Welcome to my standup comedy blog. I’ve created this to share insights, exercises, and ideas to assist others in having a successful career in writing comedy and performing comedy. I find that my Ah-Ha’s! have lead to “Ha-Ha’s.” This blog takes off where my book, “The Comedy Bible” ends. I’m hoping that you will find some gems that you can use in your own career, and hopefully others will contribute their ideas and let me know when I’m full of it. Read on.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Standup Career Advice: Getting out of the open mic/bringer show rut
Nepotism is alive and well in show business. Ask most comics how they got their big break and an agent or managers name is rarely ever mentioned. It’s always, “My cousin hooked me up with his friend who hired me to perform at their corporate meeting.” Or, “My sister was sleeping with this headliner who let me open for him,” or “I’m Mormon with lots of relatives.” Think about who you know and your next paying gig might be one email away.
Of course, the first step is to get good at your craft. Because, even grandma won’t hire you again if your bi-furcated penis joke was inappropriate for her Hadassah Group.. But hey, it might be a good joke, but the wrong crowd . Save it for your Uncle’s Urology Association meeting. It’s up to you to get your craft to pro level, and once you’re there it’s time to start marketing yourself locally – through relatives, friends, or just someone who owes you a favor.
One of my Comedyworkshop.com students was a Banana Republic greeter. Her job consisted of saying “Hi, welcome to Banana Republic!” In our stand-up workshop she turned her boring job into a killer act and invited her boss to her showcase at the Hollywood Improv. Cut to: paying gigs at the regional and national Banana Republic meetings.
Then there was former student Ann Lippert who had great material about shopping at Home Depot. I said “Email them a link to your set on YouTube.” Cut to: making a cool $1,500 for a 20 minute set at a Home Depot Christmas party.
Another student looked at the calendar of upcoming events at her church and asked to do a 10-minute set at the Church’s singles mixer. Not a paying gig, but she did get laid.
Go to comedydemo.com, create your electronic press package (EPK), and start sending it to people who know you.
Get your EPK together at www.standupdemo.com and start marketing yourself to friends and relatives. And if you don’t have enough material – then get your ass in our class. Even if you don’t live in LA, there is a way we can help you live your dream.
Email for more info.
