Spend a half-hour with Kyle Cease as he explains the mindset of comedians (VIDEO)

Just watched this new 26-minute interview with Kyle Cease, which isn't really so much an interview as it is an infomercial for his "stand-up comedy bootcamps," although it's not so much an infomercial as it is really the whole thing. In a nutshell.

Did this save you a bunch of money? Did it make you want to spend all of your money on a bootcamp? And by all, I mean all $299, with a money-back guarantee, as Cease himself tells me. Does it change your mindset at all on Cease, hearing what he has to say about the typical mindset of a stand-up comedian, and what it should be instead? Let me know, after you've watched him make his case. And if any of you ventriloquist dummies don't know why I'd ask questions as if this is an issue, then you haven't read any message board debate over this. Also: Kyle Cease himself says in this video that he believes comedians tend to have the wrong mindset, and wants to right it. Did he? Could he? Roll it!

Comments

[Gilmore]

I attended the Stand-Up Boot Camp that Kyle Cease offers. The program was set up to not only teach me about what it takes to become a better Comedian, but what I can do differently in life to make an impact. The lessons learned and the friendships and contacts that have been made are worth every cent. I am truly thankful for the chance to have attended Boot Camp. This video is a great "refresher" to what was discussed at Boot Camp. Very inspiring words that could help you through troubled steps that we may have in life as well!
Thanks Kyle

[Roy Brewster]

I have had the opportunity to work with Kyle and I can't tell you what it has done for me on stage and in life. I have been able to break down personal barriers that have been up my whole life. I feel I am finding my voice at a much faster pace due soley to the help of Kyle and my fellow students. Although I am fairly new to comedy it was something I always wanted to do. The strides I have been able to make have been amazing. I am now setting goals and reaching them! I can't express how much Kyle has changed my life.

I am forever greatful,
Roy Brewster

[Halli]

relax dude. I dont think this was meant to be an informercial at all. He mentioned bootcamp in the first 30 seconds and then at the end and that was it. take it easy turbo.

[Larry Long]

I count myself among to fortunate comics who've had the opportunity to work with Kyle at Boot Camp. The impact that he's had on not just my comedy, but my life is immeasurable. I happily paid the admission to attend. I also paid tuition to get my college degree; I see no difference. What I've learned, who I've met, and the friends I've made are worth far more to me than the money I've spent on Boot Camp. New opportunities have arisen as a direct result of what I've learned from Kyle. It's true that no one can teach you to be funny, but you can learn how cut through the bullshit and get to what you're really about. And that's what I got from him. I'm a better comic, getting better all the time thanks to Kyle. He is genuine, sincere, and loves helping other comics.

Thanks!

Larry Long

[Eric Murphy]

WOW!! What an impact this interview has. I have been to three boot camps and I have to say that this siminar for either two or five days which ever you are able to attend is WELL worth it. I am an up and coming Comedian and just like everyone else who might think if its worth the time and money, I am Honestly telling you YES!! After attening the first camp I felt different and more confident in myself, that I even changed up a lot of my material to do just real life situations and to tell my story. The type of knowldge Kyle Cease gives you through out the siminar invovles more than just comedy but how to live your life better with/out trying to control everything and just let things happen. I have to be real and say that Kyle has actully been more helpful than my own biological father! Kyle buddy thanks for the help!!

Thank You,
Eric Murphy

[Shannon]

You know, I really don't understand why people are bitching about bootcamp. Have any of these people actually attended? If not, shut the hell up!!! There's always going to be haters and this is no exception. Chill the fuck out.

I attended Bootcamp in Hollywood and it not only lit a fire under my ass to pursue comedy, it has helped me tremendously in my everyday life. I'm an artist, stand up comic and hairstylist. On top of the connections I made and all the information that I got, what I walked away with was a need to stop judging myself and my talents and let them flow through me. I came back into the salon after attending bootcamp and rocked it because I learned to let go of my attachment to the outcome and just be me.

Kyle is an amazing person onstage and off and has helped me grow as a comic in the short 5 months that I've been doing this. He's teaching us what he's learned and how to skip making the same mistakes he made along the way. Isn't that what life's about, sharing your experiences in hopes that it makes somebody elses life a little easier? It is in my book anyways. If you don't already have talent as a comic, this class isn't going to magically pump funny into your veins. What it will do is help those of us with talent develop our acts, find our voices and advance us in not just comedy but in the world. Artists go to art school and pay THOUSANDS of dollars. Actors go to acting school. Why wouldn't a comic go to a comedy class? Give me a break. Maybe if the people who were bitching about this the loudest put the energy they're putting towards this into their acts they'd be headliners by now.

