School Of Laughs

With three Comedy Central specials, appearances on Live at Gotham, The Tonight Show, The View, VH1, MTV and becoming a finalist in Last Comic Standing, Louis has now set his sights on the globe. He performed on a 40 country world tour that took him to Mumbai, Hong Kong, London, Dubai and Johannesburg. His standup routine could be seen in over 170 movie theaters across the United Kingdom in "The Comedy Store, Raw and Uncut."

A favorite at comedy festivals worldwide, I met up with Louis just before he won the 2014 Gilda's LaughFest Audience Favorite Clean Comedy Award!

We talk about his comedy journey including:

• His start at the Punchline in Atlanta with Jeff Foxworthy, Henry Cho & Killer Beaz
• Beginning comedy while bussing tables at a Ruby Tuesday's
• His first big break emceeing on the road
• Seeing things from booking agent's perspective
• Being professional as well as being funny
• Where and when you should invest in your promo material
• Why listening to other comics (irony noted) may not be a good idea
• One tip for noticing your "tics" on stage
• The goal every emcee should have (before even being funny)
• How you'll know when you are ready to move up from emcee to feature, feature to headliner
• Why comedy is constant learning experience
• His 2 year move to London and the reasoning behind it
• A few differences between comics in the UK and the USA
• What material works best when entertaining the troupes

and a whole lot more. And, I mean a WHOLE LOT MORE. This is required listening for new and intermediate comics.

==

Stand-Up Comedy Classes

Starting off in stand-up comedy can be REALLY intimidating. It’s like driving in the fog with no lights. That is the way I felt when I first started. There was no way to see what was ahead, how long it would take to get there, or which way I should be going.

After 24 years as a full time, professional comedian, I can now easily see the path. The fog has long lifted. The obstacles – some great challenges – are less intimidating. The journey is much more clear.

You’ll have to learn a lot on your own. No one can do this for you. But, the journey doesn’t have to be so intimidating. It all comes down to three areas: Writing, Performing and Business. And it all starts with WRITING.

The School Of Laughs online writing course contains all the tools I wish I had when I first started. You will immediately start to see stand-up comedy in a new light.

There are many techniques comedians use in their writing. You will learn them. You will practice them. You will layer them and you will get laughs.

Click here to learn more about the various levels of the online class and see which is the best fit for you.

You can contact us anytime for more information at [email protected].

Guest Blog PostsIf you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Sponsor An EpisodeDo you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

Fix a JokeWe want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun.

Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

With three Comedy Central specials, appearances on Live at Gotham, The Tonight Show, The View, VH1, MTV and becoming a finalist in Last Comic Standing, Louis has now set his sights on the globe. He performed on a 40 country world tour that took him to Mumbai, Hong Kong, London, Dubai and Johannesburg. His standup routine could be seen in over 170 movie theaters across the United Kingdom in "The Comedy Store, Raw and Uncut."

A favorite at comedy festivals worldwide, I met up with Louis just before he won the 2014 Gilda's LaughFest Audience Favorite Clean Comedy Award!

We talk about his comedy journey including:

and a whole lot more. And, I mean a WHOLE LOT MORE. This is required listening for new and intermediate comics.

==

Stand-Up Comedy Classes

Starting off in stand-up comedy can be REALLY intimidating. It’s like driving in the fog with no lights. That is the way I felt when I first started. There was no way to see what was ahead, how long it would take to get there, or which way I should be going.

After 24 years as a full time, professional comedian, I can now easily see the path. The fog has long lifted. The obstacles – some great challenges – are less intimidating. The journey is much more clear.

You’ll have to learn a lot on your own. No one can do this for you. But, the journey doesn’t have to be so intimidating. It all comes down to three areas: Writing, Performing and Business. And it all starts with WRITING.

The School Of Laughs online writing course contains all the tools I wish I had when I first started. You will immediately start to see stand-up comedy in a new light.

There are many techniques comedians use in their writing. You will learn them. You will practice them. You will layer them and you will get laughs.

Click here to learn more about the various levels of the online class and see which is the best fit for you.

