3pm Saturdays Live from Times Square NYC

Walt Frasier

Category: Books

  • NEW BOOK: Quit Your Day Job: Executive Home Manager

    NEW BOOK: Quit Your Day Job: Executive Home Manager

    My wife and I started an entertainment company in 2002. We were wannabe actors, struggling waiters, barely living paycheck to paycheck. By 2005 we QUIT OUR DAY JOB thanks to selling out 4-6 shows a week in Times Square NYC and more and more working in schools, corporate events and even private family homes. Im 2014 we bought a house.

    Since then the number of aspiring actors performing for FREE has grown ten fold at schools posing as theaters and comedy clubs. This is why I wrote my first book. QUIT YOUR DAY JOB: HOW TO BE A FULL TIME WORKING ACTOR.

    All of Walter’s books are available free via Kindle Unlimited and inexpensive via Amazon Kindle. Some also have paperback, hard cover and or audible editions. New eBook now available: Improvisation for Project Managers. Also blogger, original murder mystery shows, sketch comedy and more!

    Every day I see incredibly talented actors come to the city, only to quit and go home within the first year, or become full time food service employees for life.

    I drive around, going from gig to gig, actually fearing for the future of my nieces, nephews and students. I have had a version of this and other books in my head for months.

    Two months ago, I had a solo murder mystery gig, one of my clue parties, cancel, because the client lost his very high paying job and feared spending a small fortune on his 40th birthday party in the face of uncertainly. With in a day, two gigs came in to replace the same time slot, creating work for 8 actors.

    Meanwhile, while playing Santa the other day, I met a kid… TWELVE YEARS OLD… offering to jack up my sleigh with nitro, turbo, hot rod detailing etc. I thought, funny, right…. His dad stepped up, with a HUGE GRIN, saying, Santa, he’s serious. He just rebuilt an entire car all by himself. In short order I could tell this was not some father/son weekend project. This kid had a business. At 12, 4 years before getting a license to drive, he can make you a car, or at least fix the one you have. Santa (me) joked, “This kid will never work at a Starbucks!” I was only half joking. Actually, inside I was thinking, I need to publish this book!!!

    “Quit Your Day Job: Executive Home Manager” is now available free on KINDLE UNLIMITED, or for purchase via Kindle eBook, AudioBook and paperback via Amazon.

    Why can’t that be you?

    That 12yo kid will never have a day job. He will never have a boss. He will have clients. He will have employees, not employers. He might have partners.

    I feel horrible for my would be client losing his job, but because of my diversified entertainment business options I can weather just about any storm. Even during pandemic we found ways to generate income, doubling down on what works at the time, constantly pivoting, staying agile, even as we grow.

    While everyone else is falling behind, blaming the world, the school system, AI, capitalism, nepo babies, etc etc etc, I hope YOU will realize YOU HAVE OPTIONS. YOU HAVE CHOICES!!!

    While the rest of the world makes excuses, go create opportunities for yourself. I have an entire series of books about to drop, each with a path to creating your own business.

    America is richer than ever, but despite all the crying about the failure of TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS, very few are doing anything to solve the problem. The wage gap between CEO and employee grows. The white collar work force shrinks. The era of having one job for 20-40 years before retirement is over for more and more every year.

    No one is coming to our rescue. It is up to us to create opportunities. It’s a lot of work, but it’s easier than you think.

    The sooner you start a side hustle, the sooner it can become your full time gig and you finally get to FIRE YOUR BOSS.

    Why wait till your 18?

    While millions of teens get jobs at the mall, fast food, or other minimum wage jobs, two hours of your side hustle can create more income than 20 hours at Starbucks.

    While the old models crumble, brick and mortar fails miserably, high paying jobs become more and more scarce, the time is better than ever touring take a chance on YOURSELF!

  • Episode 1: How to get stage time! Stand Up Comedy 101

    Episode 1: How to get stage time! Stand Up Comedy 101

    Show Notes: Ways to Get Stage Time

    Open Mics:

    Open mics are shows performed by and for performers. The audience is often other comics.

    Go to an open mic within the next 48 to 72 hours and get on stage for five minutes and just talk.

    Find a good open mic, and go back. Avoid the bad ones.

