Tag Archives: marketing

Comedy Festival Submission Tips

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Hey Dave – I have submitted to a few comedy festivals each year over the past few years. It can get pretty costly, so I limit myself to only three or four a year. Other than the general submission of filling out the forms and sending in a link to a video, are there some tips to getting noticed and accepted into these festivals? Thanks and I always look forward to receiving your weekly letters. – RT

Enter the unknown

Hey RT – Here’s one thing I love about the comedy industry:

The unknown.

Ask ten comics or industry people how to get into festivals and you’ll get ten different answers. I’ve spent plenty of late nights in clubs and NYC diners listening to debates about trends, formulas, and “what works.” Then – WHAM – someone breaks all the rules and changes the conversation.

Think about when audiences first saw George Carlin doing the Hippie Dippy Weatherman… then a few years later delivering “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.” That shift didn’t just surprise audiences — it reshaped comedy itself.

That unpredictability is what makes comedy exciting… and sometimes maddening.

So what does that mean for festival submissions?

Carlin Before

Every festival is different. Some are major showcases featuring established names and carefully selected “up-and-coming” talent. Others spotlight local performers or serve as a celebration of a city’s comedy scene. Some have themes. If it’s a “Women in Comedy” festival, guys won’t make the lineup. If it’s a clean comedy event, explicit material won’t help your chances.

And beyond all of that — there’s taste. The people reviewing submissions have their own preferences, their own goals for the show, and their own vision of what fits. Unless you’re in that room, you simply can’t predict what they’re looking for at that moment.

That’s the unknown factor.

Connections can also play a role. Festival organizers often hear recommendations from agents, bookers, and comedians they trust. Just like agents keep tabs on who’s consistently working strong clubs, festival producers pay attention to buzz and reliability. You never know what background information may help – or hurt – a submission.

Carlin After

Now for the part you can control.

Treat comedy like a business.

Your goal is to be funny, original, reliable, and professional. Festival organizers want performers who help make their event successful. Even if a show features newer comics, no organizer wants an amateur-run experience for their audience.

Your submission video is the single most important tool you have.

Never submit a poor-quality video. Ever.

It no longer takes a big budget to get a clean recording with good audio. A basic camera on a tripod in the back of a club works — as long as the picture is clear and the sound is strong. Bookers want to hear you and the audience response. If they struggle to see or hear your set, they move on.

Also, don’t waste valuable seconds.

Start with material. Not introductions. Not stock lines. Not applause cues. If the first thing they see is you being funny, you’ve already helped your chances.

I recently reviewed a festival submission where the first thirty seconds were the MC’s introduction, followed by standard “Hello city!” and “Give yourselves a hand!” lines. That’s not what bookers are evaluating. They want to know one thing:

Are you funny?

Here’s the bottom line.

You can’t control taste, timing, or trends. But you can control professionalism. A strong video, focused material, and a business-minded approach show you’re serious about the work.

Even if you’re still developing – never present yourself as unprepared.

And remember… sometimes the unknown works in your favor.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

TAMPA, FLORIDA 2026

Standup Comedy Workshop at The Tampa Funny Bone:

Saturdays – March 14, 21 and 28 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.

Performance at The Funny Bone – Wednesday, April 1 at 7 pm

Space limited – for details and to register visit COMEDYWORKSHOPS.

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Getting Past Gatekeepers

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Hi Dave – No, I’m not a comic. However, I’m a WGA screenwriter with a total focus on comedy screenplays. Can you tell me how to contact comedians’ agents about casting specific roles without running into blockades? I mean the blockades typically set up by the gatekeepers of those agents. Best – HK

Leave a message

Hey HK – The bigger the comedians (think celebrity) they represent, the bigger the agency blockade will be. When you make a call without prior personal contact or a great reference, plan some extra time on the phone for holding, transfers and a final request to leave a voice message and “Someone will get back with you.”

