Rik Roberts | www.SchoolOfLaughs.com I’ll be honest, my first few years of performing comedy full time was like an extended vacation. I had very few responsibilities. I got to travel and spend extended time sleeping in and chilling out by the pool. I was twenty-three and ecstatic that I wasn’t trapped in a cubicle and…
Rik gives a few tips on what to ask the people who book you for comedy shows. And he shares a couple of brief stories about working with Bobcat Goldthwait, Danny Bonnaducce and the Rainer Twins. Listener questions are answered, including: “What things would I have done differently early on? “What questions should comics ask, but don’t?”…
Becoming Part Of Your Local Scene by Rik Roberts / www.SchoolOfLaughs.com Beginning a career in comedy can be pretty intimidating (to say the least). You head out to the local pub or club and find yourself a stranger in a strange land. It’s almost like trying to find your way around in the dark. Like a…
Keep your stand-up comedy career on track by avoiding the three lies that many comics believe to be true. Check out this episode! In this episode, Rik Roberts and Gavin Miller talk about a few myths that can become excuses for aspiring stand-up comedians. Rik also discusses in detail how to work S.M.A.R.T. by evaluating your…
This is the third part of the series on how to write a joke. We know the first part of a joke is a set-up. And the second element is a punch line. The third element of a joke is a tag line. This is any laugh line after the original punch line. Tags are…
Comedian JAMES P. CONNOLLY has appeared on Comedy Central & HBO, is a regular on the Bob & Tom Show and is one of the most played comics on Sirius XM radio. We talk about finding office space, creating writing habits and dominating the alpha male in the audience. James is a multi dimensional performer…
This is the second in a three part series on how to write a joke. For part one click here. When constructing a joke the most crucial element is a punch line. This is the first line after the premise that generates a laugh. It’s not a joke if there is no punch line. The…
Rik answers questions about SiriusXm RADIO, turning conversations into stage material and avoiding being a comedy clone. After a recent writing class in Nashville we gather around the microphone as if it were a campfire. LISTEN THIS EPISODE In this episode Gavin (producer and aspiring comedian) discusses his first open mic appearance and what he…
by RIK ROBERTS The most overlooked element of a joke is the premise. Way too often comics are in a hurry to get to the punch line and don’t spend enough time creating a great starting point. I believe there are FOUR key qualifiers to creating a great premise. Look at your jokes and see if…
In this episode Rik sits down with Chicago comedian Pat McGann. Pat went from selling non-woven polypropylene two-color bags to selling himself as a comedian to clubs and corporate events. Extended stretches as the house emcee for Zanies in Chicago taught him work the crowd and trust his gut. LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE NOW…