Never discount the power of Internet exposure.

Comedian Bob Zany, who performs at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub on Friday and Saturday, recently landed the leading sitcom role as infomercial king Big Bobby Baume after the producer watched a live stand-up video on the Internet.

“Thank God for the new media,” Zany said. “Somebody suggested my name. The producer watched me on YouTube and said, ‘You’re the guy.’ It’s very funny. They’ll be taking it to a network, so we’ll see.”

Zany also recently filmed a leading role opposite Nia Peeples and Eric Roberts in the upcoming movie “23 Minutes to Sunrise.” Despite growing acting opportunities, the California native remains devoted to stand-up.

“It’s what I do,” Zany said. “I don’t compare myself to Sinatra whatsoever, but they always asked Frank what he did for a living, and he said, ‘I’m a saloon singer.’ Although he was Frank, he knew what he was. I’m a club comic that does theaters, concerts and all this other stuff.”

When Zany performs at Wiley’s, he’ll be joined by feature act Zan Aufderheide.

“Zan is really tearing it up,” Zany said. “She does a great job, plus you get some estrogen in the room before the testosterone takes over.”

Like many comedians, Aufderheide migrated to California to make her name in show business. However, after a year the Indiana native realized if she really wanted to hone her craft, she needed to return to the Midwest.

Since moving to Indianapolis a year ago, she has toured heavily, landed a college agent, auditioned for Nickelodeon television, written and performed a one-woman show and auditioned for a summer play at The Indiana Repertory Theatre.

“You can only get seven-minute sets in L.A., so moving back to the Midwest, oddly enough, has been good for my career,” Aufderheide said.

“I’ve grown my act. Now I’m a headliner and do an hourlong show. It’s really been full of opportunities.”

Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.