    Barker and Bringer Shows:

    These are ways to create stage time with an audience.

    Bringer shows are where comics bring their friends, creating a small audience.

    Barker shows involve handing out flyers on the street to attract an audience.

    Barking is a way to develop audience, and get stage time.

    Barking also allows you to interact with people before the show, and create a relationship with your audiance.

    Producing Your Own Show:

    This gives you control over everything.

    It’s a way to create consistent stage time.

    Finding talent is easy, building an audience is the hard part.

    Paid Gigs:

    Eventually, you may get paid to perform at clubs, colleges, or corporate events.

    Even when getting paid, you need to keep working on new material, and getting stage time at open mics.

    The Comedy University

    Don’t complain about paying five bucks for stage time or spending an hour on the street. Think of it as your comedy university. You’re learning what works and what doesn’t. Remember, as my friend Milinth Fowler says, “There’s no wrong, no bad, no good. Is it working, or is it not working?”

    The Process

    Every time you get on stage:

    • Prepare: Brainstorm or outline your material.
    • Have Fun: Focus on enjoying yourself without being a jerk.
    • Analyze: Objectively evaluate what worked and what could have been better.

    Repeat this process throughout your career. You’re never fully “ready,” but you’ll figure it out.

    Creating Opportunities

    As Oran Sandel said, “If you can’t find work, create it.” If you’re not getting stage time, create opportunities. Find other people who need stage time and organize shows. This could be at school, a bar, or anywhere.

    Call to Action

    Get on stage within the next week. If you need guidance, wait for my next episode. But if you’re ready, just get on stage and talk. If it works, do it again. If not, try something different.

    The next four or five episodes will cover how to create your first five-minute stand-up routine.

  • Stand-Up Comedy Workbook: Develop a Five Minute Routine in Four Easy Steps (Comedy 4 Life Book 1)

    Stand-Up Comedy Workbook: Develop a Five Minute Routine in Four Easy Steps (Comedy 4 Life Book 1)

    • GET THIS BOOK on Amazon, $9.99 paperback, $2.99 on Kindle, FREE via Kindle Unlimited

    Empower yourself using comedy to develop your creative, community and leadership skills!

    “I think the book works really well – very nice job. What I like most is how practical it is. You cut right to the chase of how to build and deliver a stand-up routine. And you speak directly to the fears that I am sure many people have when they find themselves in front of an audience.” Dr. Don Sexton, retired professor with 5 decades teaching at Columbia University and 1 year with Walt Frasier as a comedy student.


    Getting on stage is a cathartic experience. I live on the edge of a cliff, and at any point I could fall flat on my face. I rip the band aid of fear off every time I jump in front of a microphone. Right before stepping into the spotlight, I replace the thoughts of THIS COULD GO TERRIBLY BAD with THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN. Take a few HUGE breaths and GO FOR IT!

    RULE #1: HAVE FUN but NEVER at another’s expense.

    This may sound counter intuitive for a comic. Many famous comics made their names roasting the crowd and others.
    Comedy always highlights the imperfections of life. We interpret what we observe and experience in story form and/or one-liner jokes. But there is a fine line between being funny and becoming a bully. I prefer stories that highlight my imperfections, like the time I sank a kayak in alligator infested Florida canals.

    With this workbook you create an original comedy routine in four easy steps.

    • Brainstorm Ideas
    • Brainstorm Details
    • Find the Funny
    • Outline Your Routines

    At each step in this process, you will engage in three major actions.

    • PREPARE YOURSELF
    • GET ONSTAGE
    • ANALYZE THE WORK

    This book is designed to pair with Walt Frasier’s comedy classes but also for any comic attending open mics or for teachers around the world to incorporate comedy as part of their language arts curriculum.

    Walt Frasier – Comic

    Walt Frasier is the Artistic Director of the New York Improv Theater, overseeing acclaimed shows like “Eight Is Never Enough” and “Improv 4 Teens.” With over three decades of experience, Walt is a seasoned veteran of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, captivating audiences across the nation. His extensive career includes appearances on Letterman, HBO, and MTV, alongside performances at iconic venues such as Caroline’s on Broadway, The World Famous Improv, and countless others in NYC and beyond. From comedy clubs to corporate events and school tours, Walt Frasier brings laughter and spontaneity wherever he goes.