You can contact us anytime for more information at [email protected].

Guest Blog Posts
If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Sponsor An Episode
Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

Fix a Joke
We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun.

Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

I met Mike James back in 2005 or so and he was starting to get his set together. Writing, tweaking and performing his material constantly has improved his consistency. Now, he is a full time funnyman traveling across the country doing the job he loves.

We cover a lot of ground including:

• Waiting two years to finally try an open mic
• How theaters and clubs make you adjust your delivery
• The difference between opening up for Ralph May and Lonnie Love
• Favorite comedy clubs
• Clubs with learning curves
• Clubs where he sells the most merchandise
• Worry free traveling on a tour bus
• Juggling his touring with raising a family
• Calling clubs to get a guest set on specific days and times
• Advice he got from Rosie O'Donnell
• Being more memorable

And a whole lot more!

I also open up the mailbox and answer a question about new material.

==

• Guest Blog Posts

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

• Sponsor An Episode

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

• Fix a Joke

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

I met Mike James back in 2005 or so and he was starting to get his set together. Writing, tweaking and performing his material constantly has improved his consistency. Now, he is a full time funnyman traveling across the country doing the job he loves.

We cover a lot of ground including:

And a whole lot more!

I also open up the mailbox and answer a question about new material.

==

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS  on Twitter

Stephen Bargatze joins us today. If that name sounds familiar it may be because you saw him in Las Vegas, caught him at Opryland, perhaps he visited your school or maybe because he is the father of Nate Bargatze.

Regardless of whether you knew him before or not, you will love his generous and insightful interview.

Stephen ran away from home in his teens, escaping an alcoholic father and other family issues. After being bit by a dog he was left with a bit of a lisp that also forced him into a bit of shyness. A few chance encounters reshaped his entire life and he headed off in a much better direction.

With encouragement from a clown - yes, a clown, Stephen began to learn magic and perform shows. Later on he left the makeup behind and let his comedy and magic stand on its own.

Today he shares with us his story and some great insights into the world of magic. We cover many things, including...

• How Ronald McDonald changed his life
• How being singled out by a drama teacher played a role in becoming accepted
• Why it took a year to talk to his girlfriend
• Why he wanted to get fired from his Opryland gig
• How he used a log flume to make huge splash in his magic show
• What he learned from Robin Williams about performing
• How magicians buy and share tricks
• Having other magicians call you to ask if they can do your trick on TV
• How utilizing jokes help magicians engage the crowd during the process of magic
• Why “playing dumb” can help endear an audience to you
• Why having a DVD called “I hate kids” kind of backfired
• His friendship with two other magicians who all grew up in the same area in Louisville
• How he is able to use magic to engage and influence school kids to make better decisions
• How him and his wife compete to get a joke in Nate’s routine
• And a lot more. Really, a lot more!

You’ve got to listen to Stephen Bargatze describe some of his tricks and hear for yourself. You’ll quickly learn why he has been able to spend decades doing what he really loves.

For a primer, check out this video clip with Dick Butkus called the “Straight Jacket of Death."

Or visit his web site: MagicofStephen.com

• Guest Blog Posts

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

• Sponsor An Episode

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

• Fix a Joke

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

• Insider Tip Sheet

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

Stephen Bargatze joins us today. If that name sounds familiar it may be because you saw him in Las Vegas, caught him at Opryland, perhaps he visited your school or maybe because he is the father of Nate Bargatze.

Regardless of whether you knew him before or not, you will love his generous and insightful interview.

Stephen ran away from home in his teens, escaping an alcoholic father and other family issues. After being bit by a dog he was left with a bit of a lisp that also forced him into a bit of shyness. A few chance encounters reshaped his entire life and he headed off in a much better direction.

With encouragement from a clown - yes, a clown, Stephen began to learn magic and perform shows. Later on he left the makeup behind and let his comedy and magic stand on its own.

Today he shares with us his story and some great insights into the world of magic. We cover many things, including...

You’ve got to listen to Stephen Bargatze describe some of his tricks and hear for yourself. You’ll quickly learn why he has been able to spend decades doing what he really loves.

