Free Comedy Shows - in New York City or other towns - Open Mics and "Bringers"

Interested in watching an idiot like me perform in front of a live audience?  Wanna see the stars of tomorrow for the price of today?  (Free. The price today is: free.)


First level of Free Entertainment: Open Mics - Condition: Need to drink to appreciate

When comics have paid some dues, they begin to yearn for an audience.  In my case these dues meant horrid open-mics with nervous newcomers and suddenly-funny drunks, as well as people that were too hopped up to notice I was even talking. That, and comedians hearing the same old jokes.  I have to be honest... there were some bomb nights. (To bomb: get low laugh levels).  But in general, there were many great nights, people having fun... free entertainment... and an atmosphere of creativity.

So if you use my link below or you call the local comedy club (and many bars) to ask for open-mic nights, you have some free entertainment as you slurp down that seventh mimosa.  Also once in a while major comedians test their material out in surprise visits.  You might be surprised with the fun you have.  And you'll feel good for supporting a live art form!

Note: If you go to an "open-mic" in the city: be kind and have fun.  Performers there are often amateurs and are just trying to make people laugh, so play nice.  Or every single comedian in that room, especially the more experienced, will single you out.  They will cease their set (list of jokes) and starting thinking of jokes about you instead.  And your ugly face.  And that tub of human waste you came in with there, onion legs and rhino.  Did she just get out of the hospital?  When someone looks like that, I assume there's a foundation out there trying to cure it.  We'd make a total ass out of you, but your mother already did by having you.  I think we all believe in abortion now, so thanks for that.  Wasn't sure where I stood before I saw you sitting there.  Whoa!  I got outta hand there just thinking about it.  But you get it, because you're smart enough to be reading about free stuff.  Play nice. These kids are brave getting up on stage.  And the experienced comics will protect them.

[For information on open mics, check your local city here: Badslava]

Second Level: "Bringers" Condition: Just ready to laugh!  (A shot wouldn't hurt)

In order for stand up comedians to hone their craft, they spend a lot of time writing and memorizing their material, but nothing quite beats the knowledge we gain from actually performing it in front of a live audience.  Once in a (free) class I went to in NYC, I heard: "Comedians become great by practicing their instrument... and their instrument: is the audience's laughter."

So now you have these semi-groomed comedians of tomorrow that are generally funny people, who have been practicing their craft... and what do they need?  An audience.  A year or two into the journey (some more, some less), they have built up a fan base among their friends and family as well as respect from other comedians, so they are able to find a steady stream of small audiences in "open-mic" rooms and a few gigs where they may even have to pay to perform.  The time will soon come when they need to break through and get more exposure.

Enter: "Bringers"

To those not in the comedy world, a "bringer" is where a show is put on by a club and a comedian can perform if he brings 5-15 people... based on the venue.  While some of these cost for the people that attend, many times that's not the case.  All the comedians are doing is looking to fill seats to test material, and the club is hoping someone in that unusually large crowd will buy food or drinks instead of just sitting there.  Everyone wins.  Especially you because you just got free entertainment and an autograph from an excited Jerry Seinfeld who just was happy you came.  Who knows, maybe he'll make it big one day....

[For information on "Bringers" ask your comedian friends... or email ME ...or comment below... I'll be happy to bring you to a show for free if you are in the NYC area!]

Tune in next week when I openly weep on stage while thinking about my finances.

How to Get Around for Free: Free Rides on the Subway in New York City Part I - "Swipes"

If you have ever been to New York City, you will notice that the cabs will suck your life savings in mere moments.  Or is that just because my life savings amounts to five dollars?  I digress.... 
Locals, the working class if you will, typically choose a combo platter of taking the subway and then walking to get to virtually any destination.  This is the method of choice for necessary travel in the city.

At the time of this writing, subway one-trip fares cost the rider $2.50 and go to one destination.  You can switch trains, but you cannot exit the subway station.  Never get out and walk to another subway station by exiting or you are looking another $2.50 dead in the eye with a scowl.  For example: You can take the (Q) train to the (6) train by doing a transfer at the Lexington Ave / 59th St Station by walking through the pathway... as long as you don't exit the station through the turnstiles.  If you exit and return, goodbye $2.50, nice to know ya.

One way to circumvent your wonderful stay in the mass transit systems is by "asking for a swipe."

Eh?  What the?

Yes; asking for a "swipe."  A swipe is lingo for when you run the thin metro card through the turnstile in order to get on the subway plat.  Many people tend to save money by purchasing 7-day ($30) or even 30-day ($112) unlimited-ride passes.  You should strive to do the same if you are the "paying" type.  (Even on vacation, the 7-day Unlimited will come in handy.  Because you will get lost, or at the very least feel limited by the cost otherwise).  And because so many people have these unlimited passes, it's "free" for them to take unlimited rides.  Now... they "use" the ride on the way to their destination.  But what about on the way out?

When an unlimited user walks out of the turnstiles, he could easily give someone a ride through by simply swiping the card for someone walking in to the station.  And this does happen often.  In fact, some people (myself included) will ask someone if they "need a swipe."  It doesn't cost the unlimited user anything, and the rider gets to their destination for free.

Note: When asking for a swipe be polite and friendly, even if a few people say no.  They may not have an unlimited pass or they may be in a hurry.  Anyway you are, of course, doing this because you misplaced your card, right?  You forgot it at home didn't ya?  Silly you.

Also: This requires politeness and social engineering and should only be used if you intend to return the favor when you happen upon an unlimited card.  [To be discussed in the future.  Because I have a time machine].

[For information on metrocard pricing, please visit: Metrocard Pricing]

- Your tireless comedian, Timmy Daniels
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Week One: Welcome Packet

Welcome to the free blog.  Where you, if you are indeed an independent soul, may live your life for virtually free.

ABOUT ME

I am a stand up comedian living in New York City.  Doing so has been a challenge, but I believe it's all or nothing.  Nothing is what I got.  Nothing but a good time... [insert high-five].  Because I cannot earn a living (see comment about my occupation) like the seemingly good qualitative world, I have had to get creative.

I live a full life.  My Google calendar is packed.  I have lodging,  food, and fun.  I also educate myself constantly.  So how do I do it?  Therein as no one says anymore... lies the rub....