If you’ve ever seriously pondered a career in standup comedy, you might already be savoring the taste of a not-so-delicious humble pie. But for the starry-eyed newbies who desperately crave a slice of that stardom (and especially for the always-hilarious friend in the group who’s destined for greatness), let’s break it down; you’re likely going to need a delightful side gig to nibble on.
Now, don’t take it to heart—we’re not saying you’re lacking in talent. What we mean is that your bank account might remain as empty as a comedy club on a Tuesday night for a while. Success is like a ladder built with very wobbly rungs. Enter the trusty side gig to cushion your fall! Here are some hilariously fun employment opportunities to help emerging comedians scrape by, while also potentially unlocking doors to a more entertaining future!
COMEDY CURATION: BE THE SCENE, NOT JUST IN IT
Don’t just crash onto the scene. Instead, become the scene! Comedy curation is a behind-the-scenes gig that lets you orchestrate shows like a maestro. You’ll be producing shows, wrangling artists into a lineup, scouting venues, and making sure the audience doesn’t stage a revolt mid-joke. “I handle programming—i.e., I’m the one trying to wrangle cats,” says Mumbai-based comedian and screenwriter Devanshi Shah. You’ll hustle with creators while ensuring the show doesn’t go off the rails, and yes, you must deal with comics arriving fashionably late while treating the green room like a frat house.
While putting in the grunt work, you’ll score networking opportunities with comedians and producers. Just remember: “Comics, please don’t act like you’ve just been hit with a full-on pizza hangover before your set,” warns Jeeya Sethi, who organizes shows under the illustrious Comedy Ladder brand. “I prefer if comics are on time and don’t turn the green room into a circus.”
WRITER’S ROOMS: THE REAL COMEDY COMBAT ZONE
In a writer’s room, brace yourself for everything from developing cringe-worthy comedy sketches for influencers to drafting interview questions that could make your grandma cringe. As comedian Urjita Wani, who’s penned scripts for countless OTT series, notes, you might find yourself sharing a workspace with a head writer who probably thinks they are a comedy god. But fear not! These are wiring opportunities masquerading as brainstorming sessions. “Being reliable is key,” Wani emphasizes, “unless you relish clientless desperation.”
Dabbling in a writer’s room sharpens your craft like a dull knife hitting the comedy stage. “I’ve been submerged in screenwriting long enough that I can now predict a flop based on its opening line,” Shah says. Want to snag a gig? “Track down seasoned writers who are cashing in and beg them to make you their minion. Instagram DM them, email them—heck, send a carrier pigeon if you must! Just put your work out there so that four random strangers will inadvertently offer you a job.”
VIDEO EDITING: WHERE ALL THE REAL MAGIC HAPPENS
If you possess the ability to splice video clips together—and if not, maybe pick up a workshop or two—then video editing could be your golden ticket. It’s like learning the dark arts of turning standup into something that won’t bore your audience to tears. Comedian Abhishek Bhutwani, who moonlights as a video editor, thoroughly enjoys the process of transforming a live set into a video format. “Working with comics has made me realize that there’s more to a joke than punchlines; the format can hit hard too,” he quips. Want to elevate your joke delivery? Analyze and edit like nobody’s watching.
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT: THE ULTIMATE GROUND CONTROL
What’s it like being a production manager? Picture yourself as the mastermind behind a comedy show, juggling logistics like a circus performer on stilts. Comedian Tushar Poojari defines this role as playing the friendly neighborhood puppet master, coordinating everything from lighting to sound and ensuring the audience doesn’t end up out front demanding refunds. A typical day might involve finding performers and helping equipment set-up—oh, the glamour!
True, you won’t exactly be rolling in dough—Poojari has a day job at a radio station. However, the backstage pass into the comedy scene can be worth its weight in gold, providing infinite opportunities to tackle your stage fright—plus, sometimes you score stage time just for being a hard worker. Pro tip: Connect with new producers—they’re always in the market for unpaid help!
CONTENT CREATION: THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE
If you’re craving the influencer dream, you can churn out endless reels of questionable taste, hoping that social media algorithms will catapult you to fame. But wait! Look to alternative avenues. Antariksh Takkar, for instance, hosts a Bollywood game show podcast (because why not?) that not only pays the bills but serves as a platform for networking with celebrities—because who doesn’t want to rub elbows with Kunal Rao and Deepika Padukone while plotting comedic domination?
Joining the content production ranks can help you connect with creative minds, raising your status faster than a viral cat video. The added credibility from working with established labels can elevate your work. Seriously, a podcast or online persona managed by a respected production house could make your personal brand boom like a confetti cannon at a wedding.
CONTENT PRODUCTION: BABY, LET YOUR IDEAS SOAR
In the grand tradition of content production and as practiced by the aspiring Takkar, you dive into the nitty-gritty of creation. As a producer, your role is everything from babying a show through to its public debut—hey, no pressure! You decide everything, from show titles to its content, ensuring it fulfills the mission of making people laugh, cry, or contemplate life’s absurdities. You’ll find formats to suit your material while catering to the audience diversity that keeps the gig economy alive.
Just remember, producing isn’t just about creation; it’s about understanding your audience and figuring out how to hit their funny bone. Every production is a masterclass in networking, elevating your social capital while mastering the art of turning any creative idea into a standup set capable of making waves.
