School Of Laughs

Recording a studio CD for a musical comedian takes a lot of work. Transferring the energy of a live performance into a recorded track is just part of the battle.

In this episode I interview Nashville Music Producer Nathan Meckel. Nathan is a bit of Renaissance man when it comes to recording. He can arrange, produce, record, edit, mix, master, sing and play guitar, bass, keyboards and an occasional harmonica. He also has a better ear than the bionic woman.

When I first moved to Nashville in 1999, I met Nathan and we wrote some tunes together. A short while after that he produced “Fishin’ With Dynamite” a CD that helped put me on the map. Now, a decade later, he helps again with my latest 15 track musical CD “Half Fool”.

I wanted you to meet Nathan and get a feel for how recording a CD with a producer can be. In this episode we talk about:

• How to go about finding a producer in your town
• General guidelines for costs and contracts
• Is it fun for a record producer to explore the comedy world?
• How a producer helps overcome a performer’s shortcomings
• How a performer needs to trust a producer
• Inviting feedback and input during the project
• The difference between a producer and a mixer
• A “little less notch and a lot more groove”

And much, much more!

Stick around until the end of the episode and get an exclusive listen to two tracks form the NEW CD “32k Ft Up In the Air” and “Awkward”.

Check out Nathan’s website for a sample of his work.: http://www.nathanmeckel.com

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• 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

Recording a studio CD for a musical comedian takes a lot of work. Transferring the energy of a live performance into a recorded track is just part of the battle.

In this episode I interview Nashville Music Producer Nathan Meckel. Nathan is a bit of Renaissance man when it comes to recording. He can arrange, produce, record, edit, mix, master, sing and play guitar, bass, keyboards and an occasional harmonica. He also has a better ear than the bionic woman.

When I first moved to Nashville in 1999, I met Nathan and we wrote some tunes together. A short while after that he produced “Fishin’ With Dynamite” a CD that helped put me on the map. Now, a decade later, he helps again with my latest 15 track musical CD “Half Fool”.

I wanted you to meet Nathan and get a feel for how recording a CD with a producer can be. In this episode we talk about:

And much, much more!

Stick around until the end of the episode and get an exclusive listen to two tracks form the NEW CD “32k Ft Up In the Air” and “Awkward”.

Check out Nathan’s website for a sample of his work.: http://www.nathanmeckel.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 planning on shooting a DVD of your show any time soon? Wonder what steps you’ll need to take to make it happen? How much to budget? Where to have it shot?

This episode is an inside look into that process. Comedian Jonnie W. is gearing up for a taping on November 14th in Nashville, TN. We talk about all the thoughts and strategies that go into not only producing a show, but recording it for release.

CLICK TO LISTEN

We talk about,

• Why even record a DVD in this world of downloadable digital?
• How he has gone about working out the material
• What he looked for in a venue
• Where he plans on selling the final product
• How he selected an opening act
• Who helped him get his first video project together
• Why employing people you are comfortable with helps
• Why a deadline is a must for a successful timetable
• The ins and outs of CROWDFUNDING
• Unique way to sell out the first show
• Audio considerations
• Continuity
• WHAT Potential obstacles lie ahead
• Troubleshooting between shows

And much, much more.

To find out more about Jonnie W. and how you can help fund the project and get a download in return, visit his site: http://jonniew.com, or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jonnie_W

You can also hear Jonnie’s story of going full time on EPISODE 35.

CLICK TO LISTEN

You can contact us anytime in regards to these announcements 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

Are you planning on shooting a DVD of your show any time soon? Wonder what steps you’ll need to take to make it happen? How much to budget? Where to have it shot?

This episode is an inside look into that process. Comedian Jonnie W. is gearing up for a taping on November 14th in Nashville, TN. We talk about all the thoughts and strategies that go into not only producing a show, but recording it for release.

CLICK TO LISTEN

We talk about,

And much, much more.

To find out more about Jonnie W. and how you can help fund the project and get a download in return, visit his site: http://jonniew.com, or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jonnie_W

You can also hear Jonnie’s story of going full time on EPISODE 35.

