"Etiquette for Open Mic Comedy" The author, David Reuben, has produced/hosted thousands of open mic shows over the last 22 years. I hope these tips help new producers/hosts/comics and refresh the memories of open mic veterans. A booked show is not an open mic... Many producers call their show an open mic but book acts and have a spot or two for their friends that drop in. An open mic is when anyone can come and sign up to do a spot. Show up on time and introduce yourself to t

"Genius of Simplicity" The "Genius of Simplicity" in Joke Writing! The author, David Reuben, is not the most naturally talent stand-up comic. I have worked very hard over my 39-year career to become a better joke writer. Since I see life from a very dark place, I find the dark in every situation. Finding my voice was a long journey and has made joke writing easier for me. Before I get bogged down in the complexed idea of a joke, I use the "Genius of Simplicity" Keeping it si

"Joke Writing" Might be important!! There is no perfect way to understand the theory of "Joke Writing" Some comics carry a note pad and pen, others carry a voice recorder to remember ideas. Do you have the discipline to set a segment of time everyday to write new material? Or do you prefer to do your daily routine and write when an idea strikes you? Traditionally a joke consists of a set-up, punchline, and then a tag. Two of the best joke writers in recent history are Mr. Mik

"Bombing" It Happens To Everyone!! One of the differences between newbies and season professional comics is the frequency and reaction to "Bombing!" I found this very simple and informative video on "Bombing" by Comic Ms. Lisa Corrao. To find out more about Lisa visit http://lisacorrao.com/ David Reuben, the author, bombed terribly on his first set on amateur night in a comedy club in 1983. I went on 15th out of 15 and did not get a laugh on any jokes. Three weeks later, I we

"The Light" And not the Spotlight!! One of the differences between a newbie comic and a seasoned professional comic is how they respect "The Light" I found this very simple and informative video on "The Light" by Comic Ms. Lisa Corrao. To find out more about Lisa visit http://lisacorrao.com/ David Reuben, the author, has seen comics go over the light and be eliminated from comedy completions which cost them money and high-profile club spots. When a comic goes over "The Light"

Open Mic Comedy Nights What to expect at an Open Mic Night! I found this very simple and informative video on Open Mic Comedy Nights by Stand-Up Comic Ms. Lisa Corrao. To find out more about Lisa visit http://lisacorrao.com/ David Reuben, the author, has been involved in the Toronto Open Mic Scene since 2000. Here are some tips I found help when you are just starting out doing Open Mics. Be Early - most shows have a time limit Be Prepared - Take advantage of having stage time

Mic & Mic Stand Technique One of the differences between a newbie comic and a seasoned professional comic is their Mic & Mic Stand Technique. I found this very simple and informative video on Mic & Mic Stand Technique by Stand-Up Comic Ms. Lisa Corrao. To find out more about Lisa visit http://lisacorrao.com/ David Reuben, the author, has witnessed newbie comics getting tangled up with the mic stand or cord. Then they take the mic off the stand and leave the mic stand in front

Celebrating our 21st Year!! I cannot believe that we are into the 21st year. So much have happened in the last two years worldwide and laughter is needed more than ever. Lucky, I have a bunch of funny friends that continue to entertain both virtually and in person. As always, The Comedy Green Room continues to promote stand-up comedy worldwide. This year we will expand our 'blogs' visibility, continue the 'monthly newsletter,', write more 'comedy spotlights', and do more 'com

That Canadian Guy Mr. Glen Foster Music Video “That Canadian Guy” Mr. Glen Foster and Rich Blue of "Bowser and Blue" have teamed up and done this great music video Rich A-holes (Did this to us). Song by Rich Blue and Glen Forster. #Mental Health Reach Out To A Mental Health Professional If Necessary!! Remember to be kind to yourself... Do something that makes you happy every day. Be Smart, Be Safe #Coronavirus

That Canadian Guy Mr. Glen Foster Album Release “That Canadian Guy” Mr. Glen Foster released his latest album on Monday May 24, 2021. His new album "Unchecked" is now available. For a preview visit www.thatcanadianguy.com or steam / download at https://800pgr.lnk.to/GlenIN #Mental Health Reach Out To A Mental Health Professional If Necessary!! Remember to be kind to yourself... Do something that makes you happy every day. Be Smart, Be Safe #Coronavirus

Happy International Women's Day Monday March 8, 2021 is International Women's Day #IWD2021 I have met so many amazing women through comedy. Some are comics, other are producers, some are talent developers, and some are club owners. Each and everyone of them are unique in their own way. Check out International Women's Day 2021 theme #ChooseToChallenge A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So let's all choose to challenge. How will you help forge

Celebrating our 20th year!! The Comedy Green Room was launched on December 31, 2000, I cannot believe that 20 years have passed in a blink of an eye. We have had three designs in of the website throughout the years. Thank you to Irish Comedian Donal Norton for designing our first logo. I must thank Ms. Trish Keenan for taking my initial idea, a barebones website, and designing the second version. And our second logo. Next Ms. Skylar Hart, a talented multimedia expert, redesig

Special Article AN UNCONVENTIONAL TIP FOR THE ASPIRING COMIC The ongoing tasks that are expectedly implemented by the aspiring comic can be easily equated with their significance. Writing, rehearsing in front of an audience, indulgence in self and peer critique. Trial and error, the willingness to be humbled by a crowd and reappear, adapting, and adjusting one’s performance regularly… In respect of potential and the efforts that can be taken to reach heights that may never

Dealing with "Pandemic Fatigue" Going into the dog days of February we have no idea what lies ahead for the business of Photography or life in general. To say the least it is a stressful time for people trying to make a living in the arts.! This is the longest most of us have not worked in Comedy and it is an adjustment. I been using some strategies to help deal with “Pandemic Fatigue” and the new world of Stand-Up Comedy. 1. Be Kind to Yourself and Others – none of us are ex

Special Article The Chameleon Comic How the Comedian Can Improvise During the Pandemic The world has changed dramatically in the last year forcing the masses to change their way of life. The entertainer and the comedian are left to answer questions amid expected panic. How can I continue to move forward in my career during this difficult time? How will I be able to connect with people during quarantine? What choices do I have right now? ​ Albert Einstein once quoted “in t

Dealing with Pandemic Isolation The world-wide pandemic has changed the way we work and interact with our colleagues. For comedians this is especially hard as we not only lost the comradery of hanging out and working with other like-minded people, but we lost our live audiences. I personally miss the interactions with my comedy buddies before and after the show. I found it can lead to loneliness and disconnection. I spend a good part of each day connecting to a few people to

Ms. Kelly Aija Zemnickis Ms. Kelly Aija Zemnickis celebrates two millstones in January 2021. On January 12th, she celebrated 5 years of performing stand-up comedy. Ms. Zemnickis has performed in clubs and bars in Canada and the USA. Since April 2020, Kelly has worked to become a major force in performing online across the globe. Check out this International Zoom Comedy Warrior. https://www.facebook.com/kelly.zemnickis On Tuesday January 19tn, Kelly's "it’ll Be Fine: A Baking