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) Is your comedy career better than it was one year ago? Are you where you thought you would be? Take a minute and think before you answer. Wait. One … more … second. Okay. If you immediately answered YES – congratulations! You are moving towards your goals and making progress. Let’s keep that momentum going…
Every road comic knows the frustration of leaving town with hours to spare only to find themselves stuck in traffic, construction or an airport for a rediculous amount of time. On the road, time is your enemy and technology is your friend. We discuss some of our favorite travel apps. We also discover a few new…
by Rik Roberts (www.SchoolOfLaughs.com) This question was asked as a follow up to the post on hosting tips last week. As with nearly every comedy topic the short answer is, “find what works best for you by experimenting and see how it goes.” So that’s one answer. More specifically, I feel the host (or as…
Be funny. That’s really the only rule in stand-up comedy, right? It is a biggie, and it trumps everything. The funnier you are the more you can get away with, no doubt. But there are countless unwritten rules of comedy. Most of these unspoken expectations are unsaid because only an idiot would have to…
Have you ever wondered how to get into writing comedy for TV, Radio or other comedians? Comedy writer Scott Dunn has written for such television shows as Foxworthy’s Big Night Out, The CMT Music Awards, The Larry “The Cable Guy” Christmas Special, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, and The Dove Awards. Scott is…
– Rik Roberts | www.SchoolOfLaughs.com Every performer will have to deal with a “tough” crowd from time to time. It’s part of the job, part of the learning curve, and part of the fun. Let’s dig into how you can dig out of a tough audience. I’m going to eliminate from this discussion the tough…
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…