Does anyone really know who that “someone” is? I doubt it because they rarely call back without prior contact or reference. And unless you left a voice message with a great pitch (offer) that includes the opportunity for a lot of potential $$$’s (yeah, I’m jaded) you’ll spend a long time looking at your phone waiting for that return call.

Cold calling agents is usually a losing game.

That’s not cynicism. That’s how the business works.

But there is a reliable path forward — and it’s the same one that comedians use to get booked, discovered, and cast:

Be seen. Be present. Be part of the scene.

Come on in!

When I worked as a talent coordinator at the Improv clubs in Los Angeles and New York, I watched industry relationships form every night. Comics performed. Agents, managers, producers, and writers watched. After the show, everyone gathered, talked, and connected. Opportunities didn’t come from cold outreach — they came from proximity and familiarity.

Producers frequently contacted the clubs looking for specific “types” for TV and film roles. That’s why you sometimes see several comedians with similar looks or personas performing short sets in a row. They’re not just performing — they’re showcasing.

And once someone is seen in the right context, access changes instantly. Conversations happen. Meetings follow. Gatekeepers step aside.

Here’s the practical takeaway for writers looking to cast comedians:

Don’t start with the agent. Start with the comedian.

Go to the clubs. Watch performers live. Identify who truly fits your project — not just who’s famous. Introduce yourself professionally after the show. Be respectful. Be clear. Be human.

If a comedian is interested, they can open the door to their agent with one phone call. That personal connection does more than any cold pitch ever will.

Is networking easy?

No. The entertainment industry runs on relationships, persistence, and yes — a bit of schmoozing. There’s a reason “Let’s do lunch” became standard vocabulary.

But if it didn’t work, nobody would keep doing it.

For established names, access is automatic. For everyone else, access is earned through visibility and connection.

Be part of the scene.

That’s how you get seen.

And once you’re seen, you have a chance to be heard.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

TAMPA, FLORIDA

Standup Comedy Workshop at The Tampa Funny Bone:

Saturdays – March 14, 21 and 28 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.

Performance at The Funny Bone – Wednesday, April 1 at 7 pm

Space limited – for details and to register visit COMEDYWORKSHOPS.

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Clean or Dirty? You’d better know your audience

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Hi Dave – I have one question. As a new comedian does my material have to be clean? – J.N.

Have a decision to make!

Hey J.N. — you’re not alone. This question comes up all the time, and new comedians ask it for a good reason: it matters.

Here’s the short answer upfront (because I’m rarely accused of giving one):

There is no right or wrong answer.

Comedy is both a creative art and a business, but before either of those things matter, there’s one primary goal:

Be funny.

How you get there is completely up to you.

A very famous comedian once told me (and I included this in my book How To Be A Working Comic):

“If you swear in real life, you’re going to swear on stage.”

That makes sense. If those words are already part of who you are, they’ll naturally show up in your act. But if they aren’t—don’t add them because you think they’ll make you funny. Audiences can smell that a mile away, and “trying to be edgy” is never as funny as being honest.

There’s a market for everything. Whether you choose to work clean or adult is a personal decision.

But since you asked – and once again, I’ve never been known for short answers – let’s look at this from a different angle.

We’ll call it…

Your Audience

But will they laugh?

You specifically said new comedian, so let’s start there.

When you’re beginning, your job is simple:

Get stage time. Learn how to write. Learn how to perform. Learn how audiences respond.

Along the way, you’ll encounter different rooms, different crowds, and very different expectations.

  • Some comedians love late-night, beer-soaked club crowds.
    Others prefer corporate events, colleges, or private functions.
  • Right now, it’s probably too early to know which lane you’ll ultimately choose—and that’s okay. But eventually, this becomes both a creative and business decision, because different markets hire different kinds of comics.

So here’s the real question behind your question:

Who do you want your audience to be?

Every entertainer has to answer that—not just comedians. As a creative artist, who do you want to make laugh? And as a businessperson (yes, that’s you), how will you build an audience that supports your work?