  • COMEDY 4 LIFE Book Series

    COMEDY 4 LIFE Book Series

    All of my books are available free via Kindle Unlimited and inexpensive via Amazon Kindle and paperback. All of these books are written with my students, colleague and clients in mind. Perhaps we can save time in classes as these books replace hours of me babbling “wisdom”.

    • Comedy 4 Life Series
    • Improv Comedy: No Script? No Problem! “YES! And…”
    • Improv for Business Success
    • Stand Up Comedy
    • Sketch Comedy
    • Quit Your Day Job

    Empower yourself using comedy to develop your creative, community and leadership skills! Learning and performing comedy in any form – stand-up, sketch, improvisation, develops self-confidence, creativity – critical thinking and creative writing, listening, focus, public speaking and more. We use comedy to teach corporate and school groups team, leadership, sales and service.

    Our Rule #1: HAVE FUN but never at another’s expense.

    Every time you get on stage you conquer your fears juts a little more. Every time you hide in the corner, that gets easier too.

    This is series will include books on all forms of comedy. Great for complete beginners and those looking to for new techniques to freshen their approach to the comedy world. You probably will never become a house hold name – although we dare you to prove us wrong and be the biggest star ever, but simply learning and performing comedy on any level can be a ton of fun and an amazing self enrichment process.

  • IMPROV FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS New Book by Walt Frasier

    IMPROV FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS New Book by Walt Frasier

    Get “Improv for Business Success,” for more tips, exercises, and case studies on how to harness the power of improv in your workplace! Just $2.99 via Kindle and FREE via Kindle unlimited!!!

    Ignite Your Team’s Potential with Improv Comedy: A Practical Guide for Building Stronger Teams, Better Leaders, and Winning Business Strategies

    Tired of the same old team-building activities? Ready to unlock the hidden talents and creative potential within your team? Look no further than the power of improv comedy!

    In this engaging and practical guide, you’ll discover how the principles of improv – like “Yes, And…”, active listening, and collaboration – can transform your workplace into a more dynamic, innovative, and fun environment.

    What’s Inside:

    • Unleash the Power of Play: Discover why improv comedy is a serious tool for business success.
    • Build Stronger Teams: Learn fun and effective improv games and exercises to foster trust, communication, and collaboration.
    • Develop Exceptional Leaders: Uncover the secrets of improv leaders and learn how to apply these skills to your own leadership style.
    • Elevate Sales and Customer Service: Master improv techniques to build rapport, handle objections, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
    • Integrate Improv into Everyday Work: Get practical tips for incorporating improv into your meetings, presentations, and team interactions.

    Why Choose This Book:

    • Practical and Actionable: Packed with exercises, case studies, and real-world examples to help you apply improv principles immediately.
    • Engaging and Fun: Written in a lively and accessible style, this book will entertain and educate you at the same time.
    • Proven Results: Discover how companies like Google, Pixar, and Southwest Airlines have used improv to transform their teams and achieve greater success.

    Who Should Read This Book:

    • HR Professionals
    • Team Leaders and Managers
    • Sales and Customer Service Professionals
    • Anyone seeking to improve communication, collaboration, and creativity in the workplace.

    Whether you’re a seasoned improviser or new to the concept, this book will show you how to harness the power of play to create a more dynamic, innovative, and successful workplace. Get ready to say “Yes, And…” to a brighter future for your team and your business!

    FREE via Kindle Unlimited!

    Get “Improv for Business Success,” for more tips, exercises, and case studies on how to harness the power of improv in your workplace! Just $2.99 via Kindle and FREE via Kindle unlimited!!!

    • GET TICKETS to our signature show, featuring the professional cast of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH delivering hilarious interactive musical comedy improvised based on audience suggestions and participation. Live form Times Square and touring nationwide since 2002!
    • LAUGHTER STARTES HERE – Improv 101
    • COMEDY 4 TEENS Weekly Classes
    • COMEDY 4 KIDS Weekly Classes
    • EMAIL for more information about shows, classes and private events! Corporate clients get free tickets to all shows and free drop in sessions for ongoing classes.

    The New York Improv Theater is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more… (NYC DOE VENDORS)