[Chase]

I didn't understand what the interviewers question was.

[Chet Wild]

Much of the criticism over what Kyle has been doing has focused on the idea that “you can’t teach funny.” I particularly liked how Kyle addressed that he’s not claiming to be able to teach funny. More so, Kyle’s focus is on helping people work through their shit that holds them down and help them better reach their true potential.

The other big issue I’ve seen criticized most is that money is being made. In my opinion, comedy is like any other performing art where you can better yourself by learning from professionals in the field. Many actors, artists, musicians, etc. take classes and learn from those who have experience/success in the field… Hell, even improv comedy is like that (try breaking into Second City or iO without going through their classes). What is so wrong about trying the same thing in comedy? I’m not saying it should be a set standard that comics take certain classes or go through certain training, but if those methods make some person a better comic, and you’re paying for that service to become a better artists, what’s so wrong with that?

I attended Kyle’s bootcamp last summer, when I was 1 year into standup, prior to much of the press or debate around them. Since then, I’ve left my former employment in education to pursue comedy as a full-time career and currently make a modest living earning all of my income through comedy (stand-up, writing, and video work)…. this occurring 2 years since I first stepped foot on stage. I owe a significant amount of that success to Kyle.

I think what sometimes gets misconstrued about Kyle/bootcamps is the idea that people can pay money to skip ahead and will instantaneously be good/great comics. I am a better and more successful comic from working with Kyle…. but not because I paid money and automatically skipped ahead, it’s because through bootcamp I realized I needed to shift my focus, try new approaches on many things, and bust my ass more…. A lot more! You still need to get on stage as much as possible, write as much as possible, network, etc. Attending bootcamp will NOT mean that you no longer have to drive 2 hours each way on Thur/Fri/Sat night to do emcee work (because driving each night and paying for gas is cheaper than a hotel), and it will NOT mean you won’t have to drive 14 hours straight for some feature work in the middle of Wisconsin, and it will NOT mean you won’t have to eat balls at a dive bar on a Tuesday night open mic in front of some drunks who didn’t even know there was comedy…. – these are all things I’ve experienced last month - …. But attending bootcamp WILL help motivate you to work harder at becoming a better comic, it WILL help give you a more clear vision of what you want and how to go about getting it, and it WILL provide you with some fantastic networking opportunities both with aspiring comics and professionals.

On a side note, since attending bootcamp about a year ago, I’ve spoken on the phone with Kyle many times, done several shows college shows with him, done guest spots at a few of the Improv’s, and made some really great connections… and if you’re wondering how much I’ve paid Kyle in the last year for all of that, the answer is $0.

I’m not saying bootcamp is for everyone, or will give you all the success and answers you’re seeking in life. I don’t think it is or will. However, if you’re looking to better yourself as a comic and would like help better identifying with what you’re actually trying to accomplish, bootcamp is an excellent resource and has definitely benefited me.

That’s my $.02.

Oh, on a side note, when I first attended bootcamp, I had a lot of “fat guy” material…. And after talking to Kyle, I got my shit together and have lost close to 70 pounds in the last year…. So I guess that kind of makes him an asshole, as I had to write more new jokes. Thanks Kyle, ya jerk.

[Bobby Bird]

I don't know why so many people are wasting their time trashing Kyle and Stand-up bootcamp. all i have to say is this, and Kyle touched on this in the interview, all the time people take to say , oh he is just selling something, or oh was this interview an infomercial, or whatever thing it is that you have against all this, you wasting time, time that you could spend writing, developing, performing, but instead you have to find every excuse as to why something is something that it's not. i am very angry because a friend of mine, and a thing that i care about are being beat down and thought of as wrong. Kyle is a great teacher, a great comic, and a great friend. and why anyone would even care and try to talk people out of going to bootcamp, or even have to bring it up in a negitve fashion everytime Kyle does and interview is beyond me. i have gone, to 4 bootcamps, and i will tell you why. and if you disagree with this that's cool but i have gone, because people alwaYS SAY, oh you know open mics are free, you can't teach funny, the only way to get better is to do it. you know kyle has never said he is trying to teach funny, and if you watched the video, which isn't an infomercail for bootcamp, and if it was so what, people need to grow up. Kyle is changing lives, and helping people. the next person to give bootcamp shit, should tell firefighters that they dont care about people they just do it for the money. people care about people, and i can list of hundreds of people who bootcamp has changed their life, me included, and i dont know any comic who would be against doing stand up comedy for 12hours a day, no facebook, no tv, no drinking, no negtive issues just comedy for a weekend, what's cooler then that. so watch the video and just know that kyle is doing a good thing. and grow up a little bit. i just want to say that i love bootcamp, and all the people i have met, and Kyle Thanks buddy, and never give up, and never quit, you will change the world, and stand up comedy, and you have lots and lots of people who will take the journy with ya