When you’re starting out, that audience could be anyone: open mics, bar shows, fundraisers, showcases. What matters most is experience. You don’t become a working comic by rehearsing in your living room or performing for the family dog.

You get better by getting on stage.

  • If they laugh, it works.
  • If they don’t, it doesn’t.

Audiences are honest that way—which is why stage time is priceless.

https://youtu.be/mu1F3ck5ZgE?si=AuPP001eW_GOKONc

Know the Room

Would your audience want clean material or adult material?

That’s not a moral question. It’s a practical one.

I’ve coached Born Again Christian comics and the most X-rated acts you can imagine. I don’t care which direction someone chooses—as long as they’re clear about it and performing for the right audience.

  • But make no mistake: there are rules in this business.
  • And those rules are made by the people who hire comedians.
  • You can’t do X-rated material on network television. Cable and satellite radio allow more freedom—but even then, context matters. The Disney Channel and The Howard Stern Show aren’t fighting over the same talent pool.

So ask yourself:

  • Where do you want to perform?
  • Who do you want laughing?
  • Which markets excite you?

You can work dirty—just don’t do it in front of grandparents who brought their grandkids for a fun night out. And don’t expect your clean, church-friendly material to crush in a late-night dive bar full of people upset that the bartender turned off cage-match wrestling for a comedy show.

Get the picture?

Experience Changes Everything

Many experienced comics can work both clean and adult. Why? Because their jokes are funny on their own—not because of an F-bomb. They can adjust based on the room.

A perfect example: cruise ship comics.

They perform family-friendly shows before and after dinner, then switch gears later that night for adult-only crowds. Same comedian. Same brain. Two very different sets—sometimes just hours apart.

That kind of flexibility comes from experience.

And one more thing to keep in mind…

The people who hire comics for corporate events, banquets, and private functions pay far more than the beer-soaked guy booking a bar show. That’s why many working comics love corporate gigs.

On the other hand, an uncensored Netflix special or becoming a regular guest on a show like Stern can launch a career just as fast.

Different paths. Same requirement.

So… Clean or Dirty?

As a new comedian, here’s my advice:

Focus on writing funny material—material that works with or without a few choice words. Develop jokes that stand on their own. Learn how to adjust your delivery depending on the room.

Then ask yourself:

  • Would I rather perform at a business luncheon—or a late-night dive bar?

Neither answer is wrong. But knowing your audience will help you find the right one.

And that’s where real comedy careers begin.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!

Next online comedy workshop groups start

Wednesday, February 11 and Monday, February 16, 2026

Space is limited – for details, reviews and registration visit OnlineWorkshops

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Build Potential Clients Contact List

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Hi Dave – Speaking and comedy both sound like serious business. I’m dead serious about the value of comedy in business — way more serious than folks who don’t know how to laugh. How do I get those humorless folks to seriously see how silly it is to filter out fun from the expressions of ideas? How do I make it pay for me to show them how to make it pay for them? – R.W.

Seeking Humor Benefits

Hey R.W. — Here’s something I’ve noticed about the humorous speaking business: the people who need us the most are usually the last ones looking for us.

You know exactly who I mean—the humorless folks.

In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say this: event planners who book humorous speakers already understand the value of humor in business. They get it. Just like we do. Their real challenge is convincing the other people—the ones who need it most—to embrace it.

Anyone who understands the value of humor in business (and in life) already knows the benefits. I won’t list them all, but here are a few favorites:

  • Less stress
  • Better teamwork
  • Increased productivity and attendance
  • Stronger networking and relationships

These are the same issues serious business speakers and trainers talk about every day. You’re doing the same thing, except you’re offering humor as part of the solution.

Humor works!

And honestly, it doesn’t matter whether you’re going to work or cleaning your house—you’re far more likely to do it if there’s an element of fun involved.

