NEW on Carlease's YouTube Channel:

David Jahn's short film: DAY STRIPPER

It's hilarious!!

Dear Funny, 

  I admire your tenacity and passion. And I like that you ask questions, listen to advice and then reflect on how to utilize it in your career. So let me jump on the band wagon. As an actress, long before I got into stand up comedy, I worked with someone in game show production who was also a manager on the side. (That could be a warning sign). However, I asked him to manager me and he said, "Carlease, you have to have something to manage first." Well I was highly offended then, but now I see he was absolutely correct.Before we start formulating our Dream Team, there is a lot of work we must do. Here are some things to consider:Managers and agents earn their living off of you. The first thing they will be looking at is your worth (to them) as a performer. How much money can you bring in to make it worth all the effort they should be putting in to assist you in getting work. Always remember, they work for you.Do you have headshots, demo reels, a web presence, business cards, a bio, resume, a press kit, steady performance dates, lots of material, etc? A manager could help you with some of this but he/she is not going to pay for it so you might as well start getting these things together now. They will take a percentage of what you earn so you need to be making some money. Technically a manager is supposed to help guide your over all career and an agent pitches you for specific jobs. I'm speaking from an actress' point of view. Like I said to another comic, you need to be clear on your goals and specific needs. I believe you are asking your question from a comic's point of view.From what I know about you, a booking agent may be able to help you at this time. You will still need to work on all the self promotion I mentioned above. It's all a part of the game and can be a lot of fun, but it's a business.  Also, now is the time to start working on your following...your fan base. Managers, booking agents, club owners and producers are going to want to know that people will buy tickets to come see you. Start gathering business cards and email addresses so you can let people know where they can come see you and that you are constantly working.

You may be pleasantly surprised when an agent or manager approaches you at a gig one day. Then you get to check them out. Who are their clients? Who do they know? How do you fit into their brand? What's their reputation? That's how you avoid getting scammed.So get busy, you've got work to do. To quote a line from Field Of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come." 

BE A STAR  

WHERE YOU ARE! 

Email your questions about acting, comedy, solo show production or any aspect of show business to bitsnpieces@verizon.net and I'll answer them in the next month's Ask Stage Mom.