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Here’s some great insight from a few experts in the comedy game: Andy Engel (producer), Woode (former NYC comedian), and Erik (faculty at UCBT).
The best information I learned about entering the comedy world came from sitting down with people in the industry and listening to what they had to say. Then I would go home and write down their advice and try to apply it to my own life.
Call, email, message comedy professionals and ask if they’ll talk with you about their experiences. Then, go home and write down everything they told you. Make a check list out of the information you’ve acquired and see if you can start making progress in your own life, based on the wisdom of those who have been in your shoes before.
EXPERTS:
Andy Engel
Long time comedy producer, currently at Gotham Comedy Club. Friends with many celebrity comedians like Jim Gaffigan. Produces comedy shows and founded Manhattan Comedy School for stand up comedians.
What do you look for in new talent? Also, how do you go from new talent to big talent?
Get as much stage time as you can and get funny fast. I look for someone who’s found their voice and has confidence on stage along with really funny material. Stage time, stage time, stage time– you have to get out there. A good comedian is getting a laugh at least every 10 seconds, and has material that people leave the club talking about. Stick to what you know and who you are, and that’s your best material. Take classes and go to open mics.
Woode (Woody)
Performed standup comedy around New York City for several years. Knows what it takes to get into comedy and how to maintain a career.
What are the significant steps in making a successful career?
Go to open mics as often as you can, because you need to get comfortable in front of all different types of crowds, whether they’re warm or cold. Write every day. You have to constantly write material and stay fresh on new ideas. When you’re writing, you nurture your comedic perspective, which will help you continue to get better and formulate funnier jokes.
Erik and Will -UCB Faculty
Faculty at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Teach improv and sketch classes, as well as perform weekly improv shows.
How do you even begin to get into the comedy scene?
You have to make sure that you’re doing something, whether it’s going to open mic nights, or taking classes, or writing, or making videos. If you can do something and continue to be productive then you’re on the right track. You don’t have to try to figure out what direction you want to go (improv, sketch, or stand up) right away; try it all and see what you like best. It doesn’t all happen right away, you have to put your time in and get some experience under your belt before people are ready for your debut. There’s no really direct path in comedy; some people start in improv and then catch the stand up bug, or land an acting gig then switch to writing, or vice versa.
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