stand up comedy class – Master Talent Teachers

3 Tips For Comedy Writers – with late-night television writer Dicky Eagan

December 30, 2014/in Comedy, Featured, Featured Video /by MTT

When it comes to writing for late-night, Dicky Eagan knows what it takes. In this video, the head writer of “Last Call with Carson Daly,” who has also written for “Lopez Tonight,” “The Wayne Brady Show” and many others, gives away 3 powerful secrets to having a successful career in comedy, in writing and in any part of the entertainment field.

Tip #1) Surround yourself with people who are good at what you do.

If you want to get better, then hang around people who are even better than you are at your chosen field – they will challenge you and as a result, you will improve.

Tip #2) Get specific with your goals.

Don’t just say “I want to be a writer.” Imagine and envision exactly what person, project or show you want to write for. When things get hard your ability to focus on your original goal will help get you through the tough times.

Tip #3) Be great to work with.

This is a tip that all of our most successful guests seem to say. No matter how talented you are, no one wants to work with a jerk. Get your attitude and ego in check, so that you will be the one that everyone wants to work with.

Want to know more? Have Comments? Questions? Post them below!

Find out more about Gerry at www.standupcomedyclass.com

And follow Gerry and Dickie on Twitter @GerryKatzman and @DickyEagan

Microphone Technique for Speakers, Performers and Entertainers

January 7, 2014/in Comedy, Featured Video /by MTT

At some point in your life, you either have been, or will be, called upon to deliver a speech using a microphone – but do you know the fundamentals of how these devices work?

Watch the video to get a nuanced look on how to make the most of your time at the mic.

Here are some pointers:

Speak directly down into, and through the microphone – the sound of your voice will almost never be picked up around the edges.
Keep a 1.5″ to 3″ gap between your mouth and the microphone. If the mic is too close, your plosive sounds like ‘P’s’ and ‘B’s’ will create “pops”. If the mic is too far away, we won’t hear you.
Microphone feedback is what happens when the sound from the speaker enters the microphone, exits the speaker, and then enters the microphone again, creating a high-pitched, squealing “feedback loop”.
To avoid feedback, try never to point the microphone head directly at a speaker and avoid walking in front of speakers when you’re holding the mic.
Let the microphone follow your mouth wherever you go.
To correctly adjust a microphone stand- loosen the adjustable clutch in the center of the stand by turning it slightly to the left, then lift the microphone upwards so that the head of the mic is close enough to touch your chin, and then re-tighten the clutch by turning it to the right.

For more tips, tricks, and techniques about microphones and other aspects of speaking, performance, and comedy please sign up for Gerry’s newsletter at www.standupcomedyclass.com