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Alycia Cooper, 33 SALARY RANGE: $26,000-$88,000+ (based on a 22 week schedule)

If anyone had told me I'd make a living warming up audiences, I'd have thought they were joking. Growing up in Temple Hills, Maryland, I enjoyed watching classic television shows like Good Times, What's Happening!! and That's My Mama, and cracking up at Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Paul Mooney. And in school, I was always the funny one.

"After earning a degree in radio, television and film from the University of Maryland, I relocated to Los Angeles with the goal of creating TV sitcoms. But breaking into the industry is no joke (pun intended). Until I could learn the dynamics of writing for television, I worked as a producer on several talk shows, including BET's Oh Drama! While there, I was asked to perform--my first televised comedy gig--and afterward was hooked. From that point on, I studied other comics, developed a routine, and hit stages for open-mic nights. I also networked with TV executives and landed a writer's training position on The Parkers. When a warm-up comic canceled, one of the producers asked me to step in. This led to more work on Girlfriends, Wanda at Large and BET's Comic View. As a warm-up comedian, I keep live studio audiences entertained between takes and wardrobe changes. Comedy may look easy, but after bombing a few times, I learned that timing is crucial, connecting with the audience is key and constant performing is essential. Sometimes, the challenge is keeping audiences engaged when tapings go on for hours. But there's nothing like the feeling that comes from hearing big laughs.

"Unfortunately, not many African-American women do warm-up. Perhaps it's because comedy is still an old-boys network; women aren't typically viewed as funny, and late-night hours can take a toll. There's also the uncertainty of hustling for the next gig. When stand-up work is tight, I supplement my income by writing material for other comics and working other industry jobs. But I wouldn't change a thing about my career. There's nothing like the feeling of a great night onstage. Some day I hope to join greats like Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Bernie Mac and Roseanne, who parlayed their humor into successful television and film careers. Then I'll have the biggest laugh of all."

SO YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY BEING funny?

LAUGHS START HERE

LEARN THE BASICS Comedian Greg Dean's book Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy (Heinemann Publishing) has everything you need to know about stand-up comedy. You can order it at gregdean.com.

TAKE A CLASS Los Angeles-based motivational humorist Judy Carter teaches an eight-week stand-up class (comedyworkshops.com or [800] 4-COMICS). Manhattan Comedy School offers a six-weak stand up comedy course ($379) that culminates with a performance at New York City's Gotham Comedy Club ([212] 774-4277 or manhattancomedyschool.net).

YAK IT UP Hit your local comedy club stage as much as possible to perfect your routine, and get to know other comics and club owners. Create a demo tape that lets potential employers see you in action.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE Are you edgy like Pryor, observational like Seinfeld, brash like Rock? Comics like George Lopez, Bill Cosby and Roseanne all have a perspective. What's yours?

REACH OUT Line producers hire warm-up comedians. Call the show you want to work on and ask if you can send your tape and resume. You should also find out the shoot days of shows and attend tapings to see how other comedians do it.

WORK THE FESTIVALS Comedian Mo'Nique landed her deal by performing at Just for Laughs, The Montreal International Comedy Festival (hahaha.com).

ENTER COMPETITIONS BET's Coming to the Stage and NBC's Last Comic Standing are televised competitions where winners can walk away with lucrative contracts. Check network Web sites for information.

CREATE A BUZZ Cooper (alyciacooper.com) produced a showcase, "Chicks Layin' Jokes"; she got comics to perform at Hollywood's Comedy Store and invited industry execs.--S.A.M.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Essence Communications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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