Whether you’re posting clips of your stand-up, a web series, vlogs, or any other content, YouTube is a wonderful way for comedians to reach a new audience. But how do you break through the clutter of the billions of videos available? Simple. You learn how the system works. 1) There are three places the YouTubeRead more
I’ve previously written a tip about how to start an independent show. But just as important is how to run one. Here are a few tips that can help turn your show into the hottest thing in your comedy scene. The host should be one of the best comedians on the show. The host setsRead more
Anyone on twitter has seen comedians play hashtag games. Many come from @Midnight, others come from promotional companies, and some are spontaneous. But all of them can help you as a comedian. Hashtag games help you sharpen your skills and get exposure, and I recommend you play them at least once a week, if notRead more
There are many schools of thought on what is appropriate to wear on stage – and the answer really depends on your act. Dave Chappelle should not dress the same as David Letterman because their acts are so different. But whatever your act is, you should be aware that your clothing makes a huge impressionRead more
It is difficult to navigate the ever-changing marketplace of comedy albums and new technology. What is the perfect strategy one year could change the next – or even quicker. Hopefully this can guide you through the current market, and help give you the tools you need to guide yourself as it changes again. Why recordRead more
Every comic who has ever seen one of the countless tour documentaries has had the thought of gathering a few friends together and hitting the road. But it’s not nearly that simple. Here’s a few tips on how to do it – and when not to. 1) Successful tours have concepts that appeal to aRead more
Some comedians hate the idea of merch, as it can make the post-show feel like a flea-market and forces you to interact with the crowd whether you’re in the mood to or not. However, comedians often make more from merch than they do from the gig (and merch is what kept me financially solvent duringRead more
YouTube is a wonderful way to reach new fans and easily monetize your content. My YouTube has grown from a small channel to one that routinely produces 25,000 views a day, and yields over $1,000 a month in revenue. Here are some tips and best practices to help you do the same. 1) Content isRead more
The reasons to produce your own show are plentiful. It’s good comedy karma to create stage time. It’s a way to meet a ton of comedians, quickly. It’s a way to learn what energy level is best for what situation. It’s a way to better understand what bookers are looking for. Most importantly, you canRead more
Many comedians pitch my clubs that they are local draws. If you are, you absolutely should not be pitching a club on being part of someone else’s show. You should be happy to take your own door, as you’d make WAY more money that way and continue to build your fan base. Here’s the wayRead more