I needed a different opening for my comedy workshop show at The Funny Bone. Thanks to our son Paul Schwensen and his role as Corny Collins in the Broadway musical “Hairspray” I found one – in my closet. Say hello to the nicest comics in town!

It took just ONE phone call to help a future comedy legend land a spot at a legendary Hollywood comedy club. That single opportunity led to a national television appearance – and much, much more. Yes, you need to be funny. Yes, you need real stage experience. But talent alone isn’t always the golden ticket. Becoming an active part of your local comedy scene – showing up, supporting others, building genuine relationships – creates connections that matter. When preparation meets opportunity and the right people see what you can do, doors don’t just crack open… they swing wide. In this case, it all started with one phone call.

I was introduced to George Carlin by his best friend – who claimed Carlin stole his act. I can’t make this stuff up… Direct from New York’s Original Improvisation we witnessed a comedy legend on stage.

How come I don’t know you? Oh yeah… a prop comic!!

Women in comedy: I knew that title would grab your attention. Attitudes have changed from what was once an unwritten rule about booking women back-to-back on a stand-up comedy show. I only learned about it when I broke the rule with a line-up featuring some of the best comics in New York City – who happened to be women. The decision was backed up a couple weeks later by three pop culture icons: Elaine May, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue. As always, I can’t make this stuff up…

Our story begins on a damp, chilly New York City night in Hell’s Kitchen. A sinister looking, hooded figure appears on the north side of West 44th Street and heads in the direction of The Improv Comedy Club. The door guys go into security mode and rush to lock the door when suddenly…

Every comedian has a comedy voice. It’s who you are on stage… your attitude, point of view, rhythm and personality. Finding that voice takes experience. Knowing how to adjust it for different audiences takes talent — especially when the gig is network television aimed at family viewers. Here’s a story…

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