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Comedy: How to Build a Convincing Promo File (for Comedians)

Comedy is an ever-expanding and evolving entertainment sector. There are thousands of comedians that are already dominating scenes and that are starting to make their own marks in performance venues.

That is why competition among comedians starts to get more intense and rowdy. With the increasing volume of comedians, the market is becoming more choosy and meticulous, and the number of venues shrink, giving way to only a few of outstanding comedians.

So where do other comedians go? Nowhere. They either quit the business, get other careers, or wait indefinitely until new opportunities arise.

For beginners, it would be a tough challenge to establish a niche and identity in the current comedy performing scene. The challenge to breakthrough would always be an obstacle that is succeeded by a limited number of performers.

For experts, the challenge would be how to contact that staying power to guaranty his job despite the entry of new, fresh and more talented comedians.

The promo file

Comedians, just like other talents, should always keep and update their own promo files. The promo file is a portfolio containing the necessary items that would serve as references about the comedian.

As for the employment lingo, the promo file is the equivalent of a resume, a document that would outline the job applicant's competence, experiences and relevant knowledge.

The promo file should contain demo tapes, which would serve as a sample of outputs, materials or experience, press kits, or press-release statements for promotion, and of course the bio or biographic details.

The promo file is a comedian's passport to securing regular and even contractual performance gigs. Thus, it should be regularly and appropriately updated. Make your promo file as presentable as ever to make sure those people and prospective employers who would get hold of it would create a good impression of you.

Preparing the promo file

The life of a comedian isn't easy, contrary to what people may perceive. That is because to be able to become really effective, the comedian should invest in time and preparation.

Before putting a foray into the entertainment scene for comedy, the aspiring comedian should make sure he has an accessible and presentable promo file.

The promo file should speak in behalf of the comedian and should be persuasive enough to convince a prospective boss to employ the comedian.

To prepare the promo file, there are a few simple guidelines that will surely be helpful. Here are they:

o Make the resume or biographical information as comprehensive as possible. Take particular emphasis on experiences, education and of course, references.
o Unlike common notions, the biographical information should be written in a way that it is serious enough so it will be taken seriously by the prospective employer. Others employ funny gimmicks to present their biography. Don't fall into that trap. There would be enough uses for your creative juices in other equally significant portions of the promo file.
o The demo tape should be handy and should use quality tapes, so the screen quality of the video, if it’s a video, should be superb.
o Make sure to put up your funniest comic antics on the demo tape. That way, you can demonstrate your effectiveness in making people laugh or back your claim that you are a good comedian.
o Make the demo tape entertaining enough, but make it last only a few minutes, unless an employer requires a longer duration. That way, you would be able to keep your mystery and be able to create an impression that you still have more in store.
o The press kit should be written particularly for dissemination. Make a press release of yourself. This is the part where your most creative and hilarious ideas should show off. The press kit would be a run down statement about how you would handle the situation when you are asked to advertise yourself.

Taking luck

Applying for a comedy performance gig or job will also entail luck on the part of the comedian. Be aware that sheer talent and natural humor is necessary, but they're not enough.

Determination will be a driving force. Combine them all, and you'll have luck to be able to land that comedy job or gig you need to get for you to have a proper venue for showcasing your talent.

Good luck!

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Comedy: How to Build a Convincing Promo File (for Comedians) 

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