School Of Laughs

Its time for the ever popular "After School Special"! Today I chat with a few students after a Stand-Up Comedy Level One: Writingclass in Nashville. They ask insight fun questions about choosing the right material for the right audience, how to include the opposite sex in your material, and how to survive the politically correct atmosphere that has chewed up and spit out so many of today's comedians. ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE SHOW NOTES

Michael, an EMT, asks about how you find your audience, how long does it take to develop your niche and how you write material specifically for a type of audience.

June, who works in special education, asks "What do guys think is funny?" Specifically, are there some topics that guys are naturally uncomfortable listening to?

We talk about including the guys by writing tag lines or using analogies that make the material accessible. My approach is to include everyone every five minutes. I don't stay on a topic that is so exclusive that it alienates part of the audience for more than a few minutes at a time.

Amy, a real estate broker, asks about how older folks can get into comedy. Is it easier, harder or how difficult is it to become a comedian when you are a little bit older. My advice is to find the people who want to listen to what you have to say and go to them. Sometimes hoping they find you is just not going to cut it. I give specific advice on how you can connect to your potential audience and start from where you are now.

Judgemental "PC" Audiences

Michael asks a mother question, this time about the political correctness in comedy today. Has it ruined the ability for a comedian to say what is on their mind? Don't audiences realize they don't have to watch a show if they don't like it?

My take is that if you present yourself as an authentic comedian, it is hard for the audience to separate your comedic angle from your true point of view. So write a joke that explores all angles of a topic. Be aware of potential animosity and write to address those audience members.

It comes down to intent. You must make that clear on stage so that the joke can survive. I don't like the judgmental / TMZ type of audience member who is looking for a scoop on your bad behavior to share on social media. But, if you make yourself clear you should be able to avoid winding up in their cross-hairs.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Scott Love and CLUB 52.

Club 52is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

You will define your stage persona, style and point of view. You will learn how to create expectations through your marketing, branding and introductions. From nailing your elevator pitch, to refining your value proposition, you will learn how to make it easier for bookers to hire you.

Meet comics from around the country during a quarterly online "hangout". As a group, we tackle our top struggles and how to approach overcoming them. Think of it as your personal monthly mastermind group. Over the course of the year you will learn how to get more gigs, and leverage every opportunity that comes your way.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

Comedian John Felts joins us today from Wilmington, NC. John is a hit with his audiences because he takes time to research the group and write specific jokes for them. Customizing comedy shows isn't easy. It takes time and a little bit of courage. But it pays off with huge laughs.

John walks us through the steps he takes to get the inside information. He discusses how to implement the material in the show for maximum results. Although he has done this for quite some time, he still is experimenting with ways to make customizing comedy shows even better.

We also cover how to produce your own comedy shows. John Felts is the producer of the Clean Comedy Getaway series which features top clean comedians from around the country. We dig into the nitty gritty details of putting that together.

In this episode we specifically discuss:

How to study your audience Finding out what NOT TO SAY in advance When to do crowd work The benefits of customizing comedy shows Mistakes he learned from in promoting and advertising a show Securing a venue for your own show Difficulty in marketing across multiple demographics Line up diversity in comedy shows Overcoming the stigma of a "clean" show Protecting your brand by keeping standards high Importance of building an email list The long road to turning a profit How BrownPaperTickets.com helped him Tips on keeping the family happy while you do comedy Knowing your priorities in life

And much, much more!

To find out more about John and his comedy please visit:

http://www.johnfeltscomedy.com

https://www.cleangetawaycomedy.com

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Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter Jeremy Lee and CLUB 52.

Club 52 is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

It is time for the 2019 Stand-Up Comedy Goals Podcast. This episode is a nerdy, comprehensive deep dive into measurable goals for sand-up comedians. Fame and fortune are payoffs, but not necessarily great goals. And, goals in and of themselves won't make you funnier than anyone else. But they should make you funnier than you are now if you set them correctly. Without them, you may find yourself immersed in bitterness and resent everyone else's success.

