The Secret Ways to Start Getting Stage Time

Comedy isn’t just about writing jokes or crushing it on stage—it’s about building relationships, sharpening your craft, and finding new opportunities to grow. One of the most underrated ways to make all of this happen? Hitting up one-nighter shows and spending time with other comedians and bookers outside the usual pressure-cooker environments like the main clubs in town. 

When you're at those places everybody is looking to impress someone, there's a lot more going on so there's a lot more tension. 

On any given night, at the Comedy Store or the Improv, it's a veritable Who's Who of the comedy scene. And even though it's cool to see names like Bill Burr or Sarah Silverman hanging out talking after a show, they're there to talk to people that are also names in the industry.

But if you get out of town, you can also meet some people that might be more beneficial for you in the near term. And not enough comics are focused on this.

Comedy is as much about who you know as it is about how funny you are. Building relationships with other comics and bookers is essential to navigating the business. Face-to-face interactions allow you to leave a lasting impression—something a DM or email just can’t replicate. When you’re present, whether in the green room, at the bar, or watching the show, you’re showing the comedy community that you’re serious about the craft.

More importantly, these moments create opportunities. You might snag a guest set, find out about an upcoming showcase, or even connect with someone who can help you book future gigs. The magic happens when you put yourself out there.

One-nighter spots—those smaller, off-the-beaten-path shows in dive bars, backrooms, or even parking lots—are comedy goldmines. 

Why? They’re low-pressure environments where you can experiment with new material, test characters, and work on honing your delivery without the weight of a major club lineup breathing down your neck.

These gigs attract a mix of seasoned professionals and up-and-coming comics, giving you a chance to connect with people at every level of the game. 

Plus, bookers for these shows are often more approachable, and they’re always on the lookout for comics who can bring something unique to the stage.

Take JR’s Comedy Club, for example. Once a month, they run a killer show in Simi Valley at The Junkyard—a quirky, laid-back venue perfect for comics looking to stretch their legs and build connections. 

A spot like this lets you experience the fun of a local scene while still treating it like a professional gig.

No matter where you’re based, there’s a comedy scene nearby with one-nighter gems waiting to be discovered. Here’s how to tap into them:

When you land a spot, treat it like you’re headlining the Comedy Store. Be professional, be respectful, and bring your best effort—because you never know who might be watching.

Whether you’re chasing guest sets, polishing your material, or just trying to make connections, one-nighters and face time with the comedy community are non-negotiable.

Being a comedian makes you an entrepreneur. You're an independent contractor building a small service based business. You can build your comedy enterprise by actively engaging and immersing yourself in the comedy scene or you can whither and fade into oblivion. There's no other two ways about it.

The relationships you build, the stage time you get, and the skills you sharpen in these smaller venues will set the foundation for your growth as a comedian.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your notebook, your calendar, get out and check out spots like JR’s Comedy Club in Simi Valley. The stage is waiting, and so is your next opportunity.

You might be asking what my involvement is with JR's. I have no financial investment in JR's Comedy Club. Nor do I get any kick-back.

One of my students hosts the show there. He's a great guy. The booker is a guy I met while on the road. He's a comedian and he's been running shows at JR's in Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Ventura and Thousand Oaks for years. (The clubs and dates change so check with their website). 

But it's just one of those things that most comics don't think about. So get out and work on your set and build your relationships outside the pressure cooker of L.A. or wherever you are.