DIY INTERNET STARDOM

Are you funny? Are you thinking of making comedy videos on YouTube? You don’t have to move to Hollywood (yet) … try out your material, get your wig on, and do it yourself right here in the Hub!

Get all the tools, training, and frosted tips you need courtesy of this helpful list put together by YouTube partners Liam Sullivan (of LiamShow.com and Shoes fame) and Nicole Dube from the Boston-based TwoSketchy troupe.

WIGS AND WEAR

DOROTHY’S 
[190 Mass Ave., Boston.]

Nicole: These guys are great! I go to them for costumes and wigs mostly. My friend who does drag goes here constantly.
Liam: Gender bending can be painful on your waist and your wallet, but it can be worth it in laughs. Cinch it at Dorothy’s. 

THE GARMENT DISTRICT
[200 Broadway, Cambridge. @GarmentDistrict.]

Nicole: I love this place; they have everything! Costumes, extensive wig selection, an amazing makeup counter (where I buy all my stage/effect makeup in Boston) and a huge selection of vintage clothes as well. The prices here aren’t bad for Boston. A lot of us go here for clothes in general. Cool place. The staff knows their stuff.
Liam: This place has been around forever. It’s a great place for building a character—sometimes all it takes is a cat apron from the 1970’s to inspire you. 

WIG WORLD 
[27 Temple Pl., Boston.]

Nicole: This place is HUGE! Prices are really great, and they also have loose hair if you like making your own wigs.
Liam: Here’s the thing about wigs; if they are too “wiggy”, they just look like dead rats on your head. Unless you’re doing an even darker remake of The Secret of Nimh, you don’t want that. Make sure they fit well and look like your real hair.

PREP AND PRACTICE 

COMEDY NIGHT AT THE BURREN
[247 Elm St., Cambridge. @burrenmusic.]

Nicole: The Burren is an Irish bar in Davis Square. They have comedy nights every Wednesday at 10pm, free of charge. They are also hosting “The World’s Best Comedy Contest!” mainly for amateur comedians.
Liam: You really find your voice and hone your material in front of a live audience. And it’s fun! Unless you have paralyzing stage fright. Then it’s terrifying.

IMPROVBOSTON 
[40 Prospect St., Cambridge. @ImprovBoston.]

Nicole: These guys have classes as well as shows. They have a pretty extensive course listing—they even offer comedic music writing.
Liam: Yes, an improv classes are integral to building comedy chops. It’s so fun to do and it helps with your writing tremendously. Is there one comedic actor out there who hasn’t at least played Zip Zap Zop? Keeps you sharp.

RIP FLIPCAM

Liam: I love the Flip Cam for making cheap, quicky, HD videos for YouTube. I’m so upset that smart phones put them out of business. I guess eBay is your best bet for these.