New City? Same Grind.

I’m writing this because for the first time in years, I feel like the new kid again.

After spending over two years deep in the Lexington, Kentucky comedy scene—running one of the top comedy production companies in the state, putting on multiple monthly comedy shows and open mics from January on, and getting booked regularly for paid gigs—I felt confident in where I stood.

Lexington’s scene is small but tight-knit; it’s like a comedy family where everyone knows each other’s material, timing, and which bar actually pays on time. Atlanta, though? Whole different beast. It’s sharks. Hungry, sharp, confident killers who treat the stage like blood in the water. Going from being a name people knew to a total nobody again has been a crash course in humility, adaptation, and relearning how to earn every laugh.

So if you ever find yourself moving to a new city and diving into its comedy scene—whether you’re coming off a high or just getting started—here’s everything I’ve learned (and am still learning) about how to do it right.

DO: Be Friendly—But Don’t Force It

Every scene has its own rhythm. In Lexington, everyone’s your buddy by the third open mic. In Atlanta, friendliness still matters—but patience matters more.

When you walk into a new room, introduce yourself to the host, shake a few hands, and relax. You don’t need to announce that you’re a comic; the stage will do that for you. Being genuine, chill, and consistent speaks louder than bragging or overselling yourself.

Pro tip: Laugh at other comics’ sets, support the room, and stick around. People remember who shows respect—even before they remember who’s funny.

DON’T: Overstep the Unspoken Rules

Every mic has its own unwritten code. Some are chaotic bar mics where crowd work rules the night; others are quiet, artsy rooms where you might get side-eyed for saying “fart.”

Before you jump on stage, observe. Watch how the host runs it, how long sets actually go, how comics interact, and when people show up. Learn the culture before trying to bend it.

If a host says no recording, don’t record. If signup closes at 7:30, don’t walk in at 7:45 asking for a spot. Respect earns you more stage time than charm ever will.

DO: Make an Impression—But Naturally

Standing out doesn’t mean forcing a gimmick. In a city full of talent, authenticity is what hits hardest.

Atlanta comics are sharp, fearless, and constantly evolving. You don’t compete with that—you learn from it. Bring your perspective, your delivery, and your weirdness. When it’s real, people can tell.

Your goal isn’t to be “different.” It’s to be yourself, fully and unapologetically.

DON’T: Treat Other Comics Like Competition

In smaller scenes, everyone grows together. In bigger scenes, it’s easy to feel like everyone else is your rival. But comedy isn’t a race—it’s an endurance test.

You’re not fighting for a single open mic slot; you’re building for the long run. Everyone’s timeline is different. Instead of comparing, connect. Compliment a good set. Ask questions. Watch how the veterans handle silence.

The same people who intimidate you now might end up booking you later—or becoming your closest friends in the grind.

DO: Stick Around After Your Set

Leaving right after your set sends a message, even if you don’t mean it to. When you’re new, people are watching to see if you care about the scene or just the spot.

Stay for a bit. Laugh at the next few comics. Shake hands. Comedy grows from community, not isolation.

You don’t need to close the bar down every night—but if you want to be remembered, don’t be the ghost comic who’s gone before their applause fades.

DON’T: Be the Drunk Comic

We’ve all seen them. The “liquid confidence” comic who goes on stage thinking they’re killing it while everyone else is watching a slow-motion car wreck.

Having a drink or two can loosen you up—but showing up sloppy tells the scene you’re not serious. Save the shots for after your set (and preferably after your ride home is planned).

Comedy scenes have long memories. Make sure your first one isn’t “Oh yeah, the wasted guy.”

DO: Find Your Crew

Comedy scenes are like ecosystems—find your species.

Go to every type of mic. The grimy dive bar ones. The polished club ones. The weird ones where someone plays a flute mid-set. Over time, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the comics who match your style, pace, and energy.

When you find your crew, you find growth. They’ll push you to write more, roast you when you bomb, and help you get better faster than you could solo.

DON’T: Gossip or Burn Bridges

Comedy scenes are small. Like, “that guy you just roasted on Instagram might be hosting your next mic” small.

Be cool. Don’t talk trash about comics, shows, or venues. You never know who’s connected to who, and word spreads faster than a punchline that actually lands. Professionalism goes further than popularity—especially in comedy.

Final Thought: Earn Your Laughs, Earn Your Place

When I left Lexington, I was proud of what I’d built—the shows, the comics I worked with, the growth we created. But moving to Atlanta reminded me that comfort zones are where progress dies.

Starting from scratch again has been humbling, but it’s also reignited something I didn’t realize I’d lost: that hungry, grind-it-out mindset that got me on stage in the first place.

So if you’re ever in this spot—moving cities, rebuilding your rep, starting over—remember: your resume doesn’t matter as much as your presence. Show up, stay humble, and keep writing.

You don’t have to be the funniest person in the room—you just have to keep coming back to it.

The Now & The Soon

Right now, I’m based in Atlanta, soaking up every lesson I can from this powerhouse of a comedy scene—but whether I stay here or head to another city soon, one thing’s staying constant: Zero2Funny is here, and it’s growing.

Zero2Funny isn’t just about me—it’s a space for comics, writers, and creators of all kinds who want to share their voice and grow together. If you want to stay updated on new blog posts, project announcements, and the launch of our upcoming newsletter, sign up on the site and come be part of it early.

And if you’re a comic, writer, or storyteller who wants to share your own piece, Zero2Funny is open for submissions. You’ll have full autonomy and control over your work, and fair treatment is a promise—not a favor. Comedy grows when we all contribute, and we’d love to help amplify your story, your voice, and your grind.