Ok, here we go with stand-up comedy 201.2, the new and improved version of what you need to do, to be one-step closer to where you want to be. There is no set time limit for any of these steps, but we do suggest that you stay busy all of the time so that you do not lose any of the improvements that you have made to your comedy routine.
During Stand-Up Comedy 201 point #2, you are going to have to go from a trainee status, to the self-management level, just below the management level. When you are ready to look for an agent or manager (2 very different people) to promote or manage you, they are going to want to know that there are no diapers to be changed, and if you used to think, you were so great that everyone should slave for you… that thought pattern is gone!
During the whole time that you were working your way up to 201.2, you needed to depend on others to be there for you, but they were there because they wanted to be. Your agent or manager (Again 2 very different roles to play) is going to be the same way. They will see something in you he or she wants to be part of. If you can, self manage in attitude and performance; he or she will take care of you while you take care of them. Your attitude will only attract those with the same attitude.
Ok then, here we go with the homework if you haven’t already started on it.
Those pictures that you had your brother take of you looked good for a while, but now you are going to need some professional headshots done by a professional photographer, to put together a promotional package of yourself. You will need to have more than one type of headshot done so that you can use it for different reasons
You will need one that expresses you as the comic you are on the stage. This can be the class clown to dry angry humor. You will also need to have a picture you feel should be in the hands of those that create commercials, or need you for a character in a sitcom. In addition, you will need a casual picture for greeting cards; follow up letters to the comedy clubs, booking agents and anyone else who may need to have one.
You will also need to turn that 10 minute promotional DVD into a 20 minute DVD, solid full of funny material. This will be presented in every package you hand to every new person you want to take interest in you. I don’t care if you have to buy 3 beers for everyone in the club before you get on the stage and they announce that you did, make sure that you have a steady stream of laughter in that video. That will make a strong case for why you are the one they need to book!
You are also going to need to put together a real good resume. The only way to do that is if you have thoroughly done what you should have done during Stand-up comedy 101. You should have an impressive list that will catch the attention of whomever it needs to. Include all of the most important venues first and go from there. This should look professional, but in a way that still makes you stand out. Keep in mind, this part is the business part; the next part is the Bio.
Your Bio can be witty and humorous without going overboard, but needs to be a picture of who you are. This is usually done in third party so that it seems to be announcing you. It will also cause you to write it as if you were on the outside looking in. Make it confident so that others have confidence in you. Make it witty so that others find you to be funny. Make it professional so that others see you as a professional.
