On the Road: Tara Tinsley!

Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to be in one of my favorite cities, Nashville, TN and scored an interview with the awesomely talented and super hot TARA TINSLEY!

Check it out here:

And for more on Tara, go to her website: www.taratinsley.com

On the Road: DONUTS!

Ever wonder why people often bring donuts to my seminar performances? Here's why:

YOU NEED TO MEET ME

Who am I? I'm a relatively unknown comedian. But I have a magic power. Meet me, and you'll get a TV show on Comedy Central. I can't stress this enough, simply SHAKING MY HAND will bring good fortune to anyone seeking a career in comedy.

Meet me. You want to meet me.

Here are a few of the people who took this advice last year:

Jeffrey Ross. A comedian's comedian, meaning that he's funny but pretty obscure. He was most known for doing the Comedy Central Roasts. That is, UNTIL HE MET ME.

Jeffrey Ross was just another loser hustling the circuit. Then his life changed on May 12th, 2012 because he met me. Now, he's the host of Comedy Central's "The Burn"

These two are Anthony Jeselnik and Amy Schumer, two names YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER HEARD OF if it hadn't had been for an encounter with yours truly.

Jeselnik, was just a goofy dude from Pittsburgh with an unpronounceable name who's only real asset was insanely awesome hair.
Schumer, besides occupying a huge section of every comedian's spank bank, was basically known as Jeselnik's chick.
UNTIL THEY MET ME.

Now they host "The Jeselnik Offensive" and "Inside Amy Schumer" respectively. 

Young comedians very often ask me how to make it in this business. I cannot stress this enough: 

You need to be funny. 

You need to work hard. 

But, most importantly, YOU NEED TO MEET ME.

See you at a show!

Psychic

What else would she be thinking?

Let me tell you a little about myself...

You want it, you got it.

http://careersinpsychology.org/interview/dr-brian-king/

Detroit Survival Tips

Detroit is a great city with a tremendous history, but can be a rough place to visit if you don't know what to expect. I recently spent a few days in the Motor City and compiled a few tips that might help you survive your next trip to Motown. 

Detroit Survival Tips:

1. don't be a vegetarian, you'll starve.
2. Stay on the other side of 8 Mile Rd. In fact to be safe, try 11 Mile Rd.
3. Take advantage of the shitty economy and drive any time! There's no rush hour, in fact there's never any traffic. anywhere.
4. If you find a business you like, go there a lot. Take advantage of it now because it's going out of business soon.
5. Not all Arabs like being referred to as such. Some prefer the term "Persian", and others prefer the term "Jewish".
6. Be prepared to have long deep philosophical conversations about Ted Nugent, electronic music, and the Insane Clown Posse.
7. Gratiot, is pronounced "Grass-SHIT" and this is easy to remember if you ever drive down Gratiot Ave.
8. It's helpful if you have an out of state driver's license. Local cops are too lazy to do all the paperwork necesray to write you a ticket, and you can speed all up and down Woodward Ave.
9. Size 16 is not "plus-sized".
10. Don't be Brittany Murphy.

Going "Pro"

A comic recently asked me what he needs to go "pro". I thought my answer might be of interest to others so here it goes:

First of all, it depends on what you mean by "pro". I like to caution all comics from focusing on money. When you start to focus on money, you get jaded and your life is filled with disappointment. There isn't much money to be made in comedy, it should always be an art form that we engage because we enjoy it. they day you start doing it for the paycheck is the day life starts to suck. Not only because it takes away from the joy of doing what you love, but the paychecks blow.

Money comes in time, focus on making yourself a marketable commodity. anyone can tell jokes and get laughs, but how many people encourage total strangers to leave their homes and take a chance on a night out in a shitty club serving over-priced drinks? until you have a following you aren't really worth anything to club owners and bookers. Talent is easily replaceable. Sure, they will compensate you for your time, but nobody can live on what you'll get paid for host / feature sets. Even if you are getting steady work, you aren't going to earn enough to pay for much more than gas.

I know people that are more than 10 years deep that struggle. The most successful "pro" comics are those that live at home or with a spouse that supports them. Or support themselves by some other means.

Basically, what I am saying is accept money gracefully when it is offered to you but don't expect it. don't count on it. and don't ever feel entitled to it.

The few "pro" early-tenure comics out there that claim to make a living in comedy, are in fact making a living by producing comedy shows. And even then, it's a meager existence. But, if you are so inclined and have an entrepreneurial streak that is the best way to go. Own your own. I have supported myself for over 5 years throwing comedy shows, and in the process got a whole lot more stage time than I would have otherwise. How to do that is going to depend on your resources and ability to recognize opportunities.
For example, I've got a really unique niche at the moment where I've combined my background in Psychology with my experience as a comedian into something really marketable, comedic motivational speaking. I get good crowds, i tell lots of jokes, and i am supporting myself because I found an opportunity.

The traditional route of working the open mics to get to host / feature and then get noticed and land that TV / Movie gig works for a few comics, but not for most. There is no standard career path for comedians. you have to create your own path.

However all that said, yes get some good head shots. yes, get a good demo video. a URL should be good enough for most bookers, no need to mail a press kit. get a good bio to introduce yourself with and network network network. then network some more. Also, invest in PR and marketing, beyond facebook. You are now a brand. Market yourself as you want to be represented.

Be good to the people you meet along the way. Asshole comics, even really funny ones, get a lot less work.

I hope that helps.