"What you getby achieving your goals is not as important as what you becomeby achieving your goals." - Henry David Thoreau

In this episode, we talk about specific daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals you can set for your comedy career. It is the behind the scenes planning that no performer admits to doing (and many don't). But you aspire to be better than you are now, so you are thinking strategically about the year ahead. Congratulations!

We cover four areas of goals in this 2019 Stand-Up Comedy Goals Podcast episode. Specifically:

Writing- how much time are you giving yourself to be creative and develop material?

Performing- are you getting out of the house and getting on stage enough to see progress?

Earning- what is your income from comedy and related skills?

Investing- how much are spending to get your name out there so people can find you?

2019 STAND-UP COMEDY GOALS PODCAST BONUS!

GET YOUR FREEGOAL TRACKER WORKSHEET!

This .pdf is designed to help inspire you to create, measure and improve upon over sixty goals for your comedy career. Whether you are reading this post in December, February or August all you have to do is request this free worksheet and I'll send it your way.

If you would like a 2019 Goals Worksheet, e-mail me at SchoolOfLaughs.com and put GOALS TRACKER 2019 in the subject line. I'll send you the worksheet and you will receive the bi-monthly INSIDER TIPS NEWSLETTER as well. It is full of comedy news, blog recaps, podcast summaries and a challenge to get your comedy career on the right track. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter anytime. No hard feelings.

DID YOU FAIL YOUR GOALS IN 2018???

If you are really interested in achieving goals but have had trouble, check out this blog post: "What Is Holding You Back?"

As in all things in life, you want to make sure your family is on boardwith your goals.

Remember - your ability plus your work ethic equals your opportunities. So, set some short and long term goals and make sure to generate opportunities through focused effort.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Patreonsupporter Darby Slaton and CLUB 52.

Club 52is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

You will define your stage persona, style and point of view. You will learn how to create expectations through your marketing, branding and introductions. From nailing your elevator pitch, to refining your value proposition, you will learn how to make it easier for bookers to hire you.

Meet comics from around the country during a quarterly online "hangout". As a group, we tackle our top struggles and how to approach overcoming them. Think of it as your personal monthly mastermind group. Over the course of the year you will learn how to get more gigs, and leverage every opportunity that comes your way.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

Comedian Dale Jones has a prescription for hilarious high-energy comedy. Which is good, because his stand-up is infectious and contagious!

If you've never seen Dale Jones perform there is only one thing you need to know: he was influenced by Looney Tunes. Yes, Dale blends the physical cartoonish expressions with high level, smart material to create a truly unique show. Lot's of comics claim to be "unique". Dale truly is!

JANUARY 2019 Nashville Comedy Writing Classes - Sign Up Now

Dale Jones started his comedy career in 1993. Initially, he tried to be "the cool guy" onstage. After a friend suggested he be more like his crazy "offstage" self, he scrapped everything and rebooted as the high energy persona you see today.

DALE JONES HAS A PRESCRIPTION SHOW NOTES

We cover a lot, specifically ...

• Being married to comedienne JODY WHITE
• Working on Cruise Ships
• Structuring multiple sets for the same audience
• The advantage of "gigs on land" over cruises
• The physical toll his comedy takes on his body
• How he stays in shape mentally and physically
• Performing for PureFlix Comedy All-Stars
• Favorite clubs
• How emceeing has changed over the years
• Memorizing short one-liners
• Giving the audience a chance to catch their breath
• Working in new material
• Upcoming shows

and much, much more! Before you go anywhere else, visit Dale Jones online!

www.DaleJonesComic.com

You can download his DVD "I have a Prescription" RIGHT HERE

And see his upcoming shows, including performances at The Stardome in Birmingham, The Comedy Catch in Chattanoogaand Two Guys Named Chrisshows in North Carolina.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Patreon supporter Darby Slaton and CLUB 52.

