I’m so glad you found the School of Laughs! This site has a LOT of helpful information for your comedy journey. But where do you start? Great question. How about we start right where you are and take you to the next level? I realize very comedian or speaker who finds this site is at a different level of their career. From seasoned professional to curious outsider … we have information for each level. Find the description below that fits you the best. I’ve made suggestions for the most relevant blog posts, podcasts and tip sheets for that level. I’ve also listed resources available to you that supplement those suggestions.

Now, get started and become bigger, better and more bookable than ever before!

– Rik

LEVEL: CURIOUS OUTSIDER

I have performed less than ten times and am not sure if comedy is right for me.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Listen to Welcome To The Jungle podcast #056.
  2. Perform at more OPEN MIC NIGHTS.
  3. Learn how to OVERCOME BOMBING ONSTAGE

LEVEL: OPEN MIC / BEGINNER

I have performed at open mic nights and a few other places, but I have yet to be paid.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Challenge yourself with a Comedy Scorecard
  2. Learn how to Crack the Comedy Clique

LEVEL: EMCEE / PART TIME PRO

I have been paid to Emcee and host a few shows. Occasionally I get paid. I would like to develop further and see if I could go full time into comedy.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Start to develop your online presence.
  2. Check out the “Comedian’s Web Site Review” video for tips.

LEVEL: FEATURE ACT BEGINNING PRO

I regularly host and feature shows and am about to (or already have) quit my day job.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Listen to Podcast 022 “HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE”
  2. Read this blog post to learn WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

LEVEL: PROFESSIONAL, FULL TIME COMEDIAN

I get paid to perform and make enough money that comedy is my primary source of income. I would like to learn how to make more money and become bookable.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Download “Three Financial Areas Comedians Can’t Ignore” from the Free Resources.
  2. Consider joining a mastermind group like CLUB 52. This group will challenge you to do bigger and better things, and allow you to share your knowledge with others as well.

LEVEL: PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER WANTS TO ADD HUMOR

I get paid to speak as my primary source of income. I would like to learn how to incorporate more humor in my programs.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Consider investing in a writing class. Either LIVE with others or ONLINE on your own time.
  2. Schedule a LIVE COACHING call with Rik Roberts.
  3. Listen to PODCAST 119: “Stand-Up Comedy Examined” to hear how you can implement comedy writing techniques into your speech, program or story.

OTHER SPECIFIC RESOURCES …

I NEED HELP WRITING

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Consider investing in a writing class. Either LIVE with others or ONLINE on your own time.

I NEED HELP WITH THE BUSINESS SIDE OF COMEDY

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Consider joining a mastermind group like CLUB 52. This group will challenge you to do bigger and better things, and allow you to share your knowledge with others as well.

I NEED HELP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Choose ONE platform to learn and master first before moving on to another.
  2. PODCAST 136 has great tips for growing your Facebook Fan Page.

I NEED HELP WITH BOOKING MY OWN SHOWS

I NEED HELP WITH GETTING INTO CORPORATE COMEDY

NEXT STEP:

  1. Read this blog post about “Networking Through Associations”