For a primer, check out this video clip with Dick Butkus called the “Straight Jacket of Death."

Or visit his web site: MagicofStephen.com

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS  on Twitter

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 the beginning, but should be abandoned after you get a little momentum riding the bike. In short, you should experiment early and often, but be sure to let your style develop.

Swarty and I met almost 20 years ago at his very first open mic. Now, he headlines across the country at clubs and corporate events. Also known for his love for THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES, Dan delivers a ton of gold nuggets in this interview.

We talk about:

• His very first open mic
• The importance of developing emcee and hosting skills
• Hosting the Cash Explosion lottery show in Columbus, OH
• How to deal with a heckler
• Trends in merchandise sales after shows
• Finding your voice
• What to do when a show isn’t going well
• How a comedian is like a cornerback in football
• Reading the crowd and delivering the show appropriately
• And a whole lot more!

Check out Dan Swartwout at any www.Swarty.com

==

If you have beginning comedy questions that need answered just send them in. Email them to[email protected]. I will answer them on the podcast or in a blog post.

And frequently asked questions are tackled on our YouTube channel

Join our "INSIDER TIP SHEET" by sending your name via email to [email protected] and put TIP SHEET in the subject line.

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 the beginning, but should be abandoned after you get a little momentum riding the bike. In short, you should experiment early and often, but be sure to let your style develop.

Swarty and I met almost 20 years ago at his very first open mic. Now, he headlines across the country at clubs and corporate events. Also known for his love for THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES, Dan delivers a ton of gold nuggets in this interview.

We talk about:

Check out Dan Swartwout at any www.Swarty.com  

==

If you have beginning comedy questions that need answered just send them in. Email them to[email protected]. I will answer them on the podcast or in a blog post.

And frequently asked questions are tackled on our YouTube channel

Join our "INSIDER TIP SHEET" by sending your name via email to [email protected] and put TIP SHEET in the subject line.

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 for submitting jokes?

• When do I know I am ready to try my first open mic?

• And how much time will I need to have?

• How many times should you try out a joke before you scrap it?

• Or should you never scrap it and keep trying it again and again?

• Do you have any tips for performing for older and more conservative audiences?

• What happens when you do a joke that normally works and you get no response at all from the audience?

And fix jokes submitted on the topics of ...

• Airport layovers
• Underachieving kids
• Chinese babies
• and jobs you hate

I talk about Jerry Seinfeld's method for staying focussed on writing and share some other tips and insights for new comedians as well.

This episode is SPONSORED by ...

The Crochet Comedian www.thecrochetcomedian.com

Chelle Baxter is "The Crochet Comedian". Check out her great work and buy a gift for that special someone today at www.thecrochetcomedian.com. Enter coupon code SCHOOLOFLAUGHS at checkout for 10% off your entire order!

== If you have beginning comedy questions that need answered just send them in!

Email them to [email protected]. I will answer them on the podcast or in a blog post. Frequently asked questions are also tackled on our YouTube channel.

And remember you can take an online comedy writing class prepared and delivered by Rik Roberts anytime you like! Check out the online classes tab at the SchoolOfLaughs.com web site for more information.

Stay funny!

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 ...

And fix jokes submitted on the topics of ...

I talk about Jerry Seinfeld's method for staying focussed on writing and share some other tips and insights for new comedians as well.

This episode is SPONSORED by ...

The Crochet Comedian www.thecrochetcomedian.com

Chelle Baxter is "The Crochet Comedian". Check out her great work and buy a gift for that special someone today at www.thecrochetcomedian.com. Enter coupon code SCHOOLOFLAUGHS at checkout for 10% off your entire order!

== If you have beginning comedy questions that need answered just send them in!

Email them to [email protected]. I will answer them on the podcast or in a blog post. Frequently asked questions are also tackled on our YouTube channel.

And remember you can take an online comedy writing class prepared and delivered by Rik Roberts anytime you like! Check out the online classes tab at the SchoolOfLaughs.com web site for more information.

Stay funny!