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76 Questions

Last Answer on June 11, 2013

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 almost 13 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.

1188 Votes

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

Asked by ginny over 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.

1187 Votes

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

Asked by ljenkins over 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.

1185 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 over 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.

1184 Votes

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Which comedian or comedians made you want to get on stage?

Asked by D-Bock over 13 years ago

My mom took me to see Dennis Miller when I was a kid. I loved him. I still only understand 25% of his vocab but his wit, delivery and arrogance always made me laugh. How cool is my mom for taking her 11 year old son to see him? Other comics that I loved and continue to enjoy their work: Brian Regan (a comics favorite), Don Rickles, Gary Shandling (his first Tonight Show still makes me laugh), Steve Martin, Bill Cosby (seen him twice and loved it). Recently I've been getting more into Bill Hicks as well (there is a great documentary out on him right now). Unlike most of my comic friends, George Carlin never really fired me up that much. Maybe I'm a loser, I don't know.

1184 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 over 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 :)

1178 Votes

Are comedians as cutthroat with one another as it seems? Or have there been any who really helped you get a few breaks?

Asked by Ramon O. over 13 years ago

I have defintely had some comics help me along the way. Comics are competeitive by nature and we can get easily jealous of one another, which is common in every industry, but in general comics are fun and helpful and generous. Numerous comics have told club bookers that they like my act and that they should book me. Thats a really nice way to help one another. I have done the same for friends of mine that I know are funny, nice and will respect the club and craft. Also, I've had comics recommend me for TV spots or hosting gigs and that is such a nice thing and I try to do the same when I am in position to.

1178 Votes

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Stand-Up Comedian

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

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

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?

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?

Also on Jobstr...

Which comedian or comedians made you want to get on stage?

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?

Are comedians as cutthroat with one another as it seems? Or have there been any who really helped you get a few breaks?

Stand-Up Comedian

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

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

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?

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?

Also on Jobstr...

Which comedian or comedians made you want to get on stage?

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?

Are comedians as cutthroat with one another as it seems? Or have there been any who really helped you get a few breaks?

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