Ask a Stand-Up Comedian anything

76 Questions

Last Answer on June 11, 2013

Have you ever turned down a high-paying tour slot because the other comics were too hacky?

Asked by ginny almost 13 years ago

Hell no! As long as I'm not hacky I'm very comfortable performing for high money :) One thing I do like to check a club or theaters website to see what other comics they are booking. If there is a lot of crap on there, then I don't get as excited to perform or I ask for more $. The clubs that book quality acts, as the ones that are usually the favorites of the comics and vice versa.

1065 Votes

What’s the typical cut for a comedian's manager?

Asked by ljenkins almost 13 years ago

Managers get 10%, Agents 10%, lawyers 5% I dont have a publicist but a lot of comics do and they would need to get paid also.

1062 Votes

Why do stand-up comics complain so much about touring? I mean, isn't that pretty much the job description from the beginning?

Asked by bl0wt0rched over 12 years ago

Yeah I guess you are right. We do complain a lot about it. Do you ever complain about anything at your job? I can safely say that I have never once complained about being booked or having a booker or comedy club hire me. What I do complain about is the shitty hotel they put me, delayed flights causing you to miss the first show, 5am radio spots, hacky comedians and trying to be vegetarian in Peoria, IL. By far the best part of the job is the 45-50 minutes you are on stage performing. Thats the shit. Thats why we got into it. Like every job, there are other parts that you didn't realize were going to be a part of it. I certainly don't get treated like a A lister when I am on the road but I've experienced it getting better and better each year and I will say that as you become bigger and funnier, the traveling and life on the road gets easier. OK heading to Applebees now.

1062 Votes

If the real comedic talent is in the delivery of a joke, why is it looked down upon when a comic hires writers to write his material?

Asked by smobro almost 13 years ago

Hmm I'm not sure. I don't think I look down on comics that do that. I choose to write all my own material but if I were under a lot of pressure to deliver a new hour each year I would certainly hire some poeple to help. I think what you have to realize is that writers HELP but they don't do the work for you. They submit ideas and concepts and help you work it out but ultimately it needs to be delivered the right way and in your own voice. I'll answer more after I hire some writers :)

1058 Votes

Also on Jobstr...

HR Executive

How do you feel about employees working remotely?

Certified Nurse Aide

What's it like going into a room in the morning to find someone dead?

Freelance Writer

Can a freelance writer live comfortably?

When comics say they are on the road "all the time" is that literal? Or is it every weekend? How often are comics home with their families?

Asked by Trob about 12 years ago

For me, it is just weekends. But I know some comics that will go on a 6-8 week tour where they are gone every single day. The last couple of years I have gone to Australia for 4 weeks in a row. It can get long, very long. We are not with our bandmates or tour manager. We are by ourselves. And allthough that is nice for some of the time, it definitely can get lonely and boring. Hence why you see a lot of comics rely on drinking and drugs to help pass the time.

Ultimately a comic is in charge or how often he/she gets booked. My agent sends me the gigs and I can decide if I want them or not. That being said, if I keep saying no, my agent may stop working for me. They get paid, when I get paid.

In general, clubs work anywhere from Fri-Sat to Tues-Sunday. The rest of the time you could be home with your family, minus the evenings when you would probably do some spots in your town.

This March I was out of town for 6 days. In April, I will be out of town for 11 days. Not bad really.

1053 Votes

When I graduate high school, i am planning on trying to do shows at colleges. Is trying to get into the college circuit right away a good idea? If not, what should the alternative be?

Asked by HardlyOffensive about 12 years ago

You just need stage time anywhere. Clubs, bars, colleges, bridal showers, etc. College circuit can be good but don't put too many limits on where you get stage time. If you are brand new, which it sounds like you are, just go up go up go up, over and over again. Different audiences, different ages, different environments.

1048 Votes

I've been a musician since birth and am branching into acting. I know the market is saturated though, so I'm also looking at entrepreneurship. I know that you need to work hard. How did you know to choose comedy? Were the odds against you?

Asked by Hunter over 12 years ago

Your going from music to acting? WOw almost as risky as going from professional tennis to stand up comedy! I hate to sound negative but if you are "deciding" if you should do comedy or not, it probably isn't for you. Go with what is burried deep in your heart (cue soft music). Think back to your kindergarden class when the teacher asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up. I remember I said "Pro athlete or comedian". The odds are always against you but if you are really doing what you want to do, and what you are made to do, it doesn't matter if you make it big, little, rich or poor. Hopefully that helps but I guess it doesnt ;(

1043 Votes

Showing 22 - 28

Show All

19 More Answers by Stand-Up Comedian

Last 7

1 2 3 4 5 6

...

Next 7 Answers

Stand-Up Comedian

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Have you ever turned down a high-paying tour slot because the other comics were too hacky?

What’s the typical cut for a comedian's manager?

Why do stand-up comics complain so much about touring? I mean, isn't that pretty much the job description from the beginning?

If the real comedic talent is in the delivery of a joke, why is it looked down upon when a comic hires writers to write his material?

Also on Jobstr...

When comics say they are on the road "all the time" is that literal? Or is it every weekend? How often are comics home with their families?

When I graduate high school, i am planning on trying to do shows at colleges. Is trying to get into the college circuit right away a good idea? If not, what should the alternative be?

I've been a musician since birth and am branching into acting. I know the market is saturated though, so I'm also looking at entrepreneurship. I know that you need to work hard. How did you know to choose comedy? Were the odds against you?

Stand-Up Comedian

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Have you ever turned down a high-paying tour slot because the other comics were too hacky?

What’s the typical cut for a comedian's manager?

Why do stand-up comics complain so much about touring? I mean, isn't that pretty much the job description from the beginning?

If the real comedic talent is in the delivery of a joke, why is it looked down upon when a comic hires writers to write his material?

Also on Jobstr...

When comics say they are on the road "all the time" is that literal? Or is it every weekend? How often are comics home with their families?

When I graduate high school, i am planning on trying to do shows at colleges. Is trying to get into the college circuit right away a good idea? If not, what should the alternative be?

I've been a musician since birth and am branching into acting. I know the market is saturated though, so I'm also looking at entrepreneurship. I know that you need to work hard. How did you know to choose comedy? Were the odds against you?

Login

Forgot Your Password?

Register