So yes, I agree with you completely. It is silly to filter fun out of the expression of ideas. And I’m confident many readers of this newsletter agree too (the humorless folks don’t subscribe).

Which brings us to the real question you asked:

How do I make it pay for me to show them how to make it pay for them?

You want to reach the humorless crowd—and get paid to do it. The problem is, they’re not going to hire you any more than they’re going to sign up for this newsletter. They don’t yet understand the value of your message.

That means you need to focus on the people who do understand it.

Network with event planners and decision-makers who already agree with you.

And the best way to do that is simple: show them what you can do.

In other words—get out and speak.

The best places for this are where both humorous and humorless businesspeople gather:

Meetings.

I’ve talked about this before in past FAQs, and readers have shared some great ideas on places to showcase a program. But here’s a simple starter plan:

Create a short presentation—20 minutes max—on your topic, and volunteer to speak for free at organizations in your area. Rotary clubs, associations, charities, alumni groups, chambers, nonprofits—anything that puts you in front of businesspeople.

If putting together a solid presentation feels overwhelming, I cover this in detail in my book How To Be A Working Corporate Comedian.

Think of free gigs the same way comedians think of showcases. You don’t get paid—but you get in front of people who can pay you later.

But that’s only step one.

You also need to build a list of potential clients and stay in touch with them.

That’s called networking.

Yes, bring a stack of business cards and hand them out after your presentation. That’s basic business sense. Make it easy for people to find you.

But handing out cards alone is a slow game. You can give out a hundred cards and hear from one—or none.

So, here’s how to kick-start your contact list:

Do a prize drawing at every free program.

The prize can be almost anything—a printed transcript of your talk, a plate of cookies, a discounted presentation, even a free one. Use your imagination and offer something your audience would actually want.

Here’s what I do.

At the end of my programs, I announce a drawing for a free autographed copy of one of my books. To enter, people drop a business card—with an email address—into a basket. In return, they’re added to my corporate e-newsletter list.

And this part is important: I make it clear they can unsubscribe easily after receiving it once. No tricks. No pressure.

One person leaves with a book.
I leave with a basket full of contacts who might become paying clients.

That’s a win.

So how do you reach the people who need your message?

You preach the gospel—your ideas—in front of people who already believe. You go where businesspeople and event planners can see and hear you. You use free gigs to build relationships, grow your list, and stay visible.

There are no guarantees they’ll hire you, but at least you’re giving them – and yourself – a chance. You need to show them what you can do and stay in touch.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

Winter 2026 Standup Comedy Workshop at The Cleveland Funny Bone:

Saturdays – January 10, 17 and 24 from noon to 4 pm.

Performance at The Funny Bone – Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 pm

Space limited – for details and to register visit COMEDYWORKSHOPS.

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Business card – got one?

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Hi Dave – I’ve decided to order business cards. I was wondering what information I should include. I was thinking phone number, email, and website. Is there anything else I need, or any reason not to include my address? – K.S.

Could use more info…

Hey K.S. – Great decision. I’m always surprised how many comedians or performers still don’t have business cards. Maybe they think it’s a relic from the past—like mailing out DVDs instead of sending a link—but a business card is still an important promotional tool.

How is anyone supposed to know you’re out there and available for gigs if you don’t promote yourself? Unless you’re already a known comic, have a Comedy Central special, or a big-time agent pushing for you, you need to be prepared to handle the business side of your career.

Of course, the first step in any business is to be so good on stage that people want to see you again. That comes from writing, performing, then repeating the process countless times. But once you’re ready to move forward, promotion becomes a major part of your plan. It helps you take advantage of opportunities that can lead to showcases and paying gigs.

Promotion gets your foot in the door. Talent, hard work, and dedication are what get you hired. As I say in my book Comedy FAQs and Answers:

They may call it amateur night, but nobody’s looking to hire an amateur.

Memorize that—it’s true.

Now, your question wasn’t about showcases or all the ways to promote yourself, so let’s talk specifically about business cards.

