Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/23/2006

Question
Hi Phil!

I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I should be doing - what I was created to do, and have come up with comedy sketch writing and/or acting. This is after dozens of 'find yourself' books, tests, and career counselors.

Anyway, where I am now is...stuck. I really have no idea what to do next. I live near Buffalo, NY - not exactly LA or NYC.

I feel great that I've finally figured out what I'm supposed to be doing, but now I feel trapped again - like I'm at a standstill.

Any insights you can offer, any questions you can ask (that I never would have thought of asking myself), would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Jason  

Answer
Jason,

Thanks for writing. If your current life situation will not permit you to move to NYC or LA, then you'll have to make do with whatever opportunities are available in Buffalo. Look around and see if there are any comedy clubs in the area. If there are, then consider doing some stand-up on their "open mike" night. Introduce yourself to some of the comics working there and ask them if you can write material for them.

As far as sketch comedy, check around and see if there are any improv comedy groups. If so, then get involved with one and offer to write some sketch comedies for them. If there aren't any, then go to Craigslist.com and post an add in the Buffalo listings for interested actors/comics who might want to start a sketch comedy group. Begin working together, developing your stuff, and then take it to the local comedy clubs and see if they'll let you put it up on its feet.

As a last resort, if truly none of these options are available, if you TRULY want to pursue this as a career, then you'll need to make the move to either LA or NYC.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil