Full Circle

Late in 1977, after graduating from college in Connecticut, “Saturday Night Live’s” Kevin Nealon packed up his belongings and headed West. “I used to say I moved to California to pursue a career in part-time jobs,” he jokes.

Actually, the main reason for the relocation was his desire to try stand-up comedy, and now, 11 years later, he’s back for one of his return Southland engagements . . . doing stand-up comedy this week at the Irvine Improvisation.

But Nealon, 34, no longer struggles with underemployment. He’s about to start his third season as a writer-performer on “Saturday Night Live.” He has also appeared in movies, including “Roxanne.”

“The main thing on my mind is ‘Saturday Night Live.’ I’m just mentally preparing for that onslaught,” Nealon says. “I really enjoy the intensity and challenge of it, but there are times when it can be difficult, just like anybody’s job, I guess, if you are really under the gun. But I enjoy that pressure . . . it really puts you through the test.”

He’s gotten the most career mileage out of the continuing adventures of “Hans & Franz,” the edgy Arnold Schwarzenegger-esque duo played by Nealon and Dana (Church Lady) Carvey. The idea for the characters arose while Nealon and Carvey (along with “SNL” colleague Dennis Miller) were touring together last summer.

Meanwhile, until the writers’-strike-delayed “SNL” returns to the air next month, occasional club engagements, such as this week’s, not only prevent his stand-up muscles from going “flabby,” but also “pump up” his act for “SNL.”

“I just want to keep the rust off and come up with some characters or ideas for the show,” Nealon said after his performance Thursday. “When you’re getting that feedback, it’s much easier to write on your feet. Like the other night, a woman said she teaches PE. I said, ‘Well that sounds really easy: P . . . E. Short class. You oughtta grow a little bit, teach the whole alphabet.’ ”