a hit on the field.

During the fall semester Regan would gear up for football then switch to Shakespeare and plays in the spring. Exchanging football pants for Shakespearian tights did not seem like such a big change, Regan joked.

Some people classify Regan’s style of comedy as observational, as many of his jokes are a retelling of everyday experiences through Regan’s own “prism,” as he described it.

“I’m not walking around like a sleuth trying to uncover comedy in the world,” Regan said. The inspiration for his jokes come along later when he is planning a show.

Some of Regan’s jokes include bits about being stupid in school, trips to the emergency room and the invasion of cranberries into the juice aisle at the grocery store.

“I try not to cater my show toward anyone in particular,” Regan said, “I just do what I think is funny.” This tactic has proved to be successful for Regan, who appeared on television with The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Late Show with David Letterman. Regan taped specials for Comedy Central throughout the years and is the winner of two American Comedy Awards, according to comedians.about.com.

Despite his busy schedule touring dozens of cities, Regan managed to return to college and obtain his degree seventeen years after he left Heidelberg College.

Discovering his passion and talent for comedy gave Regan a career on stage, but he also lives a very normal life outside the spotlight, like when he is caring for his two children.

The decisions Regan made in college helped shape his path to a career he is truly passionate about.
“If your heart is telling you to go for something it’s really hard to do anything other than what the heart tells you,” Regan said.

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