Today I am joined by several recent writing students to answer their comedy questions. Specifically, we talk about:
- What is a good way to know that you should continue pursuing stand-up comedy?
- How many shows is a good barometer for getting your feet wet?
- When should you quit!
- The value in bombing (and recording it)
- Is it okay to try different characters when you first start?
- A bunch of things that can go wrong during your show
- How to perform when you just don’t feel funny
- Performing when you are sick
- Having a back-up comedian friend ready for some gigs
- The value of listening to comedy when you are down
- What Minnie Pearl said about audiences
- When you are there for the audience (and when they are there for you)
- The adrenaline surge you get when performing
- The connections between comedy and speaking
- How to structure a speech based on your comedy
- Finding your HOOK for your message
- When should you transition into movies from stand-up?
- The benefits of character work in your comedy
- Tips on incorporating voices and characters into stand-up
- Should you try a bunch of characters when you first start at open mic?
- The benefits of no one knowing who you are
- What Garth Brooks did that you shouldn’t do
- Jim Gaffigan workshopping new material
- How to workshop new material and where is best to try
- Songwriter open mics versus comedy open mics
- Following a great (or horrible) act on stage
and a whole lot more!
Do you have comedy questions? Send them in and I’ll address them on the show. SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com.
This episode is brought to you by Patreon Sponsor Allen Smith. To find our how you can support the podcast with a small monthly donation, visit www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs.
“Club 52” is a 52 week, email based stand-up program. It will include a weekly challenge designed to help you become a better comedian. This year long program will feature an email every Friday from me. I will ask you to take a serious look at some of your business practices, writing processes, performance techniques, branding, marketing and a whole lot more.
The program starts the week you join and continues for 52 weeks as long as you are still supporting the podcast through Patreon at the $7 a month level.
Questions? Email me (Rik) at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com. Or call 1-888-895-8549. Or. if you are ready, head on over to www.Patreon.com/SchoolOfLaughs to get started.
