Before you send me a message with a booking question, read this first...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Comic:
Thank you for your interest in performing at the Improv. It's where many of today's stars were born and continue to shine. The World Famous Improv Comedy Showcase has been the career launching pad for dozens of the familiar faces of television including Improv alumni David Spade, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey and more. We take pride in finding and showcasing both the best new faces and seasoned veterans.
So now to answer the question you're all asking – how do I become a regular at the Improv? First, you must submit a tape. The tape should be 7 to 10 minutes in length and have your name and contact information clearly labeled. Mail it to the following address:
Improv Booking Office
Attn: Jesse Shapiro
6701 Center Dr. West, 11th floor
LA, CA 90045
Your tape will be viewed in the order it was received. Although it is important to be persistent if you want to make it as a comic, we also appreciate your patience. Please keep in mind that there are only two of us in the office, and we receive a large amount of submissions every week.
It is also important to note that if you submit a tape, you should be 100% confident in your readiness to perform on the Improv stage. Most comics that perform at our club have been doing stand-up for at least 5 years. Many of the comics who submit there materials have been performing stand-up on the road for even longer.
We will do our utmost to provide feedback on every tape we receive. Please keep in mind the comedy is a very subjective art form and that our opinions are just that - our opinions. It does not mean that you're not funny, that you should give up, or that you wont be a superstar in 5 years making millions. All it means is that at this time, we think you need more time to develop. We will offer notes which you are welcome to follow or completely ignore. Some of the best advice I've seen on comedy comes from Dave Attell, who posts this on his website:
Go to your local comedy club and go up on an open mic night, and
keep doing it over and over. There are no shortcuts or words of
wisdom; it's different for everybody. And always remember,
what the fuck do I know? -- Dave Attell
If we feel you need more time to develop, you are welcome to resubmit a different tape one year after you receive our notes. If we enjoy your tape you will be asked to perform on a New Faces showcase. A representative from the booking office will be there to watch the show. Afterwards, you'll be given notes and you'll either be asked to do another new faces show case at a date to be determined later or to submit your weekly availabilities. Do not be offended if we do not ask you to submit your avails, it takes most comics several new faces showcases before they are offered regular status. Also, there are only so many spots available on a weekly basis and hundreds of veteran comics in Los Angeles looking for stage time.
There are also other ways of getting stage time at the Improv. There are a number of independently produced and booked shows at the club. Every producer has a different system for booking talent, but generally I would suggest supporting the show and approaching the producer after it's finished. Not sure who produces the show? Ask a comic that was on the show whose performance you enjoyed. It's important to network and become friendly with other comedians in the community.
Thanks again for your interest in performing at the Improv, comedy is an incredibly difficult but rewarding profession. We here at the Improv recognize how difficult the stand-up comedy road can be, and we commend all comics for getting on stage and trying to be the best.
Jesse Shapiro & Erin von Schonfeldt
Improv Booking Office