Guest-Blogger Sebastian Maniscalco: My Comedy Journey

Sebastian Maniscalco's new stand-up special Sebastian Live premieres this Saturday night at 11pm / 10c, so all this week, he'll be guest-blogging right here.

I have a received a ton of messages asking if I could give any advice to comedians just starting out. I find this flattering because it feels like yesterday that I was waiting outside of the Comedy Store so I could draw a number for a 3-minute spot.

From a very early age I knew I was going to be a stand up comedian. It has always been in my blood to make people laugh. Thus my journey begins. Shortly after I graduated college, I moved back to my hometown of Chicago. I then enrolled in classes at Second City, worked at United Airlines and waited tables at night. My goal was to save up enough money to move to LA. After two grueling years, I had reached my goal. So it was at the age of 24 that I packed my bags and headed West.

I knew nothing about stand up comedy. I tried it once in college, but that was it. I knew I was going to have to start performing in front of people, so I starting taking a stand up comedy class at the Comedy Store–this allowed me to perform every week in front of my peers. The class provided a safe environment for me to use the stage, mic, audience and lights. It also helped me understand what it felt like doing my material in front of complete strangers.

Now for all you comedians starting out, I recommend you get on stage every night of the week. It doesn’t matter where–a coffee house, restaurant, bowling alley or a boxing ring. Yes I have performed in a boxing ring but that’s another blog.

Comedy is just like anything else in life–in order to be great you must practice! My advice to you is to not worry about getting representation for the first 4 or 5 years. I remember thinking after two years of doing comedy, “Why am I not getting steady work, and more importantly, why am I not headlining clubs?!” You know why? I SUCKED! Of course it's great to have high expectations, but to get where you want to be you need to keep doing your material and continue to get on stage–you will be surprised how the work will find you. In 2005 I was lucky enough to be chosen by Vince Vaughn, touring the country with him and being part of his Wild West Comedy Show. He just so happened to see me on a Tuesday night at an Irish Pub that had comedy. Go figure.

So I will end with this: Always remember to stay true to your craft, and if you are persistent and patient, you will then begin to see the fruits of your labor. I myself was able quit my day job on Sept 10, 2005. I waited tables for 7 years before I started making a real living doing comedy. I hope this helps some of you and I wish all of you the very best. Now go get a cup of coffee and go to work!

After the jump, check out a preview clip from Sebastian Live.