I write a lot about networking and being part of your local comedy scene because you never know who you’ll meet—someone who could genuinely help your career. But are you prepared when that moment happens?

My latest

Back when I worked at The Improv, comedians would often ask how to get an audition or how to submit a video. Then, instead of handing over a business card, they’d say, “Let me give you my email,” and expect a manager to write it down—or they’d start searching for a bar napkin to scribble on.

Were they nuts? That’s not how you make a professional impression. And in my head, every time someone did that, I’d think: “Amateur…”

Even worse, some comics would just give their name and say, “I’ll send you my link,” or “Keep me in mind for showcases.”

Sorry, but I’m terrible with names. Honestly, there’s a woman interrupting me right now while I’m trying to write this. Her name escapes me… I should remember it—we’re married.

Get the idea?

People like talent bookers, event planners, and club managers deal with a lot of names. Make it easy for them to remember you and contact you. Business cards aren’t outdated or uncool. They’re a simple, effective professional tool.

So to finally answer your question:

Your business card should include:

  • Your name
  • What you do (comedian, speaker, etc.)
  • Your best contact info
    • Phone
    • Email
    • Website (with video and promo materials)

If you have a blog, newsletter, or podcast that supports your career and is actually interesting, you can include that link too.

Electronic business cards—QR codes, NFC cards, or files you can Airdrop—are also becoming popular. They’re great to have, but not everyone uses them yet. For someone just getting started, keep it simple and carry regular business cards.

A smart move is to design your card so it stands out. A photo or logo works, but if you (or a designer friend) can create something genuinely unique, memorable, or just plain cool, people are far more likely to keep it instead of losing it in a drawer.

On the flip side!

Try out a few designs on any inexpensive business card site—there are plenty—and don’t leave the house without at least a few cards on you. You can update or redesign them any time since they’re cheap and sometimes even free.

If you’re serious about building a career, you have to take promoting and networking seriously. When you meet someone new or stumble into an opportunity, a business card clearly communicates who you are and how to reach you. There’s nothing amateur about that.

One important warning:

Never put your home address on your business card or any promotional material. You don’t know where that card may end up, and the last thing you want is some wacko showing up at your door. Yes, this has happened—to both male and female performers.

A business card isn’t an outdated relic. It’s a simple, professional way to help people find you—and hire you.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!

Winter 2026 Standup Comedy Workshop at The Cleveland Funny Bone:

Saturdays – January 10, 17 and 24 from noon to 4 pm.

Performance at The Funny Bone – Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 pm

Space limited – for details and to register visit COMEDYWORKSHOPS.

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What Is Considered Corporate Comedy Material?

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Hi Dave – You’ve talked about working in the corporate market as a comedian or humorous speaker. What is considered corporate comedy material and what is not? – B.E.

Living on the edge?

Hey B.E. – That’s a great question, and honestly, one I don’t hear in such a general way. Usually it’s more specific, like “Is this particular joke okay for a corporate show?” But since you asked broadly, I’ll give you the broad answer first.

When it comes to corporate work, the golden rule is simple: work clean. I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll keep saying it because it’s true.

There’s been some debate on social media about whether dropping F-bombs will ever become acceptable at corporate functions. My opinion? The people saying that are a little F-bombed themselves. It’s not happening now, and it won’t anytime soon. Sure, there may be rare exceptions with an “edgy” company (think Comedy Central), but if you want steady work in the corporate market, clean material is the standard. That means no F-bombs, and no routines where the F-bomb is the punchline.

Now, let’s get into what corporate audiences do look for. A lot depends on the event and its theme.

Follow the rules.

