Comedy FAQs and Answers: How the Stand-up Biz Really Works (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: New York, Los Angeles, The Improv (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

As a nationally recognized and sought-after comedy coach and talent coordinator, Dave Schwensen knows what it takes to make it in this competitive industry. For years he has been helping others achieve their dreams through his comedy workshops and seminars. Now, for the first time, he shares his expertise in Comedy FAQ’s and Answers, a series of thoughtful questions and answers that every aspiring comedian needs to know to launch a successful career.

About the Author

Dave Schwensen served as talent coordinator for A&E’s An Evening at the Improv and for the Improv Comedy Clubs in both New York and Los Angeles, where he also consulted for various television networks and programs such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, and Comedy Central. The president of Dave Schwensen Entertainment, he gives comedy workshops and seminars across the country and speaks to businesses and organizations about the productive value of humor as a stress relief. He is currently based near Cleveland, Ohio and is the author of How to Be a Working Comic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581154119
• ISBN-13: 978-1581154115
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,243 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, January 24, 2009

By	Michale Crawford "Cookie The Cop" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been doing quite a bit of reasearch on the net and this book would have saved me lots of time had I bought this book first. Everything I've learned from hours of looking is in this one book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must': one of the best industry insider guides on the market, February 2, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Another insider industry reference from Dave Schwensen, Comedy FAQs And Answers: How The Stand-up Biz Really Works covers all the basics of professional comedy, from selecting or writing the right material to running your own open comedy mike, booking gigs, handling heckling crowds, and getting a manager. The aspiring pro has everything in hand to handle club owners, publicists, and more in a guide where the major industry players - George Carlin, Jeff Foxworthy, and more - share their experiences and lessons. A 'must': one of the best industry insider guides on the market.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answers ALL the Questions!, January 18, 2006

By	D.B. - See all my reviews

I've been doing comedy for a couple years and this book has the how-to answers for everything I want to achieve in my career. Wish I had a copy of this when I first started because of the writing and open mike advice. The list of comics who answer the questions is unbelievable - including writing advice from George Carlin. I want to be on "Letterman" someday and the talent booker for the show is in the book telling how! It's a great "map" into the world of comedy.