Playing The Big Stage

DANIA BEACH – There’s a road map that leads comics to playing the Improv and the comedy club franchise wants South Florida comics to drive the expressway.

On Tuesday, Oct. 19 the Dania Improv will hold a forum for comics during which presenters will outline what they are looking for from comics interested in playing their stages.

“What I want this to do is slowly start bridging this gap between the comedy community and the Improv – to slowly start lowering down this hypothetical invisible wall that comics feel there is to getting into this club,” comic and Improv audio/visual tech Jay Guy said.

Guy, Palm Beach Improv co-owner and general manager Rene Harte and comedy instructor Ramon Garcia will be the presenters. They will share with comics the qualities they are looking for when booking shows.

They’ll also discuss Improv etiquette, generating exposure, their New Faces shows and offer general advice for up-and-coming stand-up comics.

“The Improv has a standard,” Guy said. “I think people are subject to their own bias about how amazing they are as comedians, subject to the value that they think they offer. I think this going to lay a foundation to say, Hey, you meet these expectations, there’s no reason why you can’t be working at the club on a weekend opening for whoever. Just do the things necessary.”

Part of the presentation will also include advice on creating a media kit, including head shots, video reels and biographies.

“I want to give a lot of pointers and direction that I feel like could help a lot of comics get where they want to be,” Guy said.

There will also be a question-and-answer portion where comics can ask Improv bookers for advice on advancing their comedy careers.

The forum is free and begins at 6 p.m.

Guy believes the forum will be beneficial for everyone from comics who recently began performing to more seasoned comics who believe they are ready to perform regularly at any of the three South Florida Improvs.