From my experience as both a booking agent and a corporate speaker:

  • Comedians are often hired for holiday parties, retirement banquets, and award ceremonies. The material can cover almost anything—marriage, kids, sports, current events—as long as it’s clean and fits the mood. But it’s important to know the theme. If it’s a holiday party, the client might want some holiday references mixed in. At a retirement banquet, comics who can roast, ad-lib, and personalize a few jokes usually do well. The key is to keep the laughs lighthearted—no embarrassment, no hurt feelings.
  • Humorous speakers are different. They’re brought in for their message—stress relief, communication, networking, leadership, tech training, you name it. With humor, they become entertaining as well as informative. These speakers might give keynotes, run breakout sessions, or even full-day training workshops. Their material comes directly from their area of expertise, with comedy woven in to keep the audience engaged.

So, to put it simply:

  • Comedians = entertainment. Be funny, be clean, and tie in the event’s theme when needed.
  • Humorous speakers = infotainment. Deliver useful content, but with humor so it sticks.

That’s the general answer to your general question, B.E. If you’re serious about working the corporate market, start by keeping your act clean, know the event’s theme, and always make sure the CEO (or whoever signs the check) leaves happy.

Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!

For details about September – October 2025 online comedy workshops check out this LINK

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For comments, questions about workshops and coaching please email – Dave@TheComedyBook.com

3 Lessons I Learned From a 30-Year Comedy Veteran – Dave Schwensen

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By Siddesh Pai – “I Help Comedians, Humor Keynote Speakers & Entrepreneurs Enhance Their Personal Brand Through Targeted Newsletters | Standup Comedian”

Readers: You can locate Siddesh Pai through the following link on LinkedIn. This is an interview we did earlier this year and I liked it enough to share it. Thanks Siddesh and keep laughing!!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddeshpai/

3 Lessons I Learned From a 30-Year Comedy Veteran – Dave Schwensen

Talking comedy

Dave has been working in comedy for three decades. But he wants to make one thing clear: he’s not a stand-up comedian. To me, it felt like a writer who doesn’t read. But that’s exactly what makes him different—he’s spent his career booking, coaching, and writing on the business of comedy. In our conversation, he dropped some serious wisdom on why treating comedy like a business is the key to making it a career.

1) Comedy Can’t Be Taught—But It Can Be Coached

“I don’t believe you can teach comedy. What I think is funny, you might not. My kids certainly don’t think I’m funny.” I can’t tell you the Three Stooges are funny if you don’t find slipping on a banana peel hilarious, there’s nothing he can do to change that. This is where coaching comes in. Every comedian has a different style, a different rhythm, and a different worldview. Dave helps comics refine that—polishing the delivery, cutting the fat from jokes, and shaping a strong act. Because at the end of the day, you can’t teach funny. But you can help someone be funnier.

2) No One Is Going to Hand You Stage Time – You Have to Create It

“You can’t teach timing, you can’t teach delivery, and you sure as hell can’t teach stage presence. You have to get up there and do it.” Most comedians think getting better means hitting open mics over and over. But Dave has a different take – go where the audience actually wants entertainment. Clubs are competitive. You’re performing for other comics, waiting for their turn. But business events, fundraisers, and community groups? They’re desperate for entertainment. Your first gigs might be free, but that’s how you build momentum. One day, you’re performing at a Rotary Club for free. The next, someone offers you $500 to do the same set. Stage time is currency. The more you get, the faster you grow.

3) They Call It Amateur Night, But No One Is Trying to Hire an Amateur

A lot of comedians treat stand-up like a passion project. But the ones who make a career out of it? They treat it like a business. – Networking Matters – Hanging out with comics at open mics isn’t enough. Get to know bookers, producers, and event organizers. These are the people who can actually get you paid work. – Market Yourself – Being funny isn’t enough if no one knows you exist. Build a brand, create content, and stay on people’s radar. Your name should pop up when someone’s looking for a comedian. – Be a Professional – Show up on time. Have a tight five. Be easy to work with. Give people your business card. Make yourself easy to book. The comedians who get booked aren’t just the funniest—they’re the ones who treat it like a business.

Thanks for reading – and keep laughing!

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