School Of Laughs

In episode 052 we discussed strategies for picking your material for different types of showcase sets. The funniest? The most unique? The most jam packed set of jokes? Everyone approaches it differently. In this episode, we listen back to a showcase set and analyze what went right, wrong and what changes were made on the fly to make it flow best.

You can watch the showcase in it's entirety by clicking HERE.

Joining me on this episode is Jonnie W., who you may remember from episode 035. Jonnie was at the showcase and had a good look at the set live. It was unique, for sure. Not exactly your typical comedy club set up. We talk about:

• Showroom dynamics
• Crowd lighting
• My invasive dyslexia
• Calling audibles
• Voice choices
• Winning over a crowd
• Crowd expectations
• Jokes you drop on purpose
• Call backs
• Rule of threes
• Misdirection

and a lot, lot more.

If you love analyzing comedy this is a great podcast for you! You can watch the showcase in it's entirety by clicking HERE.

==

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

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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.

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

In episode 052 we discussed strategies for picking your material for different types of showcase sets. The funniest? The most unique? The most jam packed set of jokes? Everyone approaches it differently. In this episode, we listen back to a showcase set and analyze what went right, wrong and what changes were made on the fly to make it flow best.

You can watch the showcase in it's entirety by clicking HERE.

Joining me on this episode is Jonnie W., who you may remember from episode 035. Jonnie was at the showcase and had a good look at the set live. It was unique, for sure. Not exactly your typical comedy club set up. We talk about:

and a lot, lot more.

If you love analyzing comedy this is a great podcast for you! You can watch the showcase in it's entirety by clicking HERE.

==

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.

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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.

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

It’s been said the number one fear is public speaking. If that’s true, then speaking and being expected to be funny must take that notion and multiply it by 1000x. For some it’s simply a fear of looking stupid or saying something dumb. Hey, guess what – that’s comedy! For others, though, it’s an actual fear of having a panic attack in front of people.

Whether you are worried about looking like a fool or truly going into anxiety, these tips should help you immediately! Successful comedians learn to either overcome this fear or to manage it.

We break the discussion into three parts,

• 1. The week(s) before the show
• 2. The day of the show
• 3. The moments on stage

Specifically, we talk about:

• Two simple techniques for removing all the pressure from the performance
• What to do if you “go blank”
• A tip from Ricky Gervais
• Physical preparation
• A tool for envisioning success
• How to make the show seem smaller and less threatening
• An approach to give you some “breathing room” onstage
• How to gain confidence before you hit the stage
• What the crowd can’t do (that you can)
• The value of a pre-show “ritual”
• “Ironing” out the kinks
• What to expect during the show
• How to be objective
• When to “go with the flow”
• Three “S” words that I utilize before every show
• How to actually ENJOY the show

And much, much more!

What are some techniques that you use to relax and overcome stage fright? Let us know. We will share them with our listeners.

ALSO A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

2) 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.

3) New Show Theme

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

4) Fix a Joke

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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.

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

It’s been said the number one fear is public speaking. If that’s true, then speaking and being expected to be funny must take that notion and multiply it by 1000x.  For some it’s simply a fear of looking stupid or saying something dumb. Hey, guess what – that’s comedy! For others, though, it’s an actual fear of having a panic attack in front of people. 

Whether you are worried about looking like a fool or truly going into anxiety, these tips should help you immediately! Successful comedians learn to either overcome this fear or to manage it.

We break the discussion into three parts,

Specifically, we talk about:

And much, much more! 

What are some techniques that you use to relax and overcome stage fright? Let us know. We will share them with our listeners.

ALSO A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

2)  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.

3)  New Show Theme

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

4) Fix a Joke 

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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.

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

Your website is the only online presence you totally control. As Michael Hyatt describes so accurately, it is your EMBASSY. Everything else, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc., are outposts you should be using to drive people to your site. Are you?

And when they arrive to your site … are you doing all you can to keep them there?

In this episode we dive into web site tips for comedians (or any entertainer).

Specifically, we talk about:

• What to do if your name is hard to spell or remember
• Why using .com if at all possible is best
• What should be on your home page
• Why your face needs to be the first thing people see
• Where to put your first video
• Why its best to letter others describe you
• How to position yourself with social proof
• Why updating regularly is so important
• Specific CTA’s (Call To Actions) you should use
• Why an email opt-in is important
• How to get people to sign up for your list
• Contact forms vs your phone number or email
• Why you may NOT want to list your performing schedule
• How you can encourage people to attend a live show
• Making resources easy to download
• And … the number one thing your website needs to do to be recognized by favorably by Google!

And much, much, more!

In fact, I am using every one of these tips on my site www.RikRoberts.com to help me get booked and increase visitors to my site. A few of these items are on the TO DO list for www.SchoolOfLaughs.com as we speak. One thing a a time ...

