One thing that comics seem to love is either giving or receiving advice about comedy. I’m more than happy to impart my knowledge, but lately I have had a bunch of open mikers and newer comedians asking me questions. I’m not exactly a stadium filler, but here’s some easy tips that I think everyone should know.
1) No other comedian can give you perfect advice. If someone tells you how to improve a joke or your stage presence, you should take notes. If someone tells you what you have to do completely, it won’t work because you’re a different person. Unless it’s future you and they tell you what works and how you can make millions. Listen to that person and save John Connor from the Terminator too while you’re at it.
2) If you want my advice on comedy, but won’t go on a stage, you’re wasting my time and yours. Find a new hobby. Once you go up, we’ll talk. Maybe. OK, probably not, but go onstage first.
3) Videotaping your set will help you more than any amount of memory. I have gotten great punchlines, callbacks and add-ons I never would have remembered after performing thanks to tape. I have a great memory…but I drink a lot, so I trust the tape.
4) If you can’t remember five minutes of material, you probably aren’t going to be getting paid anytime soon. If you are asking how to get paid to do comedy, you probably won’t be getting paid anytime soon. If you get paid, don’t feel guilty about it if you have a bad set, as long as you prepared yourself and gave it your best. Trust me, you don’t get bonus money when you kill.
That’s about it for now. If someone figures out how to get paid for blogging, message me and this blog topic was worth it.
“Keep at it kid, once you pay your dues you’ll get there!” -Generic advice comedians give that can be translated to blogs