FAQ
Common Questions
Q) I've never done comedy before and I'm really nervous about trying, can you help me get started?
A) Absolutely! We run the most supportive open mics in town, and we have a great school where you can get your feet wet before getting on a real stage. We have helped literally hundreds of comics make their debut, you will feel much better afterwards!
Q) What can I expect in a typical class?
a) You can expect the class to be taught by a working professional, a small class size, and a very friendly and supportive environment. We work on a real comedy club stage, and all students are encouraged to give and receive constructive feedback. We develop writing, performance and mic techniques, and we teach relaxation techniques. We encourage and assist the student in developing an original act and having fun while doing so. We also provide coffee, tea, soft drinks, and healthy snacks.
Q) How do I book an Industry Show?
A) E mail booking@laughingbuddhacomedy.com or call 212 982 6363
Q) How do I book an open mic or the Monday/Tuesday night show?
A) Send us your e mail address, and you will get the weekly availability notice (avails) that goes out over the weekend, just respond to that and we will reply back with a "confirmed".
If you don't hear back we may be full and you are welcome to come by NY Comedy Club, 5:45PM on Wednesday, or Broadway Comedy club at 5:45PM on Thursday and try for a stand by spot. The guidelines for the show are below.
Q) Your open mics have a great reputation. What makes them different from other mics?
a) We don't allow the use of notes or phones in the audience which keeps the crowd attentive. We encourage comics to stay to the end of the show and offer prizes and giveaways like guest spots, and gym passes. Our open mics are booked in advance. By choosing the comics we control the quality, no jaded comics here! In addition the mics are FREE for guests with no drink requirement, so we often have real audience in attendance.
Q) Do I need experience for an industry showcase?
A) No. Our industry guests are always looking for new faces. Certainly you would need experience to get booked for a road gig, for example, but our industry guests will give you the feedback you need to prepare for that down the line. Many of our industry guests are casting directors and agents, and it is not uncommon for them to work with newcomers right out of the gate.
Q) How is your school different than the other comedy schools?
A) We are the only school that incorporates significant stage time into the curriculum. If you are serious about stand up comedy, even as a hobby, you must get up in front of live audiences on a regular basis. We run very supportive shows and audiences will rally around comics making their debut, so there is nothing to fear. In addition, our instructors are working professionals so they know first hand what it takes to be successful in the business. We also limit our class size to 10 to 12 students. If you have too many students in a class you simply won't get the attention you need to really grow.
Q) I perform out of town and don't know if I could afford to come to NYC to take classes. How could I become a part of Laughing Buddha Comedy?
A) We are now traveling to various cities in the U.S. If you can round up a group of several fellow comics, we can come to your city and your personal workshop will be free and you may be able to earn dollars on top of that! You can also take private lessons with us via video conferencing, and create a personal program that suits your needs.
Q) Where did the name come from and are you Buddhists?
A) Laughing Buddha Comedy's founder Jeff Lawrence seriously has no recollection about how he came up with the name. He practiced Buddhism, was born a Jew, and and is basically non denominational. We have a very diverse staff and roster of comics. We welcome everyone, and our students come from every ethnicity, age group, race, color, and sexuality.
Q) Do you accept credit cards or have payment plans.
A) Absolutely, just inquire.
Q) Where are your classes taught?
A) On stage at the legendary NY Comedy club in NYC, 241 East 24th St. and occasionally on stage at the Broadway Comedy Club, 318 West 53rd St conveniently located in midtown. Our business classes may be taught at various non-club locations in the city.
Q) Do you have online courses?
A) Yes, we offer video conferencing, and you may also submit scripts, DVD's, speecehes, and links for us to punch up and critique.
Q) Can I find Laughing Buddha Comedy on Facebook or Twitter?
A) Of course. Become a fan on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter
Tuesday @ NY Comedy Club Booked Show Guidelines
* Avails go out over the weekend from booking@laughingbuddhacomedy.com for the following week. You need to reply to be considered for a spot.
* Comics pay $5 and buy one discounted drink ($5). Regular audience pays full price and has a two drink minimum. Comics guests pay the discounted price and have a one drink minimum.
* We do not use notes on stage or in the audience as this is the house/pro show. (When you are next ONLY you may step into the hall and go through your notes.)
* PLEASE refrain from texting or e mailing while in the room. You may step outside and take a break if you need to.
* When you arrive PLEASE DO NOT go into the back room until you have paid your cover and purchased your drink.
* Always let audience get their drinks first when you are checking in. We need to seat them and get them their drinks before we start the show.
* PLEASE do not book a spot if you will arrive late or need to leave early unless you have made prior arrangements. We are certainly flexible if things come up from time to time. The idea of the show is that we are all audience for each other from start to finish. The show runs from 8:30 to approximately 10:30.
* Spots will now be 5 minutes; possibly longer if you have guests.
Wednesday and Thursday Open Mic Guidelines
* Avails go out over the weekend from booking@laughingbuddhacomedy.com for the following week. You need to reply to be considered for a spot.
* You will get a confirmation if you are booked. Please remember that we have many more requests than spots and we give priority to comics that are currently taking our classes, and bringing guests to our new talent/industry showcases.
* Please arrive at 5:45PM for check in and to guarantee your spot.
* Comics pay $5 cover. There is no drink requirement. The bar at NY Comedy Club usually opens around 6PM on Wednesday. The bar opens at 7PM for the Thursday mic at Broadway Comedy Club. Please be generous with the waitstaff.
* You may use all the notes you want on stage, but we ask that you put them away while in the audience.
* Please refrain from texting or e mailing while in the room. You may step
outside and take a break if you need to.
* If you arrive after 6:10PM you may lose your spot if comics are waiting.
* Spots are 5 minutes.
* At the end of each show, comics that stay the entire show will be eligible for a drawing for a guest spot in our house show at NY Comedy Club, and/or prizes.
