If you’re a bright, happy, and witty person, then the world is your oyster when it comes to the comedy job market! You’ll find tons of gigs if you know where to look, and you’ll be able to start your own comedy group in no time.
There are tons of comics out there who are looking for a way to break into the field, and if you can write comedy, then all the doors will be opened for you! It’s an extremely viable option if you want to work in comedy, and it’s a great option for anyone who feels like they have a funny voice inside them but don’t know how to put it into words.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about getting a job writing comedy, including which types of jokes to avoid, how to start building your portfolio, and much more!
The Perks Of Working In Comedy
Comedy is a broad genre, and it can cover almost anything. You can write parody songs about pop culture, you can write topical jokes about current events, and you can even write romantic comedy! There is truly no limit to what you can write when you have that happy-go-lucky attitude. You will find tons and tons of gigs if you look hard enough, and the pay is usually very good as well.
Working in comedy has many perks, but here are a few of the most notable ones:
- High creativity level
- A great deal of freedom
- Opportunities to grow as a writer
- A wide range of material to work with
- The ability to travel the world and work remotely
- An incredibly diverse community of people
- The ability to make bold choices
The Types Of Jokes To Avoid
There are certain types of jokes that you will not be able to break into the industry with. For example, ethnic humor and racial humor are sometimes used in stand-up comedy to get a laugh, but although it may be funny to you as a stand-up comedian, it may not be the best idea to write down as a comedy writer!
You may think that jokes about race are “one of the best ways to make smart alec comments about race in the 21st century,” but that doesn’t mean that you will have an easier time getting a job if you crack jokes about race or ethnicity. You will still have to prove yourself, and you will have to write material that is acceptable to the people in charge at the publishing house or TV station.
What is acceptable in one situation may not be in another, and it is always better to err on the side of caution. It’s always nice to have options, though, so you can choose the one that you think will work best for you!
How To Start Building Your Portfolio
There are multiple ways to go about building your portfolio as a comedy writer, but one of the best and most effective ways is through comedy festivals. You’ll find a list of comedy festivals all over the world on the Creative Corner website, and you should take advantage of these opportunities if you can. Most comedy festivals offer a variety of programs, from showcase performances to conferences and workshops.
The nice thing about these types of festivals is that they expose you to many different types of professionals who may be interested in hiring you. You don’t want to limit yourself to just one type of job, and these opportunities allow you to showcase your diverse interests. If you’re lucky, you may even get to interview multiple times before getting a job. That way, you can prove to them that you’re a well-rounded and capable writer, which will make you stand out among the large number of applicants.
Getting A Job Writing Comedy
If you’re looking to get a job as a comedy writer, then your first port of call should be The Onion website. You can find all sorts of writing positions there, from editorial to culture to features. You won’t be able to get into a traditional newsroom, but you will find lots of opportunities for comedy.
Many of the positions at The Onion require a portfolio of submitted work, and they may even require you to have some experience in journalism or publishing. That’s a definite plus, as it shows that you can write well and prove yourself to be a hard worker. You should also write something for The Onion just to get your name out there, as it’s a great place to start. You’ll have unique access to interesting guests and can participate in events with famous people. The opportunities for writing here are endless, and it’s definitely worth a try.
Now, if you’re looking for a more traditional route, then you could try contacting agencies and publishers or even contacting a talent agent. It doesn’t matter how you get the job. What matters is getting the job.
If you’ve written comedy before, then this is just a formality and won’t be a problem. Just make sure that you’re not doing it for the wrong reasons or you may end up harming your chances of getting a job. Keep in mind that there are lots of different ways to get a job in comedy, and you don’t have to follow the same path as your fellow comedians. You just have to make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons.
Wondering how to become a stand-up comic? Or, perhaps, you’ve tried doing comedy gigs and think that they’re not the right fit for you? No matter what, you can put your comedy skills to good use by becoming a comedy writer! Just follow the steps discussed in this article, and before you know it, you’ll be earning a living from your art.