Club 52is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

Learn more at www.SchoolOfLaughs.com/Patreon

Comedians Jonnie W. and Brian Bates join us today to talk about the differences and similarities between church, corporate and comedy club gigs. We each primarily perform in a different environment. Jonnie plays mostly in churches, Brian is comedy clubs and I'm usually off at a corporate event.

JANUARY 2019 Nashville Comedy Writing Classes - Sign Up Now

In clubs there are "A" rooms, "B" rooms, etc., but is that true for the other niches? We dig in and talk about it. Can a "B" room improved not an "A" room? Can a "B" slip into a "C"?

We also talk about what our ideal audience and set up would be like.

CHURCH, CORPORATE AND COMEDY CLUB GIGS SHOW NOTES

We cover a lot, specifically ...

• How NOT to dip your TOE into show business
• "Coaching" the event planner prior to the show
• The importance of restroom location
• Tell tale signs of a "B" room
• The last time we each went long by mistake
• Learning how to land on a punchlineat short notice
• When it's a "first time" how you can help the venue
• Why scoring an 8 out of 10 at a corporate gigis actually a 12
• How to overcome a tired audienceat a corporate event
• The double edged sword of customized material
• Ways you can "sneak in" customized material
• Why you don't bring up Michael Vick
• Should wear headphones in the bathroom
• Reasons why women are so great!

and much, much more! Before you go anywhere else, visit the fellas online!

www.JonnieW.com

www.BrianBatesComedy.com

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Patreonsupporter Greg Smrdel and by CLUB 52.

Club 52is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

You will define your stage persona, style and point of view. You will learn how to create expectations through your marketing, branding and introductions. From nailing your elevator pitch, to refining your value proposition, you will learn how to make it easier for bookers to hire you.

Meet comics from around the country during a quarterly online "hangout". As a group, we tackle our top struggles and how to approach overcoming them. Think of it as your personal monthly mastermind group. Over the course of the year you will learn how to get more gigs, and leverage every opportunity that comes your way.

Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

Comedian Rhonda Corey joins us today from cold and snowy Rhode Island. Rhonda and I first connected back in the Fall of 2014 when she took the School of Laughs Online Writing Course. Initially, she admits her set-pus were little long. But very quickly I noticed she could take feedback and make changes to her material. The next time I looked up she was crafting super tight and extremely funny material.

Today she joins the podcast to recap some recent successes as well as where she wants to head in the new year. We talk about a variety of things including … RHONDA COREY SHOW NOTES Starting comedy as part of Take Two Ministries Attending multiple Clean Comedy Challenges Learning how to "trust her gut" with material Connecting with members of the Christian Comedy Association Working on her video demo Tips for generating leads for shows How to keep from feeling isolated Her goals for 2019 and much, much more! you can find out more about Rhonda Corey at: www.RhondaCorey.com https://www.facebook.com/rhondacoreycomedy/ https://www.instagram.com/rhondacoreycomedy/ MORE ABOUT RHONDA COREY

Comedian Rhonda Corey truly embodies the New England spirit. It's no wonder that her authenticity with a twist of lovable sass has resonated with audiences from Rhode Island to California!

Rhonda has always loved to bring joy to people through laughter. This passion has continued throughout her life and now more than ever, she sees that there is a genuine need for joy and laughter. She wants to use comedy to provide an escape and a much-needed laugh for those dealing with loss or burdens in their lives.

Rhonda redefines the comedy event experience by creating an environment where adults in any stage of life can laugh together. She is the creator of Out of the Blue Comedy, a multi-performer show that is 100% clean, and the co-founder/comedic half of Take Two Ministries.

When she's not on stage, you can find her baking treats (or eating what she bakes), shopping for bargains, or starting another project that has yet to be finished. She credits her husband John, son Alex, dog Chewy and kitty Fiona for providing endless material.

Rhonda's winning combination of wit and charm will leave you refreshed and entertained. Book Rhonda Corey now to add life and laughter to your next event.

