Is Social Media the New Comedy Club? Stand-Up Comics on How Digital Media Differs from Live
variety.comWhitney Friedlander We’re in a new age of comedy thanks to diversification by brick-and-mortar clubs and social media, which has leveled the playing field for talent.
There is not, however, a direct correlation to a comedian’s viral success online and that person’s ability to land a spot on a comedy club’s mainstage.
Erin von Schonfeldt, the exec VP of programming for Improv Comedy Club owners Levity Live, has booked shows for the network of clubs since 1997. “There are those, especially today given the viralness of digital media, who can find an audience from a single online clip and find initial success,” she notes. “But if you want to be a professional stand-up comedian, there’s really no substitute for working in front of live audiences, night after night, in multiple cities to build a real foundation. “Some comedians get there by their sheer work ethic; they watch their performances over and over, refining their words and delivery,” she continues. “They study other comedians.
They study audiences. They understand there is no short-cut. You have to put in the time and gain mileage.” Comedian Taylor Tomlinson equates digital work to “doing radio back in the day.
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