HUMOR TIP SEPTEMBER 2010

Dear Lola,

Have you ever participated in an Open Mike Night, and how did you manage to get on the program?

Sincerely.

Funny in Phoenix

 

Dear Funny,

Yes I have, years ago, and I got the spots by auditioning, not once but many times. The audition actually began with my first phone call to the local Improv. Always remember that the receptionist who answers your phone call gets to decide whose calls are going to go through and which messages will indeed be delivered.

It sounds so simplistic, but you must be nice to that person who picks up the phone when you call. Some “wantabe comics” are frustrated or maybe they just want to show a little power. The reason doesn’t really matter. The bottom line is, the receptionist is not going to help you out. Oh sure, she may relay the message that you called, but chances are she is also going to share  with her boss the way you acted. And…if your behavior is bad enough, she is going to remember you and probably get even. Don’t be surprised if your messages get lost, you’re left on hold, or you experience other “I don’t know what happened” events. (Remember the waiter who spit in the petulant customer’s soup before he delivered it.)

The point is that every person you speak to at that Improv just may be in a position to help you! Of course if you get the audition, it’s a given that you’ve got to be funny.

Good Luck!
Always love and forever laughter,

Lola

Dear Readers,
 
If you have a special question that might be answered with a hot humor tip, ask Lola by emailing to lola@laughandlearn.org If she doesn't know the answer, she'll consult with Harry Potter