Cover of Go-2007

Unlike many contemporary comedians, Flip Schultz doesn't dwell on nasty language, urban culture or savage political commentary. Instead, Schultz looks at the world around him and tries to make nonsense out of it.

"When I write comedy, it kind of comes naturally, " said Schultz, who grew up in Fort Lauderdale and is known for his manic stage presence. "I'm inspired by events in life. Not big things, but random things I observe. The trick is to make it work on stage."

Schultz, now in his early 30's, started telling jokes when he was a kid and never stopped. That path leads him to Ocala this weekend, as he appears this week at Jokeboys Comedy Club in downtown Ocala.

He holds a degree in theater from Florida Atlantic University but has devoted his life to laughs. After a decade of playing comedy clubs and occasional television and movie gigs, he remains dedicated to the craft of stand-up.

"This is what I always watned to do," said Schultz, who did his first public comedy performance at age 8. "I love being on stage, making people laugh and hearing applause."

He describes his style as "very physical and theatrical." He has appeared with singer Paul Anka, as well as comedians Lewis Black and George Carlin. Schultz said famed comic/actor Adam Sandler once told him after a performance, "You were very funny...I told my girlfriend that if we ever have a kid, we're going to name him Flip."

On stage, Schultz can be rambunctious and loud; off stage, he's soft spoken and introspective. Seperating the public and private personas is only one of the difficulties of being a professional comic.

"There are a lot of ups and downs," he said. "You're on the road a lot and way from your family. It's hard to have a relationship when you're doing this for a living."

Many comics battle personal demons. Sometimes, the funniest performers have the saddest lives. Not Schultz.

"I'm not an alcoholic, I don't do drugs and I'm not a gambler," he said. "My parents have been married for over 30 years, and I come from a good home."

Normalcy, however, can't hide the cruelty of life. Schultz understands that the essence of comedy is sometimes tragedy.

"There's a fine line there," Schultz said. "The best comedians are the ones who can turn their pain into laughter."

Comics had to face that challenge after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Schultz remembers going on stage amid that blanket of national grief.

"When that kind of tragedy happens, you find yourself being very careful of what you say on stage," Schultz said. "But when I think about it, the audiences were great. I think after the tregedy happened, people needed to laugh. The comedy clubs were packed during the months following 9/11. People wanted a reason to smile."

That's what drives Schultz to the stage.

"For me, it's pure fun," he said, adding, "there's nothing better than making people laugh."