Rik Roberts

Stand-UP Level One: Writing
Mondays 4/30, 5/7 & 5/21
5:30-7:15 PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total

If you are starting from scratch this is your class. If you have “dabbled” in stand-up and can’t find the consistency you need from your material, this is your class. If you write, blog, tweet or just want to find out how to be funnier … this class is for you.

Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself!

How solid is your material now?
Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?
What techniques suit you the best?
Are you able to mix it up for different types of crowds?
Can you turn a story into a comedy bit?
Do your jokes get consistent laughs?
Are you able to get a laugh every 10-15 seconds or so?

If you don’t know some of the answers, then you’d benefit enormously from the writing class!

You can pay by check, credit card or money order. Once you’ve paid for the writing class once you have a “Lifetime” membership which allows you to attend any and all of the future writing classes at no extra cost.

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Improv Comedy Level One: Games
Mondays 4/30, 5/7 & 5/21
7:30-9:30 PM @ Zanies Nashville
The 3 session class fee is $200 total

Want to release the inner genius trapped inside you? Me too! In the meantime, why not sign up for the Intro to Improv Comedy Class?

I started my comedy career as part of Midwest Comedy Tool and Die – an incredible Improv group in Columbus, OH. We were one of the few traveling Improv troupes to conquer comedy clubs. Our approach was big on laughs with a respect for the art form of Improv. In this intro to Improv class we will do the same.

We will sample many of the games you have seen on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” as well as many you may have never seen. You’ll learn the ground rules that apply to Improvisational Comedy. You’ll be onstage a LOT and will learn to trust your instincts.

You’ll also benefit if you are pursuing stand-up comedy. All of the games in this course can be applied to writing and developing your material. Many students develop characters and bits that they integrate into their act.

A minimum of 8 students is necessary for this class to go forward.

If interested, send Rik an e-mail at comedyhomework AT aol DOT com with the following information:

Which class are you sign up for,
Writing or Improv? ___________________

Name: ____________________________

Cell#: ____________________________

Best E-Mail for class news: ______________

Preferred method of payment (Check, Credit or Cash) ___________________________

And feel free to tell me about any past performance or writing experiences. A link to any YouTube clips would also be cool.

A few weeks ago in March when Jon Reep, Zach Selwyn and Brian E. Kiley were doing a week at Zanies, the trio shot a music video for a parody to a Maroon 5 song. Here’s how they describe it:

This is a country spoof of the song “Moves like Jagger”. It’s called “Moo’ves like Haggard” and it’s about a chick who looks like Merle Haggard in a dress. We are in NO WAY making fun of Merle Haggard. We love him! He’s awesome! This is just about an imaginary chick who LOOKS like Merle Haggard. Written by Jon Reep & Zach Selwyn. Music by Toby Semain. Directed by Zach Selwyn. Edited by Jesse Selwyn. Chic played by Brian E. Kiley.

NashvilleStandUp asked Nashville’s own Brian E. Kiley how it happened and this is what he said:

“The two planned to shoot the video for the song in Nashville to take advantage of the country music scenery and themes. Originally Reep was set to play the part of the women himself. When he arrived in Nashville and realized he was working with me again, he instantly knew that casting a 300+ pound man as the woman would make the video that much funnier and he offered me the part. His description of the video was so hilarious that I didn’t even flinch at the idea of being seen in drag, doing some embarrassing things. It was one of those moments where the comedy overpowered the ego. The next two days were spent filming at Zanies and on Broadway in Downtown Nashville inspiring shock and awe in the passers by. The rest is comedy history!”

Here’s the video:

Download Moo’ves like Haggard on iTunes

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase @ Zanies is a showcase of the funniest professional comedians based in the Nashville area, plus guest sets from traveling comics, and a few up-and-coming young comics from the local Nashville scene. The line-up for the May 2nd, 2012 show includes: Chad Riden, Sean Christian Staggs, RonRon Moseley, Will Copeland, Gerald Giles, Mark Anundson and will be headlined by Renard Hirsch.

Renard Hirsch is a stand up comic out of Nashville, TN who has appeared in several films including Lincoln Heights, The Green Mile, Drumline, and Hannah Montana, The Movie. Television appearances include BET’s “A Time to Laugh,” and “Who’s Laughing Now” on Comcast. In addition to his hilarious, energetic stand-up performances, Renard also wrote and performs a one man show about civil rights leader, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Also, it should be noted that Renard “gangsta walks at every party.”

