news, show listings, contests, ticket give-aways and slander about Nashville's comedy community
The East Nashvillian has written up a nice piece about the comedians and comedy shows that call East Nashville home. Here’s the html version of thier “Laughing Matters” article, without the sidebars and all the photos.
Here’s the full Nov-Dec 2014 issue embedded:
Nashville
November 5th, 2014
Music City Convention Center
201 5th Ave S,
Nashville TN, 37203
8am – 7pm
Entrance on Fifth Avenue
If you are interested, just make sure you pre-register on their website:
www.americasgottalentauditions.com
“HG Chicken” is a cartoon with a voice cast that stars comedians Bobcat Goldthwait, Jonathan Katz, Maria Bamford and Todd Barry. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched for the animated production about an evil, mutant, time-traveling chicken (Goldthwait) and his robot sidekick (Katz).
The voice cast also includes filmmakers Lloyd Kaufman (Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke ‘Em High), Herschell Gordon Lewis (Blood Feast, 2000 Maniacs), as well as Samantha Newark (Jem) and Trevor Lissauer (Sabrina the Teenage Witch).
The cartoon is being produced, directed & co-written by animator Mike Salva, who’s made a handful of animated shorts that have had over 100 film festival screenings. Salva plans to make HG Chicken into the length of a half hour show, and to use it as a pilot for a proposed animated series. The video on the Kickstarter page includes a 30-second scene from the cartoon:
In exchange for supporting the project, backers can choose from rewards including digital downloads of the cartoon, onscreen thanks credit, posters, t-shirts, associate producer credit, and more. There are even options for backers to be drawn as a character in the cartoon. (One option even promises the backer’s character can “die a horrible and grisly” onscreen death.)
The project is live on Kickstarter until Nov. 20, 2014. During this time, backers can become part of the animated project and get access to the rewards at www.HGChicken.com (that URL redirects to the Kickstarter page).
For more information, contact the creator, Mike Salva, at www.projectmeatball.com.
Born to laugh, Dan Whitehurst has been searching for the funny in some of the most unusual and challenging situations. Bitten by the performing bug in 1998, Dan spent his free hours writing jokes and performing at various venues, and by 2001 was a regular at the legendary Zanies night club in Nashville. The first six years of his comedy career were accomplished while moonlighting as an Armed Robbery Detective for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Apt at flying under the radar, most of his co-workers never knew about his “silly little skit.” In February 2001 Dan won the title “Worlds Funniest Cop” from the American Society For Law Enforcement Training, and in 2002 was named Metro’s Investigator of the year.
In May of 2005, a 19 year police career ended leaving nothing but the memories, and funny stories. Over the years the act has evolved from set-up/punch to relatable, true (mostly) stories. Thanks Statute of Limitations!
As a hand picked opener for Janet, “The Tennessee Tramp” Williams early in his career, Dan was fortunate to travel and work with a seasoned professional who always kept him in stitches, and led to headlining opportunities of his own. He also toured briefly with mega-star Ralphie May, and opened for such acts as Tim Wilson, Killer Beaz, Josh Blue, Jay Mohr and the Emo Phillips, as well as appearing on the Bob And Tom Show.
Recently Dan has been working as an extra on the hit series “Nashville” and is open to any acting roles in which he can play a middle aged southerner with a thick accent.
He is recording his first album at his home club, Zanies in Nashville. You should go.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
doors open at 6:30
showtime: 7:30
Zanies; 2025 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204
615-269-0221
TICKETS
$5 online, at the door, or by calling 615-269-0221.
The next round of Rik Roberts’ School of Laughs Stand-Up Comedy Writing class at Zanies starts Monday, October 6th. We’re told there are just four spots left, so register now!
Here’s more info from Rik:
Stand-Up Comedy Writing
Mondays October 6, 13 & 20
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM @ Zanies in Nashville
Investment: $200 total
To Register: E-mail me at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com with your name, cell phone and the words “Zanies Writing Register” in the subject heading.
There is no previous experience required for this course.The Stand-Up Comedy Level One: Writing class is the foundation for beginners and intermediate comics (open mic performers).
In this class you will discover:
* How to turn a story into a comedy routine
* Why some things are funny and others aren’t
* How to put your personality into your jokes
* How many laughs per minute comedians aim for
* How to edit like a ninja!
* Why some comics never succeed
* How the best comics prepare their material
* Where inspiration comes from
* How to destroy writer’s block
* Why it is important to vary your jokes
* A secret comedy trick that leads to bigger laughs
* How to avoid common mistakes beginners make
* More than a dozen techniques comics use to make material solid and consistent.
These tips will be revealed through various examples, including:
* Watching comics on Letterman and breaking down why they make certain choices.
* Writing jokes and have an opportunity to share in class
* Homework challenges to get your brain and pen in high gear
and several other interactive approaches.
We don’t get onstage, however. So it’s a pressure-free environment where you can speak up as much (or as little) as you like.
As an added bonus, this class comes with a “Lifetime Warranty.” Once you’ve paid for the class, you can attend any and all following writing class sessions at no extra charge. So you can apply the knowledge as you progress through the ranks of comedy to make it a custom fit every time!
To Register: E-mail me at SchoolOfLaughs@gmail.com with your name, cell phone number and the words “Zanies Writing Register” in the subject heading.
I will follow up with an email explaining what to expect, how to pay, etc., Hurry and send that email if you want to make it into the class, only 4 spots left.
=== OTHER CLASSES ===
Stand-Up Comedy Level Two: Performance
Mondays in November (TBA) @ Zanies in Nashville
Group One 5:30-7:30,
Group Two 8:00-9:30 PM
$200 total
Online Class
The Level One: Writing Class is now on line and available in three different editions based on your experience. Click the link below to learn more!
http://www.schooloflaughs.com/online-classes/
Business of Comedy
This class will be offered in October or November and may be offered to a limited group (8 students) on a Saturday. Please reply if you are interested. Full description amiable at: