How often should I be working in new comedy material on stage? by Rik Roberts (www.SchoolOfLaughs.com) This is a GREAT question that I received twice last week. It came from both an established feature act, and a brand new aspiring comedian. As you might expect, there is no “one size fits all” answer. Some will…
Do you struggle with memorizing your jokes? Have you ever had problems with your voice during a show? What are the pros and cons of using props or musical instruments on stage? In this “after-school special” recorded with students from the writing class in Nashville, we discuss several techniques to help you tie your jokes together.…
Working in new jokes, fighting perfectionism, post performance evaluation, and bouncing back from a joke when no one laughs – this episode is all about Comedy Writing Tips! We talk exclusively about the comedy writing process in this podcast. Beginners and pros all deal with the same obstacles. How you approach them and move on…
Comedian John Garrett had enough with his day job and saw an opportunity to pursue comedy full time. So, he took a few legal pads from the supply closet and started performing in NYC. Since his arrival, he’s sharpened his wit, broadened his options and become one exceptionally funny guy. Check out this episode! We talk about:…
This comedy campfire style episode was recorded after a live stand-up comedy class in Nashville, comedy students ask great questions including: Where do you find up and coming comedians on the web? How do I come up with a stage name? What do you do when you have a “down day” to get into…
Are you distracted and frustrated by the success of other comedians? In this episode we talk about how you can change your mindset from bitterness to betterment. It all starts by reframing a few thoughts. You’ll find this podcast useful if you have ever asked any (or all) of the following questions: How…
First impressions are key in any business. In show business, how you are introduced, what you look like, and how you promote yourself is crucial. Check out this episode! Listener questions addressed in this episode include: What is your take on appearances, outfit, clothing, etc., How does it affect the audience perception of you in relation to…
This is the third part of the series on how to write a joke. We know the first part of a joke is a set-up. And the second element is a punch line. The third element of a joke is a tag line. This is any laugh line after the original punch line. Tags are…
This is the second in a three part series on how to write a joke. For part one click here. When constructing a joke the most crucial element is a punch line. This is the first line after the premise that generates a laugh. It’s not a joke if there is no punch line. The…
Rik answers questions about SiriusXm RADIO, turning conversations into stage material and avoiding being a comedy clone. After a recent writing class in Nashville we gather around the microphone as if it were a campfire. LISTEN THIS EPISODE In this episode Gavin (producer and aspiring comedian) discusses his first open mic appearance and what he…