If you are asking then you probably have some doubt about the integrity of your choice of material. The decision where one draws the line between plagiarism and flattered imitation is a subjective one. You will have to resolve those issues with yourself. I suggest that you be honest and true to your dream of what you wish to do with your performing. If you follow your vision, and are true to it, then your individual interpretation of the craft will become evident.

Ultimately, what happens is that you will include material that in your mind is "questionable" into your act. You will then get that gig that you wanted and you will begin doing shows, all the while justifying that nagging little voice in the back of your mind reminding you that part of the act was lifted in one way or another. There will be parts of your act that you are confident are original, and subsequently, are performed with pride and confidence. Then there will be those parts that you feel were copied. The copied parts never feel as good in spite of the fact that often they work well in front of the crowd.

The goal of the process is to identify those parts that produce doubts, for what ever reason, and selectively eliminate them. This may happen all at once, or over time. This may happen due to your own internal critique or because some other individual makes comments on your act. Whatever the case, you will want to get the act to a point where you can take in onto any stage in any venue with pride and conviction, making a statement about yourself through your performance rather than simply demonstrating that you can execute someone else's routines and tricks.

Ask yourself, "Can I do this on The Tonight Show and be proud?" This is not such an extreme question. Have faith in your abilities and your future. The prospects of taking one's work to very broad markets, such as millions through television, should never be preempted because of short-sighted writing. Take the plunge and enjoy the ride.

Steven Ragatz