Are you trying to emulate your favorite comedians? Have you already determined your comedic style before your third open mic? If so, you may be limiting yourself and shortchanging your potential. In this episode, Dan Swartwout (or “Swarty” as his friends call him) and I discuss how our influences are like training wheels. They help at…
This episode is all about YOU. That’s right. I opened the mail bag and found a bunch of great questions and some jokes that … well, you wanted fixed. Join me as we answer the following questions … Do you have any tips on writing every day? Specifically, is there a place or web site…
Monty Mitchell Wrangled Snakes Have you ever driven 6 hours (one way) to an open mic for a quick 5 minute set and then headed home as the sun was coming up? Do you chip away at your vacation benefits one hour a a time so you can pursue your calling? Monty Mitchell has! Monty…
Have you ever struggled with alcohol, depression or meaningfulness in your pursuit of a comedy career? You’re alone. Numerous comedians and entertainers get sidetracked by self-destructive behavior. Fortunately for us audiences everywhere, Jeff Allen was able to get his act together on and off the stage. This veteran comedian started in 1978 and weathered many…
Have you performed for birthday parties, marines, comedy club audiences and judges for America’s Got Talent? Have you ever swallowed a balloon (well, not during a border crossing)? Our guest today has, too! I talk with Anthony Maze about his magic/comedy combo performances and the opportunities he has taken advantage of lately. Based in San…
Have you ever thought about creating your own tour from the ground up? That’s exactly what Tim McClendon of MIDWEST CLEAN COMEDY has done. Starting out with a just a website, he now books clean comedy shows at multiple comedy clubs in the midwest … on a Saturday none the less! Along side of…
Have you had a hard time working in new material into your set? Do you fully intend to before the show and then either chicken out or get sidetracked and forget? You’ll never grow as a performer until you get comfortable trying out new jokes. You have to expect some of it to work and…
Are you planning on shooting a DVD of your show any time soon? Wonder what steps you’ll need to take to make it happen? How much to budget? Where to have it shot? This episode is an inside look into that process. Comedian Jonnie W. is gearing up for a taping on November 14th…
Does your city or town have a weekly writer’s meeting. A place where everyone can freely offer up ideas for feedback? A group that exceeds 1600 members? Wayne Manigo joins us to discuss how he and Mandy Dalton created the Washington D.C. Comedy Writers Group. CLICK TO LISTEN Specifically, we talk about: Writing exercises to…
When starting your comedy journey, there are hundreds of “first time” occurrences. Some you’ll breeze through and others will blow you away. No sweat. You learn as you go. Just don’t shoot yourself in the foot so many times that people see you hobbling towards them to make the same mistake again. CLICK TO LISTEN No…