Jason Michaels joins us today to talk about performing as a magician and … overcoming Tourettes Syndrome. Accomplishing the impossible can seem daunting. Impossible, even. But what is impossible anyway? Often times it is a self-limiting thought revolving around our mind. We feel trapped by it and allow it to keep us from our fun…
On this episode I sit down with two of my current writing class students to discuss their Stand Up Comedy First Steps. Beginning stand up comedy can definitely be confusing. I try to help guide them in directions that will result in quick wins and momentum. This week’s episode is brought to you by Patreon Sponsor Greg Smrdel. FIRST STEPS…
As you move along the path of becoming a professional comedian will encounter many crossroads. Places where decisions must be made. Points where you have to make a careful choice on how to proceed. These tough decisions comics have to make can go either way. Hopefully, they go in a way where you can sleep good at…
Does your city or town have a weekly writer’s meeting. A place where everyone can freely offer up ideas for feedback? A group that exceeds 1600 members? Wayne Manigo joins us to discuss how he and Mandy Dalton created the Washington D.C. Comedy Writers Group. CLICK TO LISTEN Specifically, we talk about: Writing exercises to…
Nothing is more serious in standup comedy than a showcase night. Whether your showcase set is at a festival, for TV or simply to get booked by a club – you’ve got to be prepared. Putting together your set can drive you crazy. This podcast is all about picking the right material for the showcase…
By Rik Roberts | www.SchoolOfLaughs.com How many jokes have you written but not got around to performing? Be honest. Is it more than you would like to admit? What are you waiting for? You can’t make something better until you make it first. In other words, the new and improved version will always be on…
With the talk of presidential candidates in the air here in the United States, I got to thinking about what I want in a leader. Oddly enough, many traits we identified are also traits of great comedians. Candidates are definitely characters. Comedians are as well. But what are the common links that cross over from…
You may feel like you are making huge strides in your comedy career, but are you? Most performers find a comfortable little comedy “safe place” and never wander beyond it. We all know comics who could be SO MUCH BETTER. Maybe, that comic is yourself. This episode gives more than 23 actionable tips you can…
No doubt about it, at some point in your comedy journey you will be invited to – or thrown in the middle of – a comedy contest. In response to a listener question (thanks Brent!) we spend this episode weighing the pros and cons of participating in comedy competitions. Check out this episode! My first…
A common question I hear is “what do I do if I feel my comedy has leveled off, or plateaued?” Check out this episode! It’s a great, insightful question that infers both frustration and aspiration. To help relieve the first and achieve the second, we’ve put together a podcast and a “scorecard” to help you…