Customer Reviews

How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand-Up Comedy

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

How To Be A Working Comic is the first book you should read before attempting a comedy career. It will show you how to get on stage, and what to do after you step off the stage. A book that is simple and easy to read and yet it covers every detail on getting a booker intrested in calling you. Dave you couldn't have made it any easer unless you went on stage for me, and gave me the paycheck. Thanks a thousand laughs.

It covers so much ground. Very useful information on both the creative and business end of the competetive field of Stand Up comedy. Dave Schwensen informs you of the ins and outs in the comedy circuit while also encouraging you to have your own voice. Great reference book. Even after I read it, I still refer to it. A veritable "manual" on Stand Up. In addition, I enjoyed very much the interviews in the back of the book with working professional comedians (Drew Carey, Jeff Foxworthy, etc.)

I have been a working comic since '91 and I've read all the books. This is the most practical one yet. Real world information that any comic can use, MC's, Features, and Headliners can all learn something from this book. If you are new, this is a MUST HAVE book!

I am a ventriloquist from South Africa and have been working the Corporate & Comedy Circuit for about a year. I have read many books on the topic of stand-up comedy and Dave's book stands out as one of the best. It is packed with practical & insightful advice. The interviews with the comedians was inspiring and the advice from these seasoned professionals makes this book unique and extremely valuable. I highly recommend this book to any person interested in persuing a career in stand-up comedy.

This book was excellent! I bought it in February and by the end of April I'd had enough knowledge, confidence, and material to do eight shows in NYC and Philly. This book is a practical and encouraging guide from someone who understands the differences between the reality and myths surrounding the comedy business.

am not a comic, have never been a comic and never knew I might someday want to be a comic, until reading Dave Schwensen's "How To Be A Working Comic". Actually, I still have no intention of going in to the business, however on recommendation from a friend, I picked up the book. Part I made me wish I had pursued at least some form of humorous public speaking, i.e. stand up comedy, and glad I was still labeled life of the party. Maybe I'll enter the group of over 40's who make a change in career. If that part of the book was fun for a non-comic, imagine what the wanna be's think. Probably - "Wow, this is great!" Part II was entertainment for everyone. Especially those who like lifestyle type reading. The interviews with the comics were up close and personal. They made me feel like I was having a conversation with the star. This book is a must read for the professional and the general public. With the need for humor so prevelant in this stressful society, it's good to lighten up.

"I am a beginning comic who just read your book and it has immediately got me going. I have read EVERYONE out there and this is the best. Other books rely too much on telling you how to write jokes their way. Not this one. I love it. Thanks a bunch."
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There's plenty of useful "insider" information on the business end of stand-up comedy. The book is a must read for the beginner, and it's a fun read too! It's actually a very serious reference book, but it's written in a light conversational style that makes it entertaining as well. Nicely done.

Schwensen's business-like nature is sometimes annoying. He name-drops a lot and fawns over the genius of Carrot Top, offering as evidence of his creativity the fact that he makes money. But if you can supply the artistry, Schwensen definately knows the business. He has a lot of direct, useful information about how to market your act at all levels of competition, from novices to headliners.

It made me laugh, it made me cry...

There are many books out there on the subject, but I've found this one to be the most concise and detailed one out there to date. Not only does it tell you what works and what doesn't in your pursuit to becoming a working comic, but it also brings you insight from some of the top working comedic minds of our generation.

If you're looking to write comedy, great, they're many books out there on the subject, but this is not what this book intends to do. No, this one puts on a platter for you, what you need to (and what it takes) to make it in the business.

If it works you use it; and if it doesn't you don't.

I'm a working stand-up comic and I love this book, and use it. I've been fortunate to work with some really great individuals out there who all share with one another. Be it advice, tips and/or recommendations with the intent of helping you get better, while you help them get better.

This book won't make you a great stand-up comic (you have to do that for yourself), but it will point you in the right direction, and provide you with a solid foundation on how to make it in the business, from headshots to resumes, and how and where to do what you do that makes others laugh.

I give this book "FIVE BANANAS!"

Keep smiling and laughing,

Joey Z