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

by Dave Schwansen (Author) "There's an old show-biz adage that says, "Either you've got it, or you don't ..." (more)

4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

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Getting the Joke: The Art of Stand-up Comedy (Performance Books)

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This item: How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand Up Comedy (How to Be a Working) by Dave Schwansen
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Getting the Joke: The Art of Stand-up Comedy (Performance Books) by Oliver Double
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Step by Step to Stand-up Comedy by Steve Allen
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Product details

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Back Stage Books,U.S. (1 Jan 1999)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0823088146
ISBN-13: 978-0823088140
Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 15 x 1 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 63,271 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)
Popular in these categories:
#13 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Performing Arts > Comedy & Stand-up
#55 in Books > Business, Finance & Law > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Business Plans

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Product Description

This funny book about being funny aims to show how aspiring comedians can find a sense of humour and presentation style, market their act and contact agents. It contains interviews with 16 famous stand-up comics including: Jeff Foxworthy, Drew Carey, Carrot Top and others.

From the Author

Your Guide Into The World of Stand-Up Comedy
How To Be A Working Comic is meant to be a fun, supportive and informative book about the comedy industry. It's based on my experiences as a Talent Coordinator in New York and Los Angeles, (TV's "An Evening At The Improv"), and talent consultant for many television and film productions. There are almost two dozen in-depth interviews with "working" comics who share tips, advice, personal career experiences and laughs. Included are Drew Carey, Tom Smothers, The Amazing Johnathan and many more, along with a forward by Ray Romano from "Everybody Loves Raymond." Enjoy!

Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
There's an old show-biz adage that says, "Either you've got it, or you don't." Read the first page

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	37% buy the item featured on this page: How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand Up Comedy (How to Be a Working) 4.7 out of 5 stars (9) �9.73
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Customer Reviews

9 Reviews

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book of it's kind., 6 Jul 1999

By A Customer

I have been a working comic for many years in the UK, I have read all the books on stand up comedy both in the UK and The US. For me, this book is the best I have read because the author sticks to basics and encourages you to just write the material and get up on stage and do it. The advice about CV's, publicity shots, agents and managers is also very good. Anyone who wants to be a comedian or comedy writer should buy this book. If you would just like to find out a bit more about behind the scenes of stand-up comedy, it's a book worth buying.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great For Beginners AND Working Comedians!, 20 April 2000

By A Customer

I really enjoyed this book! Lots of practical advice about putting together a comedy act, or making your current one better. Also covers everything in detail about promoting yourself, agents and managers, and the most important part - getting work as a comedian. Really enjoyed the interviews and advice from everyone included. I've been a stand-up for five years and wish I had known all this earlier.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very practical and supportive guide to a tough business!, 18 Aug 1999

By A Customer

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.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Vital Knowledge!
I got this book in july 2002.
An excellent read with vital information about the styles of other comic, agents,bookings,promotion & some do's & dont's. Read more

Published on 9 Aug 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring book!
This book is the ultimate guide for anyone who would like to enter the stand-up comedy field. For those already working in comedy, it will be inspirational. Read more

Published on 2 Jul 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of practical, usable business advice for aspiring comics
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! Read more

Published on 20 Jun 1999

3.0 out of 5 stars okay..
It was an okay book.

Published on 30 Mar 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars entertaining, exciting, encouraging
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"... Read more

Published on 16 Oct 1998

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing tool for people who want to become comedian !!!
As a comedian myself I must say that Dave Schwensens book an insiders guide to standup comedy is on of the best I have read...and I've read many, many on the subject !! Read more

Published on 10 Oct 1998

› See all 9 customer reviews...

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