In addition to being an excellent stand-up comedian and writer, Rick Jenkins founded the Comedy Studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1996. Since then it has become one of the hottest comedy rooms in the country. It is the go-to place for industry producers seeking the next big thing.

When did you first realize that you were uniquely funny?

When you asked me that question.

Who do you think were your influences?

At first it was Woody Allen. He showed me that you could write about anything you wanted and make it funny. Then I got the chance to open for Jay Leno. He showed me you could deliver anything you wanted to say and make it funny.

Do you remember your first original joke?

“A female archeologist is a woman who digs early men.” Remember, I was seven, and it was 1968.

When did you realize that comedy was something that you had to do for a living?

After my first time on stage, the MC gave me $5 for the five minute set. I remember arrogantly telling my Dad, “Find me another job that pays a dollar a minute and I'll consider it!”

What was your first job in comedy writing or performance?

It starts with a couple dollars here and there — $15 for writing a joke, then a couple hundred for performing a week at a club. It's really a matter of putting together enough freelance work to make it add up to a job.

What is the biggest difficulty you've encountered being a comedy writer?

By far, it's the discipline. I always want something brilliant to just come to me, but it takes a lot of work to get lucky.

Are there jokes that you do just for you?

Jokes are like children; I think they're all beautiful. But there are a couple you should leave in the attic when company comes over.

What do you look for when you see a comic for the first time?

Obviously, we like laughs, but professionalism and potential are what I really look for.

What makes the Comedy Studio unique?

I want to be able to take credit for how good a comedian becomes … not how good they are.

How does the live comedy experience differ from TV and film?

It's the difference between a date and an online profile. It's the difference between hearing someone and connecting with someone.

What are the differences between writing for yourself and writing for others?

It's the difference between hearing a voice and having a voice. Any time I'm stuck, I loosen up by writing a couple jokes for a famous comedian.

What do you find exciting about comedy right now?

Comedy is now about doing it yourself. Waiting around for a big producer to give you a break has become quaint and retro.

Where do you think the future of comedy is headed?

Again, it's about doing it yourself. Getting your stuff to an audience, finding that audience, doing your shows. Good stuff is always in demand.

As audiences are becoming more specific and more segmented, is that making your job easier or more difficult?

We do a showcase format, so our audiences come in expecting to see variety. Other places have funny people; we have interesting people who happen to see the world in a funny way.

What is the best thing about being a comedy writer?

Being able to think of something and get it exactly right. When the audience laughs, you're right.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming comedy writers?

Comedy writing is like every other kind of writing … but more so. It needs to be clearer, tighter, and have a more pointed point of view. And the way to get better at writing is to write. Just do it.