Todays' guest Ross Bennett walks us though the steps of his comedy career. Those steps cover nearly 40 years of ups and downs, twists and surprises and … accomplishment. You can catch Ross Bennett and friends on the "Make Comedy Great Again" tour:

https://www.makecomedygreatagain.com

Ross Bennett Show Notes:

• His early days as a yearbook photographer
• Being inspired by SNL and Steve Martin
• Almost giving up on pursuing a Letterman spot
• The changes that opened up the opportunity for Letterman
• The beauty of having an act
• The primary difference between L.A. and N.Y.C.
• His attention to diction and enunciation
• The job of a comedian (Observation, Relation, Revelation)
• How a comic is like a translator
• Importance of a SLOWER pace in delivery
• Keys to doing comedy OUTSIDE of a club environment
• Understanding that "YOU ARE ENOUGH"
• Not "hiding behind your jokes"
• Getting your personality ahead of the joke
• Comedians as archers
• The 1/2 dozen ways you can open a show

More About Ross Bennett

Ross Bennett is a popular headliner at comedy clubs. He is a veteran and a comedian. Ross Bennett appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. He won "Best Supporting Actor in A Comedy Web Series" at LAWEBFEST2016. Check out his winning performance on Addicted to Show Business. He is a recurring guest on The Bob and Tom Show morning show.

He loves performing for casinos, cruise ships and country clubs.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Patreonsupporter Maria DiMaggio and by CLUB 52.

Club 52is a one-year program designed to challenge you to get bigger, better and more bookable. You will be prompted to examine your material, performance and business practices via email each week.

CLICK PIC FOR MORE DETAILS

You will define your stage persona, style and point of view. You will learn how to create expectations through your marketing, branding and introductions. From nailing your elevator pitch, to refining your value proposition, you will learn how to make it easier for bookers to hire you.

Meet comics from around the country during a monthly online "hangout". As a group, we tackle our top struggles and how to approach overcoming them. Think of it as your personal monthly mastermind group. Over the course of the year you will learn how to get more gigs, and leverage every opportunity that comes your way. Sound good?

Club 52 is available to anyone supporting the podcast through Patreon at $7 a month or more. To learn more about Patreon, just click here. Or go to SchoolOflaughs.com/Patreon

Mike James joins us today to talk about cruises, corporate gigs and leaving the software field to go full time into comedy. Thanks to Patreon supporter Christy Largent and to the Hot Breath podcast with Joel Byars for sponsoring this episode. To learn how you can support the podcast check out www.SchoolOfLaughs.com/Patreon.

Mike James is a clean comedian based the Phoenix, AZ area. After working as a software engineer for many years (including coding EXCEL) he decided to go full time into his comedy career.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Mike is especially interesting because he started full time much later in life. People often ask me about starting comedy at a later stage life. In fact we covered it in STARTING COMEDY LATE IN LIFE [EP. 108] with Rex Havens awhile back. Rex also left a big time job when he didn't have to to pursue comedy.

Mike James and I talk about:

• Having the "comedy discussion" with his wife
• Being initially inspired by his son's love of improvcomedy
• Getting his start in Phoenix area
• Importance of delegating what isn't your strong suit
• Moving beyond clubs to corporate gigs
• Exploring work on cruise ships
• Booking cruise ship gigs
• How to STAY booked on cruise ships
• The challenge of filling a LOT of time on cruise ships
• Staying focused while on a cruise
• Starting Cross-Eyed Comedywith Brian Kohatsu

and much, much more.

Find out more about Mike James at his web site: MikeJamesComedy.com

Episode Sponsors ...

This episode is sponsored by PATREON supporter Christy Largentand the "HOT BREATH" PODCAST with JOEL BYARS. Hot Breath focuses on Stand-Up just like the School of Laughs. Trust me, you will dig it!

CLICK HEREto find your preferred listening method and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HotBreathPod/

Joey I.L.O. joins us today today to discuss a myriad of comedy topics! Thanks to Patreon supporter John Peters and to theft Breath podcast with Joel Byars for sponsoring this episode. To learn how you can support the podcast check out www.SchoolOfLuaghs.com/Patreon.

