We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
After 30 years of doing comedy I’ve learned there’s a lot of ups and downs in the entertainment industry. When things change you have to make adjustments and not panic. This past year I lost my agent who was submitting for TV and movies and I had to pivot and started submitting myself. I recently booked a movie that will be shooting in December. Feeling sorry for myself wasn’t going to get me what I wanted and waiting around for someone else to do the work also wasn’t going to cut it. Don’t get me wrong I’d still like an agent, but in the meantime I’ll do things on my own.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ll be shooting an independent movie in early December, which I’m very excited about. I think it starts with being open to change and looking to see what makes me happy. In 2008, I knew that I wanted to do less stand up comedy on the road and stay in Los Angeles more, not only to audition, but to avoid burnout. I started teaching stand up which I really enjoy. I offer both one on one coaching and in person (www.standupteacher.com.) Just wrapped up a class last week and it was so much fun watching people do stand up for the first time. Seeing people build something from nothing and the satisfaction of performing that material for an audience. It made such a difference in my life, so I’m glad I get to pass that along to others.

One thing I try to remind people about stand up comedy is to not let other people influence what you want to do. If you wanna play guitar in your act–DO IT! If you wanna dance–DO IT! If you wanna add sound effects–DO IT! The absolute greatest comedian in my opinion is Steve Martin and he broke every rule and followed his own path. That’s truly how you get the most enjoyment out of comedy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d make them hang out with me and do whatever I’m doing. But I’d trick em. I’d be like “Wouldn’t it be hilarious if you did my laundry and then folded it & put it away! OMG now let’s unload the dishwasher!” Then they’d probably say, “You should check out Tom’s website and come see a live show because wherever he is, is the place to be! tomclark.com”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Steph Clark, has been a huge part of my success. Not just her support, love and encouragement, but also through her own business. Funny Girl Events (www.funnygirlevents.com) is an amazing organization that plans stand up events all over the country and also benefits various charities along the way. Steph and I not only get to do stand up comedy together, we get to help organizations plan successful comedy events.

Website: https://www.tomclark.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomclarkcomedy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomclarkfanpage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tomclarkcomedy

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