IT’S HOW YOU GO FROM “WHO?” TO HEADLINER!
We’re often told “it’s not what you do, but how you do it.” The problem is, very few books focus on the “how.” Not clearly. Not honestly. Especially not from someone with a mic in one hand and panic dripping off their brow.
Veteran comedy magician Michael Misko brings 25 years of stage time, missteps, and learning that the real trick isn’t the one in your hand – it’s how you handle the room. For example, you’ll learn:
- How to be funny on purpose – not just accidentally likable.
- Why “character” isn’t a costume (and how to stop acting like it is).
- How to use silence, stillness, and timing to get laughs without overselling.
- What to do when the tech fails, the crowd is cold, and your soul leaves your body mid-act.
Whether you’re holding a mic, a deck of cards, or your breath before walking onstage, Comedy, Character & Control is your performance guide to becoming the kind of performer people want to see again.
This isn’t a book full of scripts or tricks.
It’s a roadmap to landing the laugh, commanding the pause, and controlling the moment.
“The real work isn’t a destination. It’s a path. And like any path, some guidance is usedful. This book is that!”
– Doc Dixon
“This explains, in lucid detail, how to make any trick an applause-worthy feature. I’d say this chapter is ‘worth the price of the book,’ but considering the bargain it would be an insult to the chapter.”
– Ryan Pilling
“You are the first person I’ve seen who also talks about hecklers with an approach that is different to ‘slam them down quick’.”
– Ian Kendall
“Your details and explicit instructions is how you handle one item made me realize a fatal error I’ve been making for a long time. That changes today in my afternoon performance!”
– Doug Scheer
“Comedy, Charater & Control is a must read for not only the working pro but also for the newly budding magician. It will shave YEARS off your learning curve if you implement Michael’s insight”
– Jason Christopher
ABOUT Michael Misko:
“90% Comedy. The other half is magic.” Once described as “the Zach Galifianakis of magic,” Michael’s greatest asset is the ability to combine dry-roasted comedy and world-class sleight-of-hand technique to form an evening of pee-in-your-pants entertainment…or so he was told by one little old lady. After seeing his show, actor and comedian, T.J. Miller said, “your stage presence is unmatchable,” while stand-up comedian, Brian Regan said, “I loved the part where you harpooned the guy in the chest!”
In 2015, Michael was hand-picked to create the role of the “Magic Maker” in the World Premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s Magic to Do, and can be heard on the Original Cast Album, available on iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify.
He has performed at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA, The Chicago Magic Lounge, and in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA is one of the highest grossing shows in Liberty Magic’s history.
Currently, Michael is a highly sought-after consultant for Fortune 500 Companies, as he helps connect them with their employees and clients in an astonishing and memorable way. Additionally, Michael performs on cruise ships, at universities, comedy clubs, and private functions across the world.
He lives in Pittsburgh with his beautiful wife, Sarah, and their perfect daughters, Rosalind, Sloane, and Murphy.
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