junkyard in simi-valley (featured image)
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The Secret Ways to Start Getting Stage Time

Looking to grow as a comedian? One-nighter comedy shows are the hidden gems of the comedy scene. They offer low-pressure environments to hone your craft, build relationships, and open doors to future opportunities. Learn why hitting these spots outside major clubs is essential for your comedy journey.
by Jerry Corley
5 Principles of Success in Comedy (Success Compass) 1200x629 Featured Image
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5 Principles of a Professional Comedy Writer That Simplify Your Career and Get you Paid

Comedy by it's nature implies frivolity. But achieving a successful career in comedy, either as a writer or performer, requires an abundance of work. Sometimes that work can seem tedious. But when you start hitting those moments of success, the thrill of the show makes all the work worth it. On the way to the goal here are 5 principles of a professional comedy writer or performer that can help guide you to your ultimate goal. A couple of things off the bat. One of the best pieces of advice I received in comedy is "Treat yourself like a professional now, otherwise nobody else will." This is my driving truth and underlying that truth are these five principles.
by Jerry Corley
Not all Advice is Good Advice
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Conflicting Advice from George Carlin and Louis CK

During your early career as a comedian, you're going to have a lot of people giving you advice. Some of the advice is golden, but other pieces of advice wouldn't keep the shit off your shoes in a dog park. Take this advice that came from the great Louis CK. Now Louis is a great comedian--not so great in a hotel room--but a great comedian. One night, it is rumored that Jeff Foxworthy came off stage and CK said, "Jeff, you really need to lose that accent, nobody's going to understand you." Of course Jeff Foxworthy--because of his accent--went on to become ...
by Jerry Corley
plan your success
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Why Wait? Plan your Own Success!

I believe that if you think an idea is funny, but it's not getting laughs, then most likely it's funny, but it's just missing an element that is needed to trigger the laugh.

In my classes, part of what we study is WHY people laugh. What triggers that?

When you understand that at its most intrinsic level you can begin to make changes to a joke to take it from a semi-chuckle (because it's a funny idea) to a triggered laugh because it a funny joke.

Here's an example:

by Jerry Corley
25 Ways to make money with comedy
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25 Ways to Make Money with Your Comedy

When I started out as a comedian I wanted to learn all I could about the business. And watching my father go through his ups and downs financially as an actor, I looked at comedy, not as frivolity, but as a business. Once I did that, I saw all the possibilities and I focused on the ones that would give me the best return.

So I put together a quick list called 25 Ways to Make Money with Your Comedy.

Most don't even know these avenues of revenue exist.

by Jerry Corley
Joe Dungan - Winner, Clean Comedy Challenge 2017
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Revenge may be Best Cold, but Success is Best Always.

Joe Dungan, one of my hardest working students and one of my master teachers just won The Clean Comedy Challenge 2017 at the Ice House in Pasadena, CA! 

Joe competed against a litany of other comedians. And he must've done great because at the end of the performances one of the other comedians said to him, "Get ready to collect your prize money," implying that it was clear who won the Clean Comedy Challenge.

So how did Joe do it?

by Jerry Corley