REPRESENTATION

Lately I have had a few stressors happen that made me realize the importance of representation. First, I had cancellations last minute for shows, which made me rush to find replacement work, as I don't like to have multiple days away from the stage. Then I did some shows where the comedy club reduced my time as the feature (opener before headliner) in order to give their local comedian, someone with less experience than me, some additional time. 

The headliner had specifically brought me to open because he wanted me to be the opener and I traveled some distance (on my own dime) to make it happen. The headliner offered to say something but I asked him not to because it would only hurt the headliner and me in the long run. It has happened before. It’s hard not to take it personally.  Is it because they don't trust me or because they want to see one of their own get more time? Or both?

Having representation means you have an advocate for you. To make sure certain things go as you like. People joke about how the band Van Halen had a rule in their rider about no yellow M&Ms in the green room but the reason their manager put that in the rider is to see if the venue read their sound and stage requirements, which were specific. When they saw yellow M&Ms, they know they didn’t and walked away. 
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Before I did comedy, I was an artist manager., representing bands and musicians through my company Shoeshine Boy Productions. I would zealously represent my client artist when I felt they were slighted or did not get something they deserved or earned. I know the art of representation well. I know I need it now as a comedian and I am seeking it actively. While nobody is going to be your advocate more than you will be, but it’s nice to have someone in your corner. #standupcomedy #representation #careerchange #formerlawyer