Episode 020 CROWD WORK – Dave Lester: “Laughter is for the willing”

Episode 020 CROWD WORK – Dave Lester: “Laughter is for the willing”

Author: Jeff McBride & Harrison Tweed October 12, 2017 Duration: 1:28:24
FACEBOOK PAGE: facebook.com/letstalkaboutsets EASY SHARE LINKS Facebook: https://goo.gl/MeijFu Twitter: https://goo.gl/sHjNkL PATREON LINK: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkaboutsets CROWD WORK Lovably crotchety Dave Lester, an NY comedy veteran, joins us to talk about CROWD WORK, the "off the cuff" interaction with comedy audience members. We cover hosting, hecklers, energy management, when to use crowd work and how not to overuse it, baiting the audience, and much more. This was a really fun one, folks, and Dave spends a little time crowd working the shit out of Jeff! Feminists, brace yourselves--we start right off with Patrice O'Neal. ABOUT THE GUEST COMEDIAN Dave Lester is a New Yorker, born and bred. He has always loved the stage. He went from recording stoop roasting sessions as a kid in Brooklyn to talent shows to finally taking it to comedy clubs all over New York. He’s performed at Apollo, appeared on TV1 as well as Sirius XM radio. He's a badass, generous comic, and we were lucky to have him on! FEATURED BITS IN THIS EPISODE - Patrice O'Neal - Deleted scenes (Elephant in the Room, 2011) - Dave Lester - Set and Dangerfield's (2016) - Bo Burnham - Rob's Mom (Make Happy, 2016) - Big Jay Oakerson - For The Love Of The Game (The Crowd Work Sessions, 2014) A ginormous thanks to Dave Lester for all his crotchety wisdom, his valuable time, and his seemingly endless analogies., FOLLOW HIM! twitter.com/davelester instagram.com/bedstuyjedi74/ He hosts a well-attended, long-running weekly Wednesday stand-up show called HumpZinger with Dara Jemmott at the legendary Mo’s Forte Greene in Brooklyn. Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/Laugh.Provocateur Dave also produces the "Secret Loft Party." It’s an adult funhouse! Liquor, caterer, free massages, bonfire, s’mores and two comedy shows. Go to facebook.com/laugh.provocateur. Special thanks to Patrice's wraith, Bo Burnham's irritating young brilliance, and Big Jay's obsession with dick size. And (as always) Salt ‘N Peppa gets the most love for their good attitude about all of our spectacularly fair use.

Ever wonder what really happens in the green room or how a joke evolves from a scribble on a napkin to a roaring crowd? That’s the territory Let's Talk About Sets! explores. Hosted by New York City comedians Jeff McBride and Harrison Tweed, this podcast feels more like a late-night conversation after a show than a formal lecture. They peel back the curtain on the so-called "science" behind stand-up, treating the craft with both reverence and a healthy dose of playful skepticism. Each episode digs into the mechanics of writing, the psychology of performing, and the sheer unpredictability of live comedy. You’ll hear from fellow comics in candid interviews that are less about grand career stories and more about the specific, often messy, details of building a set. It’s an education in comedy, but one filled with laughter, failed punchlines, and genuine curiosity. Whether you're an aspiring performer or just someone who loves to understand how the magic is made, this podcast offers a unique, insider’s view of the work that goes into making people laugh. Tune in for a mix of shop talk, personal stories, and practical insights, all delivered with the easy rapport of two friends who live and breathe this world.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 68

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