I wish it were possible to give hugs to everyone who read Addicted To Comedy this year. When the column debuted in May 2012, my goal was to help up-and-coming comedians learn about comedy, without the drama you might find on other websites, comedy based groups, or at the back of the comedy clubs. As I mentioned previously, “I don’t give advice…I explain my experiences in anticipation that readers can relate to it.” More importantly, it forced me to perform the one task that is most critical in this business – WRITING!
Writing has a way of keeping thoughts focused. There are former stand-up comedians writing for sitcoms, late-night talk shows, other comedians, or self producing their own movies or TV shows. Every headlining comedian I’ve ever asked for advice told me “Keep writing!” Jerry Seinfeld explained how the key to his success was writing everyday and not “Breaking The Chain” (a method he uses to measure his writing efforts). As fellow comedians, I urge you to continue your commitment to writing your best material. Through a series of interviews with comedians, authors, comedy club owners, etc., I have learned more details about developing a comedy career at an accelerated rate. My interview notes became the ultimate crash course for learning comedy.
The other benefit of producing this column was the ability to share the knowledge I learned, and applying it to the world of comedy. Listed below are the most popular posts of 2012:
Setting Goals:
Writing:
- Discovering Methods To Writing Comedy
- Become A Student Of Comedy
- Create A Comedy Writing Group
- Comedy Inspiration Is Where You Find It
Performing
- Dig Your Comedy Well Before You’re Thirsty
- Become An Emcee By Preparing For It
- Five Book Suggestions For New Comedians
- How I Recovered From A Comedy Burnout
Networking:
Social Media Tools:
- A Comedian’s Guide To Using Twitter (Part 1)
- A Comedian’s Guide To Using Twitter (Part 2)
- A Comedian’s Guide To Using LinkedIn
- Using EverNote To Organize Your Comedy Material
Marketing:
Using my own suggestions, I became more confident as a writer. Prior to writing for Stage Time magazine, I interviewed people in comedy for the Washington DC Comedy Writers Group. The best education in comedy you can get (for free) is to interview people you consider successful. Build an attractive website or blog, and get their attention. Understand how they communicate using social media (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, email, etc), and ask for an interview. You’ll be surprised at how many people are willing to discuss their books, videos, and other projects. Take your interviews seriously, and have your questions ready in advance.
The other thing I’d like to mention is the importance of building relationships in this business. As I interviewed people, I made it a point to keep in contact with them. They understand how serious I am about working in comedy. Hopefully, they’ll make themselves available when I write that first sitcom, book or reality show
Special Thanks:
- Tasha Harris (Stage Time Magazine) – Thank you for taking a chance on me!
- Darryl Littleton – The first author I ever contacted for an interview.
- Lady Tuezdae – Funniest interview with thoughtful insights for comediennes.
- Jordon Brady – “I Am Comic” is the best video to learn how to be a professional comedian.
- Judy Carter – An endless ball of energy, and a great teacher and mentor to learn from.
- Jeffrey Gurian – Your book ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ is a comedy keepsake. The review is coming soon!
- Dave Schwensen – Your books took me out of my comedy funk.
- Jeff Penn – For the lessons you taught about the business of comedy.
- Tom Dreesen – The most motivational comedian on the planet.
- John Vorhaus – Teaching us how to write a sitcom in 30 minutes was amazing.
- Kelley Baker – No one can teach the world how to produce a quality inexpensive film like you.
- Dave Nelson – ComedyA-Go-Go is the one podcast no up-and-coming comic should miss.
- Rob Durham – ‘Don’t Wear Shorts on Stage’ is a must read for new comics.
- Mandy Dalton – The Washington DC Comedy Writers Group keeps us sane….at times.
Much like “shoutouts” from a rap mixtape, I can’t possibly include everyone who helped me with my comedy career, but I love you all just the same.
Finally, I hope that you are actively planning your 2013 goals! It takes several years to understand, create, develop, market, and work at this craft. Do whatever you can to raise the awareness in your comedy scene. The Georgetown Voice interviewed some of DC’s ‘heavy hitters’ on the local comedy scene to discuss issues that comedians face while developing their career:
Funny Business: DC’s second tier comedy scene
Remember: Comedy is a sprint, not a marathon. There is no overnight success without a penalty. Short cuts usually leads to short careers, so take your time to invest in your growth. Writing, networking, learning, stage time, and exploring all of my opportunities are my goals for 2013. I hope you are also writing powerful goals, with the intent to follow them.
See ya’ next year!
© 2012 Wayne Manigo
Wayne Manigo is a comedian and co-founder of DC Comedy Writers Group. He is the creator of “Addicted to Comedy,” and the ‘brainchild’ behind the annual comedy conference, Starting Stand Up: A Comic Beginning. He also produces the show, Bellylaughs in Bethesda at Caddies at Cordell.
