So you have a draft of your comedy, spoken word or storytelling that you think might be pretty good - or at least doesn't make you gag. Now you want to take it for a spin around the block to see how it works. But where?

Every show at every club or theater is different so we highly recommend:

1) Visit the show as an audience member to experience the vibe for yourself and see if its a good fit with your work.

2) Introduce yourself to the person booking the show, tell them how much you enjoyed it and compliment them personally on their work (if they perform). Do not underestimate the power of sucking up!

3) Then, and only then, should you ask for stage time for yourself. Most bookers only book people they know personally so you usually have to put in your audience time before you can really expect any quality stage time.

Many shows come and go, but as of now, here (in no particular order) are some possible outlets for your work in New York:

The Moth
Speakeasy
The Liar Show
Louder Than Word Stories
Moonwork
Sweet at the Slipper Room

Please e-mail us with additions and/or leave info in comments here for the benefit of others. And please be nice even if you have negative feedback about a particular experience.