Breaking into comedy is tough, but making a living from it is even tougher.
While most aspiring comedians focus solely on perfecting their craft, industry veterans know there’s much more to building a sustainable comedy career.
The business side of comedy—often overlooked by newcomers—can make the difference between performing at open mics forever and actually earning a paycheck from your passion.
Meet Dave Schwensen
Dave Schwensen has been working in comedy for three decades. But he wants to make one thing clear: he’s not a stand-up comedian.
To me, it felt like a writer who doesn’t read. But that’s exactly what makes him different—he’s spent his career booking, coaching, and writing on the business of comedy.
In our conversation, he dropped some serious wisdom on why treating comedy like a business is the key to making it a career.
Comedy Can’t Be Taught—But It Can Be Coached
“I don’t believe you can teach comedy. What I think is funny, you might not. My kids certainly don’t think I’m funny.”
Dave can’t tell you the Three Stooges are funny if you don’t find slipping on a banana peel hilarious—there’s nothing he can do to change that.
This is where coaching comes in.
Every comedian has a different style, a different rhythm, and a different worldview. Dave helps comics refine that—polishing the delivery, cutting the fat from jokes, and shaping a strong act.
Because at the end of the day, you can’t teach funny. But you can help someone be funnier.
You Have to Create Stage Time
“You can’t teach timing, you can’t teach delivery, and you sure as hell can’t teach stage presence. You have to get up there and do it.”
Most comedians think getting better means hitting open mics over and over. But Dave has a different take—go where the audience actually wants entertainment.
Clubs are competitive. You’re performing for other comics, waiting for their turn.
But business events, fundraisers, and community groups?
They’re desperate for entertainment. Your first gigs might be free, but that’s how you build momentum. One day, you’re performing at a Rotary Club for free.
The next, someone offers you $500 to do the same set. Stage time is currency. The more you get, the faster you grow.
They Call It Amateur Night
A lot of comedians treat stand-up like a passion project. But the ones who make a career out of it? They treat it like a business.
Networking Matters – Hanging out with comics at open mics isn’t enough. Get to know bookers, producers, and event organizers. These are the people who can actually get you paid work.
Market Yourself – Being funny isn’t enough if no one knows you exist. Build a brand, create content, and stay on people’s radar. Your name should pop up when someone’s looking for a comedian.
Be a Professional – Show up on time. Have a tight five. Be easy to work with. Give people your business card. Make yourself easy to book.
The comedians who get booked aren’t just the funniest—they’re the ones who treat it like a business.
Conclusion
Dave Schwensen’s three decades in comedy have taught him that talent alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable career.
While you can’t manufacture humor, you can absolutely manufacture opportunities. The comedians who transition from hobby to career understand that comedy is both an art and a business.
By focusing on coaching over teaching, creating stage time rather than waiting for it, and approaching comedy with professional standards, aspiring comedians can turn their passion into a paycheck.
The stage is waiting—but it’s up to you to claim it.
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