She Strengthens

Chasing Laughter: The Unlikely Journey of a Stand-Up Comedian

Growing up, I idolized the comedic genius of Saturday Night Live’s golden era, with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph leading the charge. As a witty and sarcastic individual, I always dreamed of taking the stage as a stand-up comedian. However, at 34, I thought I was too old to start. That was until I stumbled upon Mortified, a podcast and live storytelling show that celebrates the humor in our teenage angst. After reading my journal entries on stage, I caught the comedy bug and never looked back.

From Classes to Comedy Clubs

I began by taking stand-up comedy classes at a local club, learning the basics of joke structure, timing, and stage presence. These classes were instrumental in helping me develop my craft and gain confidence on stage. I progressed from Stand Up 101 to Stand Up 201, honing my skills and receiving valuable feedback from instructors and peers. The cost of these classes? A mere $325.

The Road to Success (and Expenses)

As I started performing more frequently, travel costs became a significant expense. Between gas, festival applications, and accommodations, I spent a whopping $12,521 on comedy-related travel over the past 18 months. However, these investments paid off, as I began to get booked for shows and festivals across the country.

Behind the Scenes: Headshots, Videos, and More

To look professional and polished, I invested in headshots, videos, and clothing. While my initial headshot experience was disappointing, my talented friend and sister-in-law helped me get better ones for free. I also spent $120 on video recordings of my sets, which have been instrumental in getting me booked for shows. My total expenditure on these essentials? $968.11.

Promotion and Online Presence

To showcase my comedy and writing skills, I maintain a website through Squarespace, which costs $89 per year plus $14 per month. I also purchased business cards and stickers with my Twitter handle to promote myself at festivals and shows. The total cost of these promotional tools? $439.35.

The Grand Total

So, how much has my comedy journey cost me so far? A staggering $14,253.46. While it may seem like a lot, I’ve been fortunate enough to get paid for most of my shows, earning around $400 per month. I also have the privilege of having a supportive wife who takes care of our home and dogs when I’m away performing.

The Future of Funny

As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue investing time and money into my comedy career. My goal is to become a successful writer and comic whose creative endeavors pay the bills. It won’t be easy, but I’m proud of myself for taking the leap and pursuing my passion.