Here’s a video of Renard performing in Memphis a while ago:

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase featuring Renard Hirsch
Wed., May 2, 2012
doors open: 6:30pm
showtime: 7:30pm

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
615-269-0221

tickets:
$5. available at the door, online, or at the Zanies box office at: 615-269-0221

Facebook event:
Wed., May 2, 2012 – 7:30 pm

More info about the N’Sup Showcase @ Zanies is available at: http://NashvilleStandUp.com/showcase/

A Very Special Engagement Show – Ron White with Friends: Kathleen Madigan, John Pinette, Tim Wilson, Mike Wilmot, Brian Posehn and more.

BENEFIT NOTE: Due to Benefit Show absolutely NO Discounts, Coupons or Promotional Tickets can be accepted for this show.

For Mature Audiences.

Doors Open at 7:30pm.

Zanies; 2025 8th Avenue South; Nashville, TN 37204
http://www.nashville.zanies.com/news.php?NewsSection=Ron+White+and+Friends

Traditionally, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Zanies puts together an all-star lineup of comedians from Nashville who are off the road and back in town to spend the holiday with friends and family. “Comics Come Home” is a showcase style line-up of the guys (and ladies) who came up through the open mics, starting getting work.. and at some point hit the road to do comedy full time. It’s always fun. If you’re looking for an excuse to ditch your family and go have a few drinks / laughs.. this is the perfect show for you.

This year, our own Keith Alberstadt (“Late Show with David Letterman”, CMT, etc) will host AND headline the event which also features Dan Whitehurst, Dawna Kinne, TC Cope, Chad Riden, Brian Bates and Rick Wey.

Keith Alberstadt grew up the son of a Vanderbilt professor and a craft artist. The result . . . a very clever comic with sharp perception, unmatched creativity, and a treasure trove of unique material. His likable personality and down-to-earth charm invite people into his brand of humor—one that is smart but not brainy and relatable but not hacky.

While performing, Keith takes pride in laughing at himself and his “inner dork”, which he attempts to prove is something in all of us. Current events, popular trends, personal details… Keith shares his witty insight on everything, all the while doing it with a mischievous smile that quickly becomes infectious.

A regular performer for the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Keith has been described as “absolutely hilarious” by Armed Forces Entertainment and “a hidden gem” by the Boston Globe. He’s also a contributing writer for Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, National Lampoon and various online magazines.

Here’s a video of Keith’s Letterman appearance:

“Comics Come Home”
Wed. Nov. 23, 2011, 7:30pm
(facebook event)

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204

Tickets are available online or by calling 615-269-0221.

This year, the people who run the Montreal festival asked Marc Maron to give the Keynote Address at the 2011 Just For Laughs Comedy Conference. Among other things he said, “When I was kid watching comedians on TV and listening to their records they were the only ones that could make it all seem okay. They seemed to cut through the bullshit and disarm fears and horror by being clever and funny. I don’t think I could have survived my childhood without watching standup comics. When I started doing comedy I didn’t understand show business. I just wanted to be a comedian.”

The same goes for me.. except one of the comedians I was watching was Marc Maron. I remember seeing him on David Letterman’s old NBC show, on Comedy Central when that was a brand new channel, on Late Night with Conan O’Brien at least 30-something times.. he was one of the guys that made ME want to do comedy. He was doing more than just telling jokes. I loved the way Marc seemed to be emotionally invested in what he was saying – disarming the demons that haunted him.

I heard he had started a podcast within the first few episodes – I was immediately on board with WTF with Marc Maron and started proselytizing its greatness. Every episode is solid MF’ing gold. They were what kept me going as I drove back and forth across the country for very little money and absolutely no fame.

In my mind, Marc is one of The Greats, but listening to those early episodes I learned that Marc’s manager at the time told him he was “un-bookable and without options.” Well, fast forward to today.. and Marc’s fans are packing out comedy clubs that never would have booked him a few years ago. The WTF guest list is a Who’s Who of comedy superstars – everyone from Andy Kindler to Zach Galifianakis. Louis CK, Bob Odenkirk, Robin Williams, Conan O’Brien, Jonathan Winters, Judd Apatow, Paul Riser, Sarah Silverman, Gallagher, Garry Shandling, Richard Lewis.. WTF is simply a MUST LISTEN for every comedy fan.

Nashville is VERY lucky to have Marc Maron here at Zanies for five shows – Thursday, September 8th through Saturday, September 10th. Buy your tickets in advance, you do NOT want to miss this. Here’s video of a set Marc did on the Late Late Show last year:

When Marc does the road these days, he often brings Ryan Singer along as his middle act. Ryan’s debut album “HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS” was selected by Punchline Magazine as one of the Top 10 Comedy CD’s of 2010. He was one of 4 finalist in CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, been heard on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, has appeared on the nationally syndicated radio show Bob & Tom, and was a regional finalist in Comedy Central’s Open Mic Fight. He was the winner of the Golden Shingle Award at the Rooftop Comedy Festival, an award given to the next rising star in comedy.