We just scratched the surface in this episode. What did we miss? What are your web site tips for comedians? Let us know. We will share them with our listeners.

ALSO A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

• New Show Theme

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

• Fix a Joke

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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 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

Your website is the only online presence you totally control. As Michael Hyatt describes so accurately, it is your EMBASSY. Everything else, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc., are outposts you should be using to drive people to your site. Are you?

And when they arrive to your site … are you doing all you can to keep them there?

In this episode we dive into web site tips for comedians (or any entertainer).

Specifically, we talk about:

And much, much, more!

In fact, I am using every one of these tips on my site www.RikRoberts.com to help me get booked and increase visitors to my site. A few of these items are on the TO DO list for www.SchoolOfLaughs.com as we speak. One thing a a time ...

We just scratched the surface in this episode. What did we miss? What are your web site tips for comedians?  Let us know. We will share them with our listeners.

ALSO A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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 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

Nothing is more serious in standup comedy than a showcase night. Whether your showcase set is at a festival, for TV or simply to get booked by a club – you’ve got to be prepared. Putting together your set can drive you crazy. This podcast is all about picking the right material for the showcase set. Eliminate all the second-guessing with a little time invested now!

In this episode we speak specifically about:

• Determining the goal for the night
• Selecting the best material for the showcase
• Nearly eliminating all segues
• How to open the set
• What to NOT do in your opening joke
• What type of jokes won’t work in a short set
• Which joke to close you should close out with
• Whether or not you need to hit all of your tags
• One thing you must do no matter what
• A simple (yet often forgot) piece to fool proofing your set
• What to do once you’ve assembled your set
• How much you should practice before the big night

And much, much, more!

In fact, I am using every one of these strategies to get ready for a showcase in front of about 1300 people this very week. How will it turn out? We will definitely follow up in another episode.

ALSO A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

• New Show Theme

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

• Fix a Joke

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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.

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

Nothing is more serious in standup comedy than a showcase night. Whether your showcase set is at a festival, for TV or simply to get booked by a club – you’ve got to be prepared. Putting together your set can drive you crazy. This podcast is all about picking the right material for the showcase set. Eliminate all the second-guessing with a little time invested now!

In this episode we speak specifically about:

And much, much, more!

In fact, I am using every one of these strategies to get ready for a showcase in front of about 1300 people this very week. How will it turn out? We will definitely follow up in another episode.

ALSO A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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.

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

In episode 036 “Live Comedy Writing Session - Idea to Premise” I asked Gavin Miller (brand new aspiring comedian and our excellent producer) to bring in a few joke ideas to the School Of Laughs headquarters. He did. We took three joke ideas and selected one for him to write.

The premise, in essence, is that a friend of his suggested she would help homeless people connect with society by giving them Facebook access. The emphasis of the joke is on the idea that technology may only make things worse.

Then in episode 042 “Comedy Writing Session Follow Up” Gavin brought the premise back and had a few punch lines ready to go. He also included some ideas from listeners, who had offered angles through twitter, email, etc.,

Now … some three months later, we hear a clip of Gavin on stage doing the joke. How did it turn out??? Ha – you’ll have to listen! Needless to day, there are some lessons to learn from the experience. Many lessons. Many. Lessons. Oh boy. Let’s just say, a lot of lessons.

These lessons all translate to tips you can use in your own stand-up comedy approach.

You can also see Gavin’s performance in its entirety at this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Qkge5nuplnA

A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

• New Show Theme

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

• Fix a Joke

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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 PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

JOIN THE 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

In episode 036 “Live Comedy Writing Session - Idea to Premise” I asked Gavin Miller (brand new aspiring comedian and our excellent producer) to bring in a few joke ideas to the School Of Laughs headquarters. He did. We took three joke ideas and selected one for him to write.

The premise, in essence, is that a friend of his suggested she would help homeless people connect with society by giving them Facebook access. The emphasis of the joke is on the idea that technology may only make things worse.

Then in episode 042 “Comedy Writing Session Follow Up” Gavin brought the premise back and had a few punch lines ready to go. He also included some ideas from listeners, who had offered angles through twitter, email, etc.,

Now … some three months later, we hear a clip of Gavin on stage doing the joke. How did it turn out??? Ha – you’ll have to listen! Needless to day, there are some lessons to learn from the experience. Many lessons. Many. Lessons. Oh boy. Let’s just say, a lot of lessons.

These lessons all translate to tips you can use in your own stand-up comedy approach.

You can also see Gavin’s performance in its entirety at this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Qkge5nuplnA

A FEW IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Skip to the end of the podcast and let us know which show theme music you would like stuck in your ears the next 52 episodes!

In the new year (which starts for us on July 4) 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 PODCAST please subscribe in iTunes or STITCHER and leave a comment and ranking.

JOIN THE 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