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5 Important people to know in Chicago Comedy
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Chicago might be a city of process but that process is inextricably linked with the entertainment industry. While “Yes, and” and “make your scene partner look good” are the on stage philosophies, off stage this is still a business and every one is truly competing for the same part. A performer must distinguish themselves from the faceless sea of comedians constantly pouring in from out of town. While every performer needs a good support network of family and friends, to be productive in Chicago a person needs to know people in the know.
And so…
5 People you should know!
1. The Guru
Bill Murray has called the comedy being done in Chicago, “the most important group work since they built the pyramids” and to a certain extent this city has become a Mecca for those looking to learn. Students arrive as blank canvases and quickly discover the nuanced differences in the theaters that they are learning from and seek out a mentor, a guide, and a school of thought that best suits their individual goals as a performer. iO has Del Close and Charna Halpern, The Annoyance has Mick Napier, and The Second City has had teachers like Don DePollo, Martin DeMaat, and Norm Holly. Chicago affords people the opportunities to study with not only their heroes but also their hero’s heroes one to one in classroom and performance situations. Face time with a guru can be inspiring, invigorating, stimulating, even galvanizing for a performer.
2. The Comrade at Arms
There is no TJ and Dave without the TJ or the Dave, there is no BassProv with out Donny and Earl, and there is no Messing with a Friend with out the friend. A Comrade at arms is more than a friend, they’re a fellow artist and maybe fellow disciple of the same guru and you and that person can make great art together. That person knows what it is like to put your kid to bed and do a show or work 60 hours at a square job and go to a midnight rehearsal. Like a guru the comrade at arms is support, fortification, back up, wingman, and most importantly scene partner.
3. The Groupie
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A little validation goes a long way. Most comedians are NOT rock stars but shy unassuming smart types (nerds) so I’m not talking about real groupies… I’m talking about the kind of groupies that come to every show, wait in line for tickets, and actually buy merchandise. Baby Wants Candy has groupies that come prepared with show titles to yell out, Messing with A Friend acquired a videographer, and 3033 has students who come to EVERY show. Groupies provide buzz and bring their friends and family to shows. They don’t care if you’ve you had a rough show and will salute you for a great one because they have seen ALL your shows. They are your fan… and, provided they are not stalking you, can be a valuable asset. After they prove it’s not drugged, let them buy you a drink. You deserve it!
4. The Artist
If you want to make it in the entertainment business period, you need to know a good Graphic Designer or Photographer… or be wealthy enough to pay a good one. A good show poster can get an agent in the door too see you and a good headshot can get you the part. You and your show need to be packaged and chances are your artist friend is hungry too so barter tickets for photo proofs, babysitting for styling, and what ever you can for headshots. There are headshot photographers of all ages and abilities as well as website designers, hairstylists, graphic designer, costume makers trying to make it just like you so align with them and your support network will be 100% more effective. The show poster above is by Leslie Link.
AND FINALLY!
5. The Agent
Again, the agent is a given in this business. You need to have one. An agent is your advocate, guide, mouthpiece, liaison with casting directors, and most importantly, contract negotiator. Having a good one of these may also eventually facilitate the need for a manager. You’ll know when you need one of those. You will not get that audition for SNL or MadTV without an agent… and a good agent wants their cut so they’ll work to make sure that no one else is taking advantage of you.
For more info: http://www.performink.com/
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