[Elly]

Everyone I know that attended Boot Camp loved it!! The only people who have anything bad to say about it are those who have never been...and likely the ones who could benefit the most. There are professional standards in every industry. We learn the norms from education and applied experience. Not just our own experiences. Everyone has something to teach us. Attending workshops and continuing education is what makes us open to growth. I get that there are a lot of classes that are scams. However, boot camp was not that. I learned some amazing things from boot camp.
The experience left me inspired to push myself on different levels. I learned I still have more questions than answers. But that is a good thing. When we stop questioning and searching, we stop growing. By day, I am a teacher. I even earned two masters degrees in the field of education. I was taught how to teach....
Michael Jordan was taught how to play basketball. Name your favorite athlete, musician, actor, artist....they were all taught how to hone their craft. That's a good thing!! But enough said....I have jokes to write :)

[Kevin Cease]

These comments are amazing. I'm so glad to see everyone talk about what this has done for them.

[Jennifer]

I've attended three of Kyle Cease and Louie Anderson's Bootcamp. I've found this to be a group of people who are genuinely engaged and genuinely devoted into helping you succeed. Kyle's right you can't teach funny, but you can teach habits that will help to get you where you need and want to be. I've started to focus more on my voice, sets, networking and have been growing faster and understanding comedy better than ever before. I've learned tactics and skills that have made me more marketable and a better comic with a stronger sense of community and greater excitement to go after my dream.

[Mary Schatschneider]

KYLE CEASE is amazing, I attended the 5-day bootcamp in L.A., I am from B.C. Canada, so with the exchange it cost me even a little more, plus travel, plus accomodations, plus food. It was hands down, the best 5 days of my life. The people I met, the contacts and great friends I made is priceless. Hearing all the different comedians different perspective was immensely helpful and I cannot thank Kyle enough. It really has changed how I look at comedy as a career and has pumped me up and given me a drive I didn't have before. Again, I am from B.C. Canada and I plan on going to as many more bootcamps as I can around the states, and I am more than willing to pay the extra bit of exchange. I consider Kyle to be one of the reasons I keep pushing for my ultimate dream job. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Kyle and everyone involved in the Stand-up Bootcamps!!

[Kevin Cease]

I even let some of these guys stay at my place when they came. Chet Wild slept on my couch. I had to buy a new couch after he left, but I'm just glad he had a good time.

[Rosee Mirich]

I have always loved and admired Kyle and Louie as comedians, but when I attended StandUpBootCamp, I got to see and know them on a personal level. Now? I love them even more!!! I love that they have started this for comics...not only is it a good place to network and make life long friendships with people who are just a bit off their rocker's like me, the information they provide and teach is invaluable!!! For those of us who have been privileged to attend these Camps, we already have a pretty good idea that we are funny, ie: class clown, fired from job or jobs due to extreme craziness, entertain people in Church or Jail (voluntarily and involuntarily), etc. So, since we know that we have 'something', we attend. Kyle and Louie have taught us how to 'perform' from our hearts with our mouths!!! They have also taught us about the business, the marketing, the do's and don'ts of comedy, etc. It has been completely amazing!!! I recommend this class to anyone who has ever dared to dream of performing!!! I also think it is an amazing class for those who are in the public arena or for those who frequently do public speaking...take this class and you'll hear no more snoring from your audience!!! I have attended 2 BootCamps and I loved every minute of both of them!!! I think comedy is the greatest of all talents, but probably the most underpaid and underappreciated. Thank you Kyle and Louie for giving a voice and stage to all of us, love you both!!!

[Joann Klimkiewicz]

I can't understand all this fuss that's being made by people who haven't even been to bootcamp. You seriously can't criticize if you haven't experienced it. Well, you can, but then you'd look like an asshole. And if you have experienced it, you know that Kyle and all the comics he brings together come from a sincere place and are super generous with their time, energy and insights.

[Dan Nelson]

This video was very informative & made a lot of sense.

And after seeing first hand the results...

Focus on what is real, many students have went into this with nothing but a plane ticket and 300 bucks to set course, and came out with successful careers/future endeavors. Did this project fuel their fire? I don't see why not. The aftermath of this golden opportunity was that something popped. Something brought them to their best.

Keep it up Kyle & Louie. No one can stop you.

