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I really like stand up comedy and have taken a few classes. I've done some open mics here and there, but I'm still just a beginner and by no means great. It's mostly just sort of a hobby that I got into, because living in Los Angeles provided me with some interesting opportunities that I felt like taking advantage of.
But now I'm considering moving somewhere else and I would hate to think that I can't still pursue my hobby further. The cities I'm most considering right now are Denver, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
I know there probably won't be any sitcoms being taped elsewhere, but I'd still like to find a city with a reliable comedy club circuit. If nothing else than to have an opportunity to work on my act and go on tour eventually. I've heard of other famous comedians doing this and figure I can always move back to LA once I'm good enough.
Does anyone know what the most comedy friendly city would be for me?
I really like stand up comedy and have taken a few classes. I've done some open mics here and there, but I'm still just a beginner and by no means great. It's mostly just sort of a hobby that I got into, because living in Los Angeles provided me with some interesting opportunities that I felt like taking advantage of.
But now I'm considering moving somewhere else and I would hate to think that I can't still pursue my hobby further. The cities I'm most considering right now are Denver, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
I know there probably won't be any sitcoms being taped elsewhere, but I'd still like to find a city with a reliable comedy club circuit. If nothing else than to have an opportunity to work on my act and go on tour eventually. I've heard of other famous comedians doing this and figure I can always move back to LA once I'm good enough.
Does anyone know what the most comedy friendly city would be for me?
None of those three is one I would recommend for starting a comedy career. Philadelphia has one of any repute and the other two have just a couple. I would get where you wouldn't want to go to NYC given the cost of living but you should definitely consider Chicago which probably rivals NYC for comedy clubs and is much more affordable/accessible.
I would try the college circuit. you would have to Join NACA and Show case your act in front of talent buyers from colleges. You could pick which region you wanted to work in. most of the buyers are college age kids. If you start out in one city you will have to constantly be writing new material where as if you play multiple small Midwest colleges you can build your material slowly. I remember when Carrot top, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Steve Martin were doing NACA college shows back in the early to mid eighties. I don't know if it still is a viable way to start a career anymore but it pays good.
I've often considered NY as was suggested, but I'd indeed like to avoid it given the extremely high cost of living.
Speaking of which, I am very intrigued by the idea of Boston. I really like the city, but figured that I could never afford living there either. Perhaps if I find that the pros outweigh the expenses, I'd look into it a lot more seriously. If anyone could give me some more specific information as to why it would be a good comedy city I'd appreciated it.
Also, I feel as though I'm getting some conflicting messages regarding Seattle and Philly. Seattle is especially a place where I've long considered moving to. Once again, I'd really like to hear why it is or isn't a good comedy town.
I would try the college circuit. you would have to Join NACA and Show case your act in front of talent buyers from colleges. You could pick which region you wanted to work in. most of the buyers are college age kids. If you start out in one city you will have to constantly be writing new material where as if you play multiple small Midwest colleges you can build your material slowly. I remember when Carrot top, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Steve Martin were doing NACA college shows back in the early to mid eighties. I don't know if it still is a viable way to start a career anymore but it pays good.
This actually sounds like a particularly good idea. I've never heard of the organization and will definitely have to look more into it. If you or anyone else knows of other stuff like this, please let me know!
Back in the mid-nineties, in Portland, Oregon, I used to do open mike comedy. It seemed like a solid comedy city.
One advantage to doing stand-up in Portland is that a large percentage of the exotic dancers tend to be huge comedy fans.
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