comedic timing featured image
0Comments

Get the Last Laugh: Secrets to Perfecting Comedic Timing

Timing is more than just an existential experience; it's based on many factors. Let's make something clear: It is totally learnable, especially if you understand the mechanics that underlie it. There are a lot of nuances related to comedic timing. To convey this information thoroughly, this may take several different blog posts on this subject, each relating to a different aspect of comedic timing. But for now, let's start with...
by Jerry Corley
5 Principles of Success in Comedy (Success Compass) 1200x629 Featured Image
0Comments

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
0Comments

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
0Comments

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
Stay funny during the holidays
0Comments

Holidays Can be Stressful or They Can be Comedy Gold, Your Choice!

I love the holidays, but every year we hear stories about how stressful the holidays can be.

Suicide rates go up, family arguments occur, anxiety and depression increases, crime increases and so do heart attacks. 

That's not fake news, those are facts and I know it sounds drastic, but as a comedian I say, "Comedy Gold, right?!"

One way to be sure you're keeping your sense of humor is to remember to keep

by Jerry Corley