The popularity and level of success of the comedy business, in general, has stayed pretty much at a level, that we experienced up until about one year ago. A new problem has surfaced that has really been hitting the comedy business as much as anything that was experienced in the past. This new problem could be simply labeled…. "Gas Prices". The current level of gas prices has managed to squeeze comedians, bookers and venue owners, from all sides. It has become nearly impossible for comedians to travel outside their general home area to take one-night comedy gigs. Most comics can not afford to travel much more than two to three hours to perform at a comedy venue. With the current price of gasoline, these regional, professional comedians, cannot afford to travel like they once did. Bookers cannot afford to raise the standard payment structure to the comedians, because they are also being hit with the additional expenses that are hitting the comedians. The bookers cannot get the venue owners to step up to the plate and pay more for the comedy shows, because their overall revenues have drastically declined, also as a result of the current gas prices. People in general are staying home more and driving less, trying to find a way to absorb additional expenses, that need to come from their fixed incomes. The first thing that the average individual will do, when being hit with unanticipated financial burdens, will cut out entertainment. That begins a trickle down effect starting at the top of the chain, to the bottom of the chain… which includes the venue, the comedy booker, the comedian and the comedy customer, that can no longer go out and enjoy a night of comedy, drinks and food. This situation is "killing" the professional stand-up comedy business and we need to find a way to stand-up and fight back.

We encourage all of you business owners, bookers, comedians and comedy lovers, to contact your Senators and Representatives to step up and protect your interests in a business that we cannot allow to be destroyed through outrageous, un-justified, high gas prices.

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