Joey is I.L.O. is a man of many talents. From acting, singing and physical comedy to stand-up laced with characters an impersonations - he is a gifted performer. I believe I first met Joey in 2008 but it wasn't until May of 2018 that we performed together on the Collision of Comedy Tour along with Jonnie W.After a few dates in Wisconsin I knew that Joey was going to be a big time performer. His energy and commitment to a bit is something to see.

Joey was living in Minneapolis at that time. It was a few years later when he took an opportunity in Branson MO. We talk about that transition and what it took for Joey I.L.O. to go from the new kid in town to recently being nominated for Comedian of the Year in Branson.

Joey I.L.O. and I also talk about:

Being raised by clowns The immense influence of his Father Lessons he learned from promoting his own shows Overcoming challenges off stage Booking gigs well in advance Having the flexibility in Branson to travel out The time his father hung up on John Pinette Dabbling in acting Playing "Otis Campbell" from Andy Griffith Show

and much, much more.

Find out more about Joey I.L.O. at his web site: joeyilocomedy.com

Hit him up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joey.i.l.o

Episode Sponsors ...

This episode is sponsored by PATREON supporter John Peters and the "HOT BREATH" PODCAST with JOEL BYARS. Hot Breath focuses on Stand-Up just like the School of Laughs. Trust me, you will dig it!

CLICK HEREto find your preferred listening method and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HotBreathPod/

BONE HAMPTON - America's Got Talent comedian and Dove Award-winning "Comedian of the Year" joins me today to talk all things comedy. I've known Bone for a solid ten years and although we've broke bread, appeared on some of the same tapings and are part of the Christian Comedy Association, I haven't spent as much time as I would have liked with him. So today, we make up for it with an in-depth hour long interview that is wall to wall jam packed with comedy gold.

BONE HAMPTON SHOW NOTES

Specifically, Bone Hampton and I talk about:

• His days as University of North Texasfootball player and Rah Rah dude
• Winning $500 from Oscar-winning actor, Jamie Foxx
• Being one of the few clean comedians in Hollywood
• Opening for Carmanon the road
• Learning to do Bible jokes for the unsaved
• BET's "Comic View"
• His two stints as Guest Co-Host of ABC's "The View"
• His friendship with Actress/Comedienne Sherri Shepherd
• How he worked on NBC's "My Name is Earl"
• America's Got Talent
• The importance of honing a 90 second set
• The role a "back story" plays in television

and a whole lot more!

More about BONE HAMPTON

When he's not on set, the comedian/actor answers the call of the road, traveling across the country bringing merriment to the masses. As one of the superstars of clean/Christian entertainment, Bone is the host of JoyFest, the premiere gospel music festival. Bone has toured with the likes of Chonda Pierce, LeCrae, as well as Sherri Shepherd. He credits his success, in part, to "co-laborers in the faith"–friends such as Shepherd and Zachary Levi ("Chuck") "who believe it is possible to be a Christian and make it in showbiz."

His memorable appearance in the bestselling DVD, "Thou Shalt Laugh: The Deuce," hosted Emmy Award-winning comedy legend Tim Conway ("The Carol Burnett Show" and "SpongeBob Square Pants"), led to a repeat performance in the follow up project, "Thou Shalt Laugh 5" hosted by Chonda Pierce and featuring Thor Ramsey ("Bananas"), Taylor Mason (Taylor's Attic"), and Victoria Jackson ("Saturday Night Live").

Visit his:

WEBSITE: https://bonehampton.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bonehampton/

Episode Sponsors ...

This episode is sponsored by PATREON supporter Amy Lynch and the "HOT BREATH" PODCAST with JOEL BYARS. Hot Breath focuses on Stand-Up just like the School of Laughs. Trust me, you will dig it!

CLICK HEREto find your preferred listening method and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hotbreathpod/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HotBreathPod/