Here’s a clip of Ryan’s comedy:

Ryan will be appearing with Marc at Zanies Thursday thru Saturday. You should definitely go see them together there and THEN you should go see Ryan headline the Corporate Juggernaut show at Bongo Java Monday, September 12th. Admission is only $7 – buy your tickets in advance online NOW because seating is limited and this will sell out.

Lahna Turner is a comedic force to be reckoned with. Her Hilarious stand-up routine blends original comedy songs, making for an unforgettable performance. In addition to performing at the nations top comedy clubs and theatres, Lahna has entertained our military troops around the world on 4 USO tours. She has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, VH1, and 2 pilots on Showtime: The Boulevard and VH1: The Ralphie and Lahna Show. Lahna has generated amazing reviews. All Access Magazine, Proclaimed, “Lahna is truly hilarious.” Comedycritic.com states, “No small laughs… some of the best musical comedy I’ve ever heard.”

While performing at the famous Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV Lahna recorded her comedy CD D!@K Jokes and Other Assorted Love Songs. It has received airplay at top radio stations across the country and has been on National Lampoons top 40-comedy countdown. Born in Canada, raised in Texas Lahna currently resides in Los Angeles and continues to bring laughter to the masses touring the world.

For tickets, call Zanies at 615-269-0221 or buy ‘em online.

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase @ Zanies Comedy Showplace – a showcase of the funniest comedians based in the Nashville area, plus guest sets from traveling comics, and Chad Riden’s IRON COMIC comedy competition with jokes written on the spot based on audience suggestions.

Follow and reply to @IronComic to play along at home.

The June 28th show lineup includes: Nashville’s Sean Parrott, Mark Anundson, Brad Edwards and Ali Alsalman. Jarrod Harris will headline the event.

Jarrod Harris is one of the most original comedians coming out of the South. Growing up in an family filled with violence, drug abuse, murder, suicide, abandonment, and homelessness paint a poignant, painful but also hilarious portrait of working class America in the 80s and 90s. Jarrod captures the angst and contradictions of what goes on below the Mason Dixon line and is an authentic comedic voice of the New South.

Noah Gardenswartz of Creative Loafing wrote, “Harris’ act is an oddly comfortable mix of trailer-park filth, comic angst and hipster irony. While his style may fit into several categories along the comedy spectrum, his clever writing only fits into one: funny.”

Jarrod has been on Comedy Central’s “Live At Gotham”, he’s performed on Comedy Death Ray at the UCB in Los Angeles, and is a favorite at the Laughing Skull in Atlanta. Last time Harris was in Nashville was February when he was filming a sold-out show downtown for The Southern Comedy Quartet Tour with Sean Patton, Nate Bargatze and Rory Scovel. Do not miss this chance to see him!

Here’s a funny video clip of Jarrod Harris on Comedy Central:

The NashvilleStandUp.com Showcase featuring Iron Comic
Tues., June 28, 2011
doors open: 6:30pm
showtime: 7:30 pm

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204

tickets:
$5. available at the door, online, or at the Zanies box office at: 615-269-0221

Facebook event:
Tues., June 28, 2011 – 7:30 pm

More info about the N’Sup Showcase @ Zanies is available at: http://NashvilleStandUp.com/showcase/

BOY did Tracy Morgan stir up some controversy on June 3rd at the Ryman.. I’m sure you’ve heard. NashvilleStandUp’s Chad Riden (hey, that’s me!) has been very vocal about the situation.

I’ve been interviewed by The Tennessean (who just had to copy and paste my email but STILL spelled my name wrong. Way to go, lamestream media.*), US Weekly and NewsChannel5.

You can read my initial reaction to the controversy here on N’Sup.. and NewsChannel5 (CBS) here in Nashville will air part of an interview we shot today on their 6pm newscast tonight (Tuesday, 6/14).

THEN, I’ll be at Zanies telling jokes / crazy stories about Tracy Morgan during my set on the 6/14 N’Sup Showcase (doors @ 6:30, show @ 7:30 – $5). NewsChannel5 will probably come out and tape some of that show tonight and might interview people about their reactions to what has been going on.

Wednesday, I’ll be on NC5+’s “OpenLine” show debating the issue from 7-8pm.

UPDATE: here’s the link to the transcript of the package that aired on NewsChannel5′s 6pm show and here’s the video:

* Unfortunately, sarcasm doesn’t always translate in print. Imagine me saying that while doing an impression of Tina Fey doing an impression of Sarah Palin.