I spoke with Charles tonight, a comedian at IO and The Second City, who has had stints in both improv comedy and stand up comedy. It was very insightful, though, for the most part, in a negative way given our idea.
The process of finding gigs in comedy is much the same in comedy as it is with musicians, scouring multiple websites, dropping off cards or videos, and cold calling. However, for comedians, the process of finding a gig is a huge building block for their talents. Having to go to an open mic night, or taken a crappy job, or going to a club in case someone cancels, is part of your professional development. In their profession, a lot of their development is seeing others (both good and bad), taking challenges with new places, and trying new styles.
For example, if a comedian goes out and tries a new style or new set of jokes, he does not want to necessarily be judged on that. He might go down that route for a few weeks, and during that time clubs might rate him a one. But, in reality, he is very good; the whole exercise was to explore new styles or jokes.
He said it was a frustration going through the process to find a gig, but, unlike musicians, that process was important and fulfilling. We agreed to talk later down the road to see if we could find a solution to the problems he, and his bookers, faced, but at this time I don't believe comedians should be pursued (at least until there is a very established value and community of users for our service).
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