How to Get Paid as a Beginning Comedian

Comedians love an audience, especially an audience that laughs. Sooner or later, however, most comedians need to make money for their performances if only to stay married or keep their parents from kicking them out of the house. Getting paid for comedy isn't easy, especially in the beginning, but you can make it work.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Polish your comedy skills. No one will pay you if you aren't funny. Learn to write jokes that will make people laugh and practice until your delivery is flawless.

2. Build your career at open mic nights. The more audiences you work, the more you promote yourself. Emcee open mic nights whenever you can. You not only feature you routine, you practice improvisational skills introducing others.

3. Book a pre-show with a club manager. You can host several comedians doing short routines, or, with more experience, showcase your own talent.

4. Make a DVD of your performance. If a DVD isn't possible, a CD should be. Send your DVD or CD to booking agents and sell copies at your appearances. Two or three sales can make an open mic night profitable.

5. Write comedy for others. You don't just have to perform. You can write for humor magazines, websites and comedy troupes. Not only will this supplement your income, it will help get your name around as well.

6. Look for gigs outside of clubs. As your connections and resume grows you can look for bookings at colleges and comedy festivals or at corporate dinners and events.

Tips & Warnings

• Endurance and dedication is essential. Comedy may be harder to break into than music. Work every gig you can find.
• Don't limit yourself to stand up comedy. You can also make connections through your local Toastmasters' clubs to other humor speaking gigs.