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That is a question I get often, but it's hard to gage people's sincere interest in attending shows or if they are just being nice. When I first started comedy, I would love promoting my shows and inviting friends and family. I often had comp tickets that I would gladly get rid of to have folks come see me. As time passed, I realized that most people don't have time to attend shows or maybe they have every intention of coming but forget. Then after the show is long done, and I have left town, they will usually say "Why didn't you invite me?"
I am pretty active on social media and try my best to make sure all my shows are listed on at least my main social media pages, especially my bigger shows and projects. All my show dates are also on my website, so I know if people want to see me, they can figure out when I am in town. Having "butts in seats" it such a big part of the business, so I also hope people are spreading the word to family and friends, when I am in new cities like San Francisco and Wichita. As for when I am in MY town, I am returning to Chicago on Tuesday November 16th to headline for the first time at Zanies Comedy Club. Hope you get your tickets and I can see you there. Link on details below. #comedy #standupcomedy #careerchange #journey #laughs #formerlawyer #chicago Recently, I turned down a few offers for shows because I previously committed to other “less glamorous”/less pay shows with two clubs that took care of me in the past. I didn’t think to cancel, because, as a former promoter and producer of shows, I know how difficult it is for to re-schedule. Plus, I wanted to be loyal to the folks who gave me the opportunities when others would not. Sometimes, you make the wrong decision.
In one case of “loyalty”, the club I ended up sticking with was poorly attended and under-promoted by the club. In the second instance, the club called me to tell me THEY were cancelling on me to bring in a “bigger name” who wanted my weekend. 0-2! The good news is I have many amazing shows coming in Las Vegas, Reno, San Francisco, Arizona and return to Chicago to headline in my home town at Zanies on November 16th. Hope you can make it to one of these shows and tell your friends in the towns I am coming to to come see me! #careerchange #laughs #formerlawyer #standupcomedy #chicagoland For the last week and this coming week, I have been traveling in the South doing shows. Shows have been amazing but most of the "down" time is dealing with bookings for upcoming months and social media. It's nice to get out of a daily ritual but I do miss my own bed and wish I had a comedy agent or manager. Its also been amazing to see the response to people wanting to support #suicideawareness and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention when buying my "Better Call Paul" shirts. I ran out of shirts early in the week (unless you are an extra small) and was unable to have an expedited batch sent to me for this coming weekend in Arkansas. Good problem to have but I wish I could support the cause and sell more shirts this weekend. See you in Little Rock, maybe?
#suicideprevention #careerchange #laughteristhebestmedicine #comedyisback #standupcomedy #chicagolawyer MOVING ON UP? For the last two weeks, I did shows in Oklahoma City and Little Rock, Arkansas at the Loony LR. I was able to headline a night, sell out of my "Better Call Paul" shirts, raising money for Suicide Prevention and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and then feature for one of my favorite comedians and mentor Kevin Bozeman. I refreshed for a day to enjoy some kayaking and four-wheeling in the hills! Upon return to Chicago, I also learned l finally headline Zanies Comedy Night Club in Old Town Nov 16th, so mark your calendars, Chicago friends! #comedy #suicidepreventionawarenessmonth #suicideawareness #careerchange #comedians #chicagoevents #laughteristhebestmedicine  There are none in comedy. When you start, they say "respect the process;" I agree. Sometimes you obtain amazing opportunities that propel you and provide you a platform. What you do with those opportunities allow you to grow. If you're wise, you learn from them and will yourself to be better, whether it's writing or performing. I believe that if you want to do stand up comedy, you need to get on stage and develop your act and voice. You need to write. Eight years ago, I had my first weekend hosting for a national act. I remember thinking after I'd work harder than other comedians and achieve greater success quicker, due to my work ethic and business acumen from years in the music business. I thought I could be one of the best Chicago Stand Up comedians. I did obtain great some opportunities quicker but because I wasn't ready, I didn't develop and for years, I plateaued. After leaving the law, I am able to write and take more chances on stage, which has grown my material and hopefully will lead to more headlining shows, like tonight at House of Comedy! I subscribe to the Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hour theory (10,000 hours to master a skill). Everyone differs, but I do believe that time and process allows one to find their voice. Even 10 years in, I am still finding mine.
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AuthorPaul Farahvar is a comedian hailing from Chicago, Ill. Archives
August 2024
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