CLICK TO LISTEN

You can contact us anytime in regards to these announcements at [email protected] .

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

Comedy Central's first ever LIVE stand-up comedy broadcast was a huge success. WHY? Because they turned the keys over to master comedian Brian Regan and he took us on a fun drive. Some of us he left off at "the next exit", but for those who stayed on board it was awesome.

As any comedian knows, performing is like walking a high wire. One little slip and the whole show can go careening off track. Add to that a packed house, television cameras, and no edits ... and you've got a circus act even P. T. Barnum himself would pay to see.

Brian Regan was definitely the man for the job. TV clean? Check. Energetic and enjoyable? Check. Skilled and able? Check. Funny? Double check, underline and circle. No doubt about it.

With over 30 years of stage experience, the youngest 57 year old in the world gave new comics a clinic on how to put on a show. Specifically, he demonstrated:

• Excellent material choices
• Well crafted routines
• Steady pacing
• Precision timing
• Vocal variety
• Surprising twists
• Engaging facial expressions
• Deliberate set structure
• and ... need I mention sticking to his time?

In a broadcast with a lot on the line Brian Regan delivered. Listen in to a discussion of the event with Jonnie W. and Gavin Miller and myself. Let us know what you thought about the performance. What did we miss? Send your thoughts to [email protected].

Also in this podcast we "FIX A JOKE". Thanks Eli Lebowizc

Twitter @EliLebowicz, Facebook and EliComedy.com.

And here is a link to the Vanity Fair article I mentioned.

You can contact us anytime in regards to these announcements 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

Comedy Central's first ever LIVE stand-up comedy broadcast was a huge success. WHY? Because they turned the keys over to master comedian Brian Regan and he took us on a fun drive. Some of us he left off at "the next exit", but for those who stayed on board it was awesome.

As any comedian knows, performing is like walking a high wire. One little slip and the whole show can go careening off track. Add to that a packed house, television cameras, and no edits ... and you've got a circus act even P. T. Barnum himself would pay to see.

Brian Regan was definitely the man for the job. TV clean? Check. Energetic and enjoyable? Check. Skilled and able? Check. Funny? Double check, underline and circle. No doubt about it.

With over 30 years of stage experience, the youngest 57 year old in the world gave new comics a clinic on how to put on a show. Specifically, he demonstrated:

In a broadcast with a lot on the line Brian Regan delivered. Listen in to a discussion of the event with Jonnie W. and Gavin Miller and myself. Let us know what you thought about the performance. What did we miss? Send your thoughts to [email protected].

Also in this podcast we "FIX A JOKE". Thanks Eli Lebowizc

Twitter @EliLebowicz, Facebook and EliComedy.com.

And here is a link to the Vanity Fair article I mentioned.

You can contact us anytime in regards to these announcements at [email protected] .

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

Does your city or town have a weekly writer’s meeting. A place where everyone can freely offer up ideas for feedback? A group that exceeds 1600 members? Wayne Manigo joins us to discuss how he and Mandy Dalton created the Washington D.C. Comedy Writers Group.

Specifically, we talk about:

• Writing exercises to get your brain moving
• How to run a writing workshop
• How he got approached to write for Stage Time magazine
• The D.C. Writer’s Group Podcast
• Why he gave up his apartment and a career in Information Technology to pursue comedy
• How far he took that sacrifice
• Where he plans to go from here

Find out more about Wayne and the D. C. Comedy Writer's Group at the following links:

Web: www.dccomedywriters.comWeb: www.freedccomedyfestival.comTwitter: @dccomedywritersFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcwritersgroup/

Listen to their podcast at:

Itunes: http://apple.co/1G5dNZyPodbean: http://bit.ly/1xrEPFJSticher: http://bit.ly/1MnyJ1Y-----------------------------------

Wayne Manigowww.waynemanigo.com@waynemancomedyFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1KrOW5H

==

You can contact us anytime in regards to these announcements at mailto:[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

Does your city or town have a weekly writer’s meeting. A place where everyone can freely offer up ideas for feedback? A group that exceeds 1600 members? Wayne Manigo joins us to discuss how he and Mandy Dalton created the Washington D.C. Comedy Writers Group.

