Bill Dawes - How to Break into Acting, Young Comic Mistakes, Wild Road Stories + MORE - Comedy Podcast
Sep 18, 2023
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Bill Dawes, experienced actor and comedian, shares tips for breaking into acting and auditioning. He discusses the challenges comedians face when transitioning to acting and expresses his disdain for the acting coaching industry. They also explore the concept of supporting each other in the comedy community and the growth of online comedy communities during the pandemic. The hosts share hilarious stand-up comedy experiences and discuss finding props and wardrobe for their routines. They also address the tension between artistic integrity and making people laugh, and highlight the importance of getting on stage for stand-up comedy.
Being nice to everyone, including staff and fellow comedians, can lead to better opportunities and connections in the comedy industry.
Learning basic editing skills allows comedians to have creative freedom and produce their own content on various platforms.
The most important advice for aspiring comedians is to start performing on stage early and consistently to facilitate growth and improvement.
Deep dives
Importance of Being a Great Hang
Being a great hang and having good social skills is crucial in the comedy industry. Comedians who are fun, social, and enjoyable to be around have better opportunities and connections. It is important to be nice to everyone, including club staff, openers, and wait staff. Building positive relationships and treating people with respect can go a long way in the industry.
Opportunities in Self-Taping and Editing
Learning basic editing skills, such as Final Cut, can be incredibly valuable for comedians. With the convenience of self-taping and the ability to create content on smartphones, comedians can take advantage of the opportunities to create their own work. Having editing skills allows for more creative freedom and the ability to produce and distribute content on various platforms.
Benefits of Getting on Stage and Taking Action
The most important advice for aspiring comedians is to get on stage. Taking action and performing regularly is essential for growth and improvement. It is crucial not to wait too long before getting started. Waiting for years to get on stage can hinder progress, so it's recommended to start performing early on and consistently.
The Power of Being a Nice Person
Being nice to others, regardless of their position in the industry, can have a significant impact on a comedian's career. Treating people well, such as door staff, waiters, and fellow comedians, can lead to better relationships, more opportunities, and a positive reputation. Being a genuinely kind and respectful person goes a long way in the comedy community.
The Versatility of Comedians in Acting
Comedians have the potential to excel in acting due to their comedic skills, ability to connect with audiences, and versatile nature. Many comedians have successfully transitioned into acting roles. Stand-up comedy can provide a platform for comedians to showcase their talents and be noticed by casting directors, leading to acting opportunities.
Bill Dawes has found success both on stage and on screen and is here to share all his goods for the next generation of comedians. We get into a lot of great tips for acting and auditioning plus some hilarious stories of his early comedy days. Listen, learn, and share!