Door Guy Extraordinaire!

by Tim Trueheart


Going into my trabajo.

A photo posted by Tim Trueheart (@timtrueheart) on

    I work the door and answer phones at the DC Improv Comedy Club. I thought, getting a job a a comedy club is a good way to get into the world of comedy. I will be able to watch lots of top notch professional comics for free, and get paid doing it. I was inspired by stories i'd heard from professional comics who said they also got their start working in comedy clubs, In New York, or Los Angeles. Me, I live in the Washington, D.C. where there was only one comedy club, the DC Improv. So, it was the natural choice for when it came time for me to find a part-time job.

    When I applied to the DC Improv I came correct. I had a well written resume, and a written letter explaining why I wanted to work at the Improv, and what skills I already had that made me an excellent candidate for the job... you know, real shit. I submitted my application in a clear covered hinged presentation booklet, I went above a beyond. 

    After I got the job I worked hard to be the best door guy I could, and I still do every time I step into the club, because for me it's that serious. I believe that working hard at being a great door guy makes me a better person and by extension makes me a better comedian. I dunno if that's true, but that's what I think. 

    I look up to comics because they are self-actualized people. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to meet all these wonderful comedians that grace our stage. They're National Headliners! Their on our posters, on our laptops, phones, and in our homes! The average person has no idea how difficult it is to become a National Headliner, or even a Feature Act. Geez, most open mic comics don't even know. I'm especially grateful for the conversations I've had with these comics because they're always so interesting, inspiring, and educational. The wild thing is, most of the time it's the Features and the Openers that are the best to talk to because they're on their way up but they haven't made it yet.  I've had the pleasure of seeing some of the best stand-up comics working today and having some very meaningful conversations with them as well. They have really great advice that some Headliners can't really give because a lot of Headliners have been comics for so long they can't relate to beginners.