Specifically, we talk about:

Find out more about Wayne and the D. C. Comedy Writer's Group at the following links:

Web: www.dccomedywriters.com
Web: www.freedccomedyfestival.com
Twitter: @dccomedywriters
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcwritersgroup/

Listen to their podcast at:

Itunes: http://apple.co/1G5dNZy
Podbean: http://bit.ly/1xrEPFJ
Sticher: http://bit.ly/1MnyJ1Y

-----------------------------------

Wayne Manigo
www.waynemanigo.com
@waynemancomedy
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1KrOW5H

==

You can contact us anytime in regards to these announcements at mailto:[email protected]

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

CROWD WORK

Watching a masterful comedian navigate crowd work is a beautiful thing. Like a hunter, they are one step ahead of their prey. Leading them here, baiting them there. The stand-up comedian is artfully creating a theatre in which the audience is keenly aware of the risks. When done competently, crowd work is a beautiful thing.

Conversely, watching someone flounder around trying to get the audience to participate in crowd work is nearly unbearable. When should a new comic start working towards incorporating crowd work into their shows? It depends.

Some comics will tell you to wait until you have a solid act before you start working the crowd. I agree that you should always focus on creating great material. But it is unrealistic to think that you should have to wait several years before you begin working the crowd. I suggest finding opportunities to dip your toes in the water and test your skills.

In this episode we cover the ins and outs of crowd work.

Specifically, we talk about:

• How to select the best audience members
• Who to engage (and who not to)
• The importance of LISTENING in crowd work
• Where you should work the crowd first
• A “perfect spot” for crowd work for headliners
• One non-verbal technique to keep in mind
• How to create a space for “playing” in your show
• How to minimize failure with YES or NO questions
• The fun (and risk) of open-ended questions

After listening, we welcome any tips you may have on getting the most out of crowd work. Send them on to us [email protected].

This episode also contains our first “FIX-A-JOKE” segment. Lee Hardin provides us with a joke he wanted punched up. Thanks Lee! 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.

If you enjoy this episode, you may want to check out this blog post “Should a HOST do CROWD WORK.”

• 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 podcast sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF LAUGHS:

This podcast is a production of the Rik Roberts School Of Laughs. If you want to learn about becoming a stand-up comedian, or just become a better one – visit the wwwSchoolOfLaughs.com web site.

If you enjoy this PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

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

CROWD WORK

Watching a masterful comedian navigate crowd work is a beautiful thing. Like a hunter, they are one step ahead of their prey. Leading them here, baiting them there. The stand-up comedian is artfully creating a theatre in which the audience is keenly aware of the risks. When done competently, crowd work is a beautiful thing.

Conversely, watching someone flounder around trying to get the audience to participate in crowd work is nearly unbearable. When should a new comic start working towards incorporating crowd work into their shows? It depends.

Some comics will tell you to wait until you have a solid act before you start working the crowd. I agree that you should always focus on creating great material. But it is unrealistic to think that you should have to wait several years before you begin working the crowd. I suggest finding opportunities to dip your toes in the water and test your skills.

In this episode we cover the ins and outs of crowd work.

Specifically, we talk about:

After listening, we welcome any tips you may have on getting the most out of crowd work. Send them on to us [email protected].

This episode also contains our first “FIX-A-JOKE” segment. Lee Hardin provides us with a joke he wanted punched up. Thanks Lee! 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.

If you enjoy this episode, you may want to check out this blog post “Should a HOST do CROWD WORK.”

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 podcast sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF LAUGHS:

This podcast is a production of the Rik Roberts School Of Laughs. If you want to learn about becoming a stand-up comedian, or just become a better one – visit the wwwSchoolOfLaughs.com web site.

If you enjoy this PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

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