One of the hardest parts of being a solo stand-up comedian is the “solo” part. At least at the start of your career, you have to do everything yourself. You are your own booker, manager, roadie, driver, and maybe travel agent and attorney. That’s a lot of hats to wear for someone who just wants to make people laugh and make a living doing it.
One thing that you can do to lift some of the burden is to find community. Whether it is the comics’ table at the Cellar or the other students in a stand-up class you are taking, having others to talk to, to share information with and just to get a reality check from now and then, is invaluable.
Also, it is never too early to start building a team. It can be a good idea to reach out to an entertainment attorney (you know, like me) before you actually need one. The day the career-making contract lands in your email is not the day to begin thinking about who is going to help protect your rights and interests.
Do you want a manager? An agent? Traditionally, these are harder to find and sign with than an attorney, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be looking now. Talk to friends and colleagues. Who do they work with? Are they happy? Can they introduce you? Network, network, network.
There are also online resources that can help you keep informed about the industry and about upcoming opportunities. Two that land in my inbox are Dave Schwensen’s “How to be a Working Comic” and The Comedy Crowd, which tends to focus on various competitions and other opportunities to submit your work. Deadline has launched a podcast and accompanying newsletter, “Comedy Means Business.” You can sign up for them here.
What resource or resources do you regularly refer to as you work to grow and maintain your career?