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Comedy FAQs And Answers How The Stand-Up Biz Really Works |
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By Dave Schwensen Allworth Press, NYC ISBN: 1-58115-411-9 208 Pages
Being Funny Isn't Enough Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Stand-Up Comedian?
Most critics will agree that we may never again see a performer like the late and brilliant comedian Johnny Carson. He made it look so easy. But if it was easy, then more people would become comedians. With comedy clubs booming, one can find many up-and-coming performers who have the talent to make people laugh. But talent isn't enough. Like their predecessors before them, it takes hard work, dedication, discipline and experience to rise above the rest.
As a nationally recognized and sought-after comedy coach and talent coordinator, Dave Schwensen knows what it takes to make it in this competitive industry. For years he has been helping others achieve their dreams through his comedy workshops and seminars. Now he shares his expertise in Comedy FAQ's and Answers, a series of thoughtful questions and answers that every aspiring comedian needs to know to launch a successful career. Written in an entertaining and informative style, it addresses such topics as:
To answer these and other questions, Schwensen has solicited the help of an impressive group of experienced comedians and industry heavyweights. Together with comics like George Carlin, Ray Romano, Brett Butler, Dave Attell, Margaret Cho, George Wallace, Jeff Foxworthy, Lewis Black, Brian Regan, Lisa Lampanelli, Weird Al Yankovic and dozens of others, they answer the questions with their unique and often humorous point-of-view.
The book is divided into four sections devoted to the various phases of developing a successful career in comedy: Pre-Stage, On-Stage, Off-Stage and Backstage. Dave and his fellow contributors cover the craft of being an artist and the methods behind the business for those who want to start right now to learn what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the brotherhood of comics.
The final FAQ comes from the author himself: "What's the best advice for anyone who wants to be a success in this noble profession?" George Carlin and the late Richard Jeni take on this question. Carlin implores you to: "write, write, write, write, write. Have a lot of material. Have a lot of choices." While Jeni advises that you need time and experience, "Until you've been doing it for, like three years, you really can't even judge whether you have a future in it or not." By following the combined wisdom of this talented group of contributors, Comedy FAQ's and Answers offers all aspiring comics a chance to find out if they have what it takes and then, if they do, how to make it to the top.
Praise for Comedy FAQ's and Answers:
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"FOUR STARS (Highest Rating). This is the bible for everyone and
anyone who ever wanted to know just what it takes to be a successful
stand-up comic. (It takes more than just being funny, that's for darn
sure!) Author Dave Schwensen covers it all: This book could have easily
been titled 'Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Stand-Up Comedy,
But Didn't Know Who To Ask." - Todd Schwartz, CBS
