by Rik Roberts | SchoolOfLaugh.com It’s funny looking back at when I first started. I thought I knew exactly who I wanted to be on stage. From recent discussions, it turns out many other comics felt the same way. They thought they knew what style they wanted to have on stage, what type of material they would get into, etc.,…
There is a bit of a science to creating a stand-up comedy set that flows. It takes a little planning to put together a show that starts quick, builds momentum, and finishes with a closer that rocks the room. A pile of great jokes performed in a haphazard order will frustrate both you and the…
by Rik Roberts (www.SchoolOfLaughs.com) Are you in the middle of nowhere? Are you miles from a city with a comedy night, let alone a comedy club? Do you want to start putting shows together to get some stage time? You are not alone, even though you may feel isolated. Joshua, a podcast listener from Iowa,…
Defining your goals is extremely important in any self-driven profession. In stand-up comedy, defining your comedy goals will set you apart from a large mass of aimless souls. Goals in and of themselves won’t make you funnier than anyone else. But they should make you funnier than you are now if you set them correctly. Without…
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.…
by Rik Roberts | www.SchoolOfLaughs.com It is extremely exciting to get on stage your first time. Your nerves are rattling. Your senses heighten. The unknown lies ahead. You take the mic … and hear the laughs. The wonderful laughs of a room full of strangers agreeing with what you find funny. It feels validating. Even more, it’s…
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:…
So you’ve been in the comedy clubs for a while. But, you keep hearing about all the good money comics can make when they book a “corporate” gig. Pursuing the corporate comedy market is worthwhile. Being fed steak, treated professionally, and getting paid as much for one show as you do for a whole week…