Stand Up Bootcamp – Day 3

Editor’s Note: Comedian David Lew has agreed to document “Stand-Up Boot Camp” for AmericasComedy.Com exclusively. You’ll be receiving daily reports. This latest “Stand-Up Boot Camp” is run by two very famous, funny men — Louie Anderson and Kyle Cease. “Boot Camp” takes place over five days, eight hours each day, at the “World Famous Comedy Store” in Hollywood, where some of the most famous comedians of our time were first given the opportunity to perform and fine-tune their acts . . .  a tradition which carries on today. “Boot Camp” includes guest speakers, ranging from national headliners to managers and agents.

Day 3

9:45am- My ride got us in a little late. We walk in on a conversation Louie is having with everyone about different contacts around the states in regards to stage time.

10:45am- Jason Moffett is an impromptu guest speaker. The original guest speaker was rescheduled. Jason is attending the bootcamp but has only a passing interest in stand up. He is a very successful online marketer, so he spent a great deal on stage describing different methods of gathering contacts online.

11:45am- Kyle arrives and replaces Louie, and Louie says he’ll be back at 2pm.  Kyle talks about his set that he did the night before at the Pasadena Ice House. And by many accounts, it was one of the best sets

LUNCH

2:11pm- KEVIN NEALON TIME! Kevin is a legend to me; because my dream is to become an SNL cast member. The funny thing is that he had no intention of joining SNL. But he was friends with Dana Carvey and other cast members, so he was always around the show.

Kevin just reiterated what all comics have been saying; in order to be successful as a comic, you have to go up as much as you can as often as you can; That has been the main message that all comics have brought up. Stage time is key to success, and also having an original point of view; which is what everyone is after.

3:00pm- I invited Darren Carter (“The Party Starter!”) to come out to bootcamp to give any advice that he can. I know how much Darren loves comedy and loves helping young comics; so this was the perfect place for him to help out.

I also want headlining comics completely not affiliated with bootcamp to come see what they are doing here. So then when they go do shows and people mention bootcamp, they’ll be able to have a positive outlook on it. Because a lot of people have a problem with bootcamp, and it’d be nice to have advocates who have actually been to bootcamp.

3:30pm- Kyle joins Darren on stage and they are both going to have a student go up and do time, then critique his performance. During their critique, Russell Peters walks in. They wrap up the critique and its time for RUSSELL! Arguably the biggest name to appear at Bootcamp.  Russell covers his seemingly rocket propelled success. Some who aren’t aware of his 21 year career think that he is an overnight success. Wrong. He didn’t have his big break until 17 years in the business!!

In February 2006, he made $700 at a college gig; then his YouTube clips hit millions of views, and by that November, he sold out 4 shows at the same college, making thousands. WOW. And now he’s #9 top earning comedian with an estimated $10 million made.  He talked about his writing style. He takes an idea and works backwards, he’ll take a funny punchline and build a joke around it. While most comics, start with a premise and work towards a punchline. It was amazing to see Russell up there on stage with Louie Anderson, a legend sitting with a new legend of sorts.

Once Russell is done, the Bootcamp wraps for the day! They announce that everyone gets in for free at the Comedy Store tonight for “Louie & Friends” show, which is awesome. The show’s line up is Kevin Nealon, Russell Peters, Kyle Cease. What a lineup for free! OH YEAH AND LOUIE ANDERSON as the host! Which shows, the host is the most important part of the show!

No related posts.