Modified On September 24, 2008
When we first fired up SHECKYmagazine.com, back in 1999, we cooked up various ways to generate content, different features that gave our readers insight into the lives of standup comedians.
One of our better ideas was The Big Move was hatched during a conversation while waiting for a hell gig to start in Schenectady, NY. The opener on the bill was local comic Rich Williams, who was plotting a move across the country to Los Angeles. We asked him if he would mind filing a monthly dispatch that would allow readers to look over his shoulder as he navigated the stages and interviews and lunches in Hollywood.
Over the course of 16 installments, Williams afforded an unprecedented view into the life of a comedian who did what so many comics dream of doing– moving from their small-town market to the big city. If you want to check out Installment Number One, it’s fascinating reading. And, with a little tricky navigation and skilled use of your back button, you can read all 16!
Williams hit the ground running and, in rather short time, he landed a staff writing gig! Subsequent Big Movers included Tom Ryan, Tommy James and Paul Ogata.
They all reside in the Internet Archives in their original (rather rickety and sometimes ghastly graphic) form. Pardon the missing art and/or jpgs!