Personal Background
I first performed at a comedy club in February 1993 and continued to do it off and on for the next ten years. Since my focus was either on university or employment, I came to realize that comedy was a hobby. Although I received compliments and support from one or two pros back then, I came to understand that my hobby was taking away time from people who wanted to do comedy for a living. So, instead of asking for spots to fill up my calendar, I would go up only when I really missed it which would minimize the stage time I was taking away from people serious about comedy.
Although I pursued other writing interests, I would always come back to comedy. Every time I would see a comic on TV that sucked, I thought to myself “what if?” Then one day in 2007, I realized that in 20 years, I could be asking myself “what if?” and it scared the shit out of me. So, I decided to go for it in summer of 2007. I told myself to keep going until I stop improving. Whether it took 3 months or 10 years to hit my plateau, I would stop at point. I can rest in knowing that I tried my best.
The past three and half years have buzzed by and I can claim to have experienced both successes and failures. I have passed a few people who started before me, and I’ve also been passed by people who started after me. I have been able to earn invitations to the past two Vancouver Comedyfests, been paid by both local comedy clubs, but I’ve never been invited to go on the road. I’ve made some smart choices that led to great opportunities, as well as poor ones that dropped me down a few notches in the pecking order. In a nut shell, I’ve been able to accomplish a couple things in comedy, but still definitely far from being a seasoned pro.
Before I dispense my advice, I must admit I do feel weird about giving it. I can only share what I've learned in three years. I do not know it all. My advice only touches on your approach to the comedy community and "making your way" through it.
Material
- FOCUS ON 5 MINUTES
- Squeeze in as many laughs as you possibly can in the 5min
- 5min is the usual amount of time you will receive for the first few months of being a comic.
Getting Spots
- BE POLITE.
- Always include “please” and “thank you”.
- There is a fine line between persistent and pestering. Do not pester.
- No more than one email per week per booker. Not only are they receiving your request, they’re receiving requests from everybody else in the community.
At the Venue
- NEVER EVER DISRESPECT THE SHOW.
- Shut the f**k up then watch and learn.
- If you need to talk, go to the back of the room and speak in hushed tones.
- Unless you have a pressing matter to attend to, always stick around till the end of the show. There are lessons to be learned in each set, especially the headliner.
- Always thank the booker before you leave.
Politics
- EVERY WORK SPACE HAS POLITICS, COMEDY IS NO DIFFERENT
- DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN IT. IGNORE IT TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY.
- Treat everybody with respect and be mature and diplomatic if something does not go your way.
- Remember the adage – Be careful of who’s toes your stepping on because they might be connected to the ass that you may have to kiss later.
If you decide to take up comedy, you would be entering a different world. You are an immigrant trying to fit in a new country. Try to learn the customs of the new world without imposing your own expectations. Despite what your ego may tell you, you are not the revolutionary that will liberate this new land of comedy. So, dial it down a notch.
Essentially, please be mindful of your manners.
