how to find people to perform open mikes
Tom
bring it to my rural community, starting with open mikes. The thing I
need is a few people to join me on stage, aspiring comedians who value
the experience that open mike gives.
I've put up craigslist and other online community notices inviting
people to get involved, and in return, I've got the Big Nothing. I
mean, the silence is deafening.
I'm at an impasse, but I'm not giving up. I can't be the only one in
a 30-mile radius that would like to get onstage once or twice a
month. Much as I'd like to, I can't do it alone.
Can anyone offer ideas about where/how to find more funny people to
participate in open mikes? I'm looking for advice on the ages or
cultures that would be more likely to contain open mikers; where they
may congregate (schools, Starbuckses, unemployment lines...?). Any
wisdom out there?
texslix
Where are you searching for particularly? Might be hard as many might
think it would be a tough (read slow) crowd? Just a thought. You
could scope out some of the local comedy classes and let the teacher
know you're lookin to put a show together and he may be able to pitch
it to some of the folks there. Past that g'luck!
James
GimpyRatCat
> Man, I love stand up comedy. What's more, I have declared that I will
> bring it to my rural community, starting with open mikes. The thing I
> need is a few people to join me on stage, aspiring comedians who value
> the experience that open mike gives.
>
> I've put up craigslist and other online community notices inviting
> people to get involved, and in return, I've got the Big Nothing. I
> mean, the silence is deafening.
I'd post to where the comics look for work- Judy Carter's website,
iJoke.tv, facebook and myspace comedy groups, local clubs that offer
open mics- and classes. Improv classes are filled with wanna be stand
ups.
By the way, if you're anywhere near Vegas, or know someone who will be
this weekend, let them know that the shortbuscomics.com are due for a
"Minuteman" laugh off contest- winner gets $100 and may be on the
roster for upcoming shows. Visit ShortBusComics.com for info.
Oh and if you get a fan page on facebook, or twitter, et al- make sure
you linked to other instructors, clubs, workshops and open mikes to
open up your talent pool. Bill Word, Greg Dean, all sorts of places in
the world have comic classes... (timing and stage, writing)... and can
be a great place to start.
Cathe
mr. j
nice reply thnx
Tom
>
> Where are you searching for particularly? Might be hard as many might
> think it would be a tough (read slow) crowd? Just a thought. You
> could scope out some of the local comedy classes and let the teacher
> know you're lookin to put a show together and he may be able to pitch
> it to some of the folks there. Past that g'luck!
> James
James,
Thanks for your reply. I'm not sure I understand your question about
where I'm searching, so my answer might be a little off. Here goes:
I'm in a town called Valley Springs in a foothill region of central
California. There are several small towns like mine within 1 hour's
drive, and a few medium-sized burgs as well, but there is just about
zero comedy going on in any of them. No classes, precious few open
mikes, etc. So fishing among comedy classes is a non-starter, but I
appreciate your good idea. I have consulted with some people active
in the theater, as acting/performance art is about as close as this
area gets to stand up just now.
Thanks again, and if you have any other questions or suggestions, I'd
be thrilled to hear them.
Tom Bickle
www.HumorMeComedy.com
Tom
> I'd post to where the comics look for work- Judy Carter's website,
> iJoke.tv, facebook and myspace comedy groups, local clubs that offer
> open mics- and classes. Improv classes are filled with wanna be stand
> ups.
>
> By the way, if you're anywhere near Vegas, or know someone who will be
> this weekend, let them know that the shortbuscomics.com are due for a
> "Minuteman" laugh off contest- winner gets $100 and may be on the
> roster for upcoming shows. Visit ShortBusComics.com for info.
>
> Oh and if you get a fan page on facebook, or twitter, et al- make sure
> you linked to other instructors, clubs, workshops and open mikes to
> open up your talent pool. Bill Word, Greg Dean, all sorts of places in
> the world have comic classes... (timing and stage, writing)... and can
> be a great place to start.
>
> Cathe
Cathe,
Thanks for your reply! I'll take a serious look at those online
resources. I only wish that there was enough of a comedy presence in
my area to warrant comedy classes. This is a great place to live, but
it's *rural.* As far as stand up is concerned, it's a desert.
Thanks again for your helpful suggestions. I'll keep them close at
hand.
Tom Bickle
www.HumorMeComedy.com
Tom
> bring it to my rural community, starting with open mikes. The thing I
> need is a few people to join me on stage, aspiring comedians who value
> the experience that open mike gives.
>
> I've put up craigslist and other online community notices inviting
> people to get involved, and in return, I've got the Big Nothing. I
> mean, the silence is deafening.
If it's helpful to others, let me post what I *have* done to find open
mikers:
* Posted repeated notices to craigslist and similar, regional websites
* Networked with open mikers and hosts
* Posted bulletins & other posts to MySpace social network website
* Built a website (www.HumorMeComedy.com) devoted to the topic I am
pursuing
There are some other things I have considered, including posting
fliers in head shops and coffee shops, but I've yet to accomplish
that. Thanks again to everyone who responded. I still haven't found
the magic bullet yet, so if anyone's got (even wacky) ideas, don't be
shy!
Tom Bickle
www.HumorMeComedy.com