Tags: comedy, doortodoorcomedy, harris alterman, manhattan comedy school, pete holmes, podcast, public speaking, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, writing, Zach Galifianakis
Joke Disclaimers
16 May
I think a lot of comedians at open mics could improve their act if they stopped putting out disclaimers before their jokes. Here are a few examples:
1. "This is a new one and I haven't really figured it out yet."
Then why are you saying it? Figure it out and then try it out.
2. "This is just a premise but it doesn't have a punchline."
When the Bouncer Thinks You're a Racist.
10 May
I have been rejected from five bars in just one week in New York City. Every time I spurt out my now memorized shpeel: "I'm only twenty years old. I'm here to do comedy not to drink. I swear I won't drink. You can mark my hands with a sharpie."
Most bouncers kindly turn me away. Not the bouncer at Cake Shop last night.
The Pros and Peewees of New Talent Night
9 May
I saw my first New Talent Show at the The Gotham Comedy Club last night. It was a mix of big names, no names, punchlines, and flatliners. I liked this format because it's inspiring for amateur comedians to perform on the same night as a big name like America's Got Talent Runner-up, Tom Cotter. After months of melancholy open mics, it can boost one's spirits when they're following a big name.
