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Posts tagged as advice

Some Things I Learned As the Artistic Director of the UCB Theatre

It’s almost impossible these days to watch a comedy movie or TV sitcom that doesn’t feature a comedian from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre either on screen or behind the scenes. From SNL and NBC’s Thursday night line-up to shows on ABC, FOX, MTV, HBO, Adult Swim, Comedy Central and huge films like Bridesmaids, The Hangover(s), I Love You Man, The Other Guys, and many, many more — UCB has taken over.

In my role as Artistic Director of the UCB Theatre in New York City, I was lucky enough to be at ground zero of the UCB Comedy Boom (I’m also happy to say that I too am joining [...]

George Saunders Talks About Getting Started as a Writer

George Saunders is, in my opinion, the best writer of humorous fiction out there today. He is also hugely inspiring when he talks about writing, so if you're looking for a little dose of kick-in-the-ass, here's a great new interview with him about getting started as a writer. A sample: "Well, this is sort of old-fartish advice – that is, the type of advice someone who already has a tenure-track job would give — but I do mean it: I think the only defensible position is to sort of say to hell with making a living and put all your energy into making something new, that seems beautiful to [...]

You Should Probably Listen to Thomas Lennon's Comedy Career Advice

Blackbook did a interview with the wonderful Thomas Lennon in advance of the release of Bad Teacher, in which he has a small role. He gives some advice to young writers and comedians looking to get their break, and it's very good. First, on being a full-time comedy writer: If you have to force yourself to find time to write, it’s not going to work out. If you don’t feel like writing, it’s never going to work out, I guarantee it. Hemingway did a lot of crazy shit. He was catching marlins, and punching people, and going to bull-fights. He still wrote like a motherfucker. So you should [...]

Dating Advice From The Onion: "Men Love Blowing Their Load Into a Confident Woman"

We've all been there: you and a guy are bringing each other to screaming orgasm, but for whatever reason you just can't seem to catch his eye. Argh! Dating! Luckily The Onion's "How To Get A Guy To Notice You While You're Having Sex With Him" video has some great tips for how to get your crush to pick up on your interest when he's slowly, or quickly, sliding inside you. "Don't just bounce around on his penis hoping he's going to compliment your new earrings," warns dating guru Rebeccah Rachel. "Tell him a funny joke as you take off your bra." Truth. Thank god I've been stockpiling [...]

How to Get Booked as a Standup on Late Night TV

As a part of their comedy issue, Backstage talked to some of the folks responsible for booking comedians to late night shows. It's certainly not as prevalent a practice as it was back in Carson's day, nor is it still the obvious career boon that it used to be. That being said, you can't really argue with getting a few minutes to tell your jokes on late night TV. Not that the advice is all that surprising: be good, be original, and have some clean material that won't upset network TV sensibilities. Bing bang boom, now you have your own prime-time sitcom!

Danny McBride Gives Sex and Dating Advice

Nerve asked Danny McBride some dating and sex advice questions, and his answers are pretty priceless. Here he is on what to do if you slept with a coworker you aren't actually interested: "You already took a shit where you eat, homeboy. That's not a good thing. Just ride out the awkwardness. See how weird it'll get, and maybe she'll quit. Make things weirder. Push it a little. Maybe send flowers to her from an anonymous person. Just start coming off like a stalker."

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