Next thing you gotta do is invite EVERYONE. It’s like a coming-out party. It’s a way to say, “I’m really in this. It’s really happening.” It’s scary. It could even be terrifying. But if you put the work in and you do your best, you can get over it. Letting Read more…
There are several ways to “incentivize” people to buy tickets early. If you can get them to buy in advance, they’re committed, whereas if they buy them at the door, they could get to that moment in the evening and just say, “I’m tired… let’s stay home and watch a Read more…
A big part of producing your solo show is having people see it. Which means… selling tickets. If you’re thinking, “Ugh.” Think instead, “Selling tickets to your show makes it professional!” If it’s your first solo show ever, and you’re starting out, try selling tickets for $5. Cover your expenses. Read more…
There are several ways to get stage time. As a comic, I spent a dozen years honing my craft and got on stage about 1000 times doing standup comedy at open mics, showcases, road gigs, clubs, etc. There are so many opportunities to get stage time. Some are more appealing Read more…
There are a number of ways to find a venue for your one person show. Think outside the box! If it's your first time producing a show, you may want to start small. Managable. How about putting it on at home? Yours or someone else's… My friend Philip puts on Read more…
Logistically, this can seem complex. It’s good to set a date far enough into the future that you have time to prepare and make a great show. But it’s important you don’t make it so far away that it becomes an imaginary goal. Generally, one year is too much time Read more…
Ever try to look at the back of your head in the mirror? It’s very difficult if you don’t have another mirror. That’s what trying to direct your own show is like. Even comedians get feedback on their work. If you’re just starting out and this is your first show, Read more…
You may choose to tell your story in chronological order, or you may choose to do something postmodern. Either way, put it all together and you’ve got your first draft. Read it out loud to a patient and/or kind friend. Don’t get feedback. Just have them be there so you Read more…
The irony is not lost on me: The beacon of lightness I wish to be in the world is sometimes more like a beacon of lumpy meatloaf. They say you teach what you most need to learn, and so I teach saying yes to joy, bringing lightness into the dark Read more…
I’ve written whole sets of posts on how to write a show, which you can refer to here. But I’ll encapsulate it by saying that basically you write every day. Write every day for a month. Same time, same place. Write about just the topic you chose. In all different Read more…