-Dan Nelson

[Rosee Mirich]

One more thing I'd like to add to my previous post...I have to be true to myself so...if there are any 'haters' out there...take the BootCamp!!! Take it!!! If you refuse and continue to be haters, contact me, Rosee Mirich on facebook, so I can schedule your ass-kicking!!!

[Stephen Agyei]

Bootcamp is the best thing I have ever done in my life. Some of you might read this and think "oh well you must not have been doing shit" but I really dont care what you think honestly. Bootcamp is something that helps to guide comedians in the right direction in the business, a great way to network and great place to learn as well as get motivated. This is whats funny, people will pay people to be their financial advisors and trust them with their money but are quick to bash something like bootcamp. Bootcamp and I guarantee all will agree who have attended, is like a financial advising appointment. People think that its all about teaching people how to be funny but its not. Who wouldn't want financial advising in their career about how to book gigs, approach managers and the whole 9?

Bootcamp also releases you from forcing material and shows techniques that will help to allow you find your voice and have the material come naturally. I have been to 4 bootcamps because of its effectiveness and the atmosphere it has created. Kyle Cease is a great person with over 20yrs of experience and combined with Louie Andersons 31yrs of experience isnt a terrible place to get knowledge from. If someone has been coaching basketball and playing it for 51 years wouldn't you think they would know a little bit about how the game works? and if you were a player looking to excel your game, wouldn't you ask them for advice on how to grow if you had the chance?

bootcamp- get some

[Diego Attanasio]

This video is hardly about the Bootcamp. It is about experiences a man has gained in his lifetime.

If you think that the lessons he has learned are dumb or don't apply to you, great. Sorry, you wasted your time, but I bet that if you really listen, a couple topics spoke to something you are currently struggling with.

Life is about evolution. Most people I have ever met are not truly happy with their current life conditions and struggle to grow out of them.

This video contains insights that most people never come to realize on their own. Why is that bad? Is helping people grow bad? How much money is thrown at drugs(legal and illegal) and psychologist to help ourselves cope. I bet the number would upset you.

Is Bootcamp worth it? Obviously, no one can answer this for you. If you go, hate it, and demand a refund for your wasted money, I bet you would get it back. It's clear that no one who has attended feels this way.

I would spend so much more money to see all these professional comics performing, let alone meet each one, and get to hear their stories and advice. Where on the planet can you find this kind of place?

What Kyle and Louie have done is create a place like none other. It's creating such a stir and commotion for good reason. It opens opportunities and connections that, if taken advantage of (you still have to do the work), will help you grow in all parts of your life. I've met people who don't even care or perform comedy (musicians and public speakers) attend these events and say how beneficial they were.

There are comedy classes all over the country that cost more than Stand Up Bootcamp and can offer nothing in terms or real experience and advice from countless headliners. And they don't all say the same thing. Not even close! It's not like Kyle has a script and forces everyone to talk about his philosophies. You get to hear the opinions and thoughts of people who made it.

Why would you be opposed to that? And at the very least, opposed to others doing that?

But again, the video's not really about Bootcamp. It's what Kyle has to say. Bootcamp is a kajillion times bigger. With better audio and 3D graphics.

[Steve Hill]

I just got a MASS EMAIL sent by KYLE CEASE asking everyone in his "Bootcamp" to post positive comments on this board. thats all.

[Wendy]

I don't get the energy spent towards hating something.

Even friends of mine that are "bootcamp haters" have to admit that spending 8+ hours a day for four days straight thinking about, listening to, writing and performing stand up cannot be bad.

I think the money I spent on Bootcamp was well worth it.

If you get no other message than to just "be authentically you" it would be worth the money!

[max levine]

I think these comments speak far louder than the original, biased, negative post. Everyone who attended stand up bootcamp knows that the money involved is inconsequential in comparison to all the irreplicable pep-talks administered.

What's worse, these "bloggers" (read: hate mongers) wont have enough faith to paypal me 299 dollars to get their hands on my brand new comedy tincture. Made from only the finest snake oil, it is sure to make you a billionaire headliner in a matter of weeks.

Your loss, Negative Nancys.

[Mike]

I've attended four of the bootcamps including the one at the Comedy Store and it has been an incredible experience. Kyle Cease has done a lot to help other comedians by creating opportunities for networking, growth and the open exchange of ideas and encouraging people to dream big. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of the whole experience.

[Joe Polizzotti]

What Kyle offers is something is rare that people have to automatically assume it is a scam. Kyle is a genuine, caring guy who knows the ins and outs of the biz. I learned a million things from him, and sure much more in the future.