About
Mike Lukas grew up in Cleveland and was a successful internationally touring comedian and improvisor (NBC, Comedy Central, Second City, CBS Radio, A&E) for twenty-four years before he decided to hang up his clown shoes and give writing a full time go.
A graduate of his own Million Words Challenge and the University of Dayton as well as the training programs at the Second City and iO Theaters in Chicago, Mike is ready to talk comedy with anyone willing to engage in such silliness.
The first book of his FUNNY MUSCLE humor writing series will be available in mid-May.
Be sure to enter your name and email below to join the free waitlist and to get your free giveaways.
Raised a Browns fan in Cleveland, Mike graduated from the University of Dayton with honors in 1987.
Foregoing a rising corporate computing career, Mike spent the next two-and-a-half decades writing, performing, and improvising comedy around the world:
- Multiple national TV, radio, and comedy festival appearances
- NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2)
- NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien (2)
- CBS Radio
- Montreal Comedy Festival
- Chicago Comedy Festival
- Aspen Comedy Festival
- National headliner at America’s top comedy clubs
- Hosted and co-write The Straight Dope on A&E
- Understudy for The Second City’s mainstage in Chicago.
- Cast member of The Second City’s mainstage in Las Vegas and National Touring Company
- Co-hosted and produced Crackin’ Up on CBS Radio in Los Angeles
Now hammering his keyboard out of Dallas, Mike co-raises his two babies when he’s not pumping out twisted short stories, novels, and non-fiction books that unlock the secrets of the universe.
And lots of fart jokes. Not for him, for the kids. Mike hates those. The jokes, not the kids.
Ahem.
He’s a frequent podcast guest and circuit lecturer (if you count his driveway), and Mike can’t wait to share his latest stories and theories with you if you’d only ask.
Mike’s upcoming ‘Communicate in Third-Person‘ workshop will be taught by me.
“Is Mike Lukas funny? Yes, I can vouch for that, and I’ve hired and worked with some of the funniest people in the business (including him!). In “Finding Your Funny Muscle,” Mike translates what has worked for him on stages across the country over decades to give readers some deceptively simple techniques to hone their craft. In the words of Steve Martin, “Comedy isn’t pretty,” but Mike Lukas makes it easier to understand, craft and execute.”
— Kelly Leonard, Second City (Exec. VP), “Yes And” (co-author), “Getting to Yes, And” (host)
"Mike Lukas is a brilliant, hyper-observant, comic. A solid stage and screen actor. A hard-working, dedicated teacher. And a goofy, welcoming friend. I’m a better writer and comedian thanks to my time studying with and laughing with Mike.”
— Rich Talarico, writer/producer Key & Peele, MADtv, SNL, The Tonight Show, Second City
“I've known the hilarious Mike Lukas for a long time and I deeply resent him for not writing this great book years ago when I was starting out. When it comes to comedy, Lukas really knows what he's talking about. Just don't buy any books he writes about tragedy."
— Brian Stack, Writers Guild Award Winning / Emmy Nominated writer for Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor, comedian
“Having owned a comedy club for 20+ years, we’ve worked with many funny comedians, but Mike Lukas stands out as the funniest of them all. His wit and humor are unmatched, and he never fails to make us laugh. Mike Lukas is one of a kind, and it was a pleasure to have him work for us.”
"As a young comic I was lucky enough to see Mike Lukas perform live in Chicago. Watching him on stage reminded me of watching old clips of Steve Martin--funny, silly, physical comedy--that would leave you doubled over with laughter. Being able to read how Mike breaks down his process is helpful for any comedian whether you're a grizzled veteran like me or someone who just wants to learn the art of being funny. Throughout the book Mike writes in a way that's both funny and easy to understand, all the while giving you concrete examples of what he's talking about. Get this book and throw out all your other books!"
— Tom Clark, comedian (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central, and I once opened for Mike Lukas)
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Plus you’ll also get…
- Top-10 Mistakes Unfunny People Make – a strong Funny Muscle avoids the list.
- 5 Surefire Ways to Make Your Next Speech Funnier – get laughs instead of yawns.
- 3 Humor Heightening Devices – pro comics use these to get bigger laughs.
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Then get ready to enjoy some laughs!