subject: Learn Stand Up Comedy For Fun And Profit [print this page] Learn Stand Up Comedy For Fun And Profit Learn Stand Up Comedy For Fun And Profit
If you were the funny guy in school, or your pals have been telling you all your life that you crack them up, then perhaps a career in stand-up comedy is something to consider. A easy way to get started is to check out other stand up comedians performing their routine, live, if that's possible. If you can't, DVDs are a good way to get the good idea of what's you're going to be looking forward to. Not only do you have to be funny, but you should have a proper stand up routine down-pat and ready to perform. You don't want to be thought of by others as the guy who couldn't remember his own jokes. Watch the way the other comedians carry themselves. Each one has a different routine and image, and you'll want to come up with an image that is uniquely yours, not copied from another individual. You can pick up a ton of pointers by watching their mannerisms, how they ineract with the audience, how they keep the audience laughing, and so on.
Write a series of bits that lasts at least 5 minutes. The jokes should all be original unless you're doing impressions. Try your jokes on some family and friends, but think about this: people who like you may not be as honest with you as you need them to be. Pick a few members of the family who don't laugh easily and see if you get a laugh out of them. Don't get your feelings hurt if people don't think your bits are funny, just be prepared to make changes to improve the act.
When you think you have your bit completely memorized and you feel comfortable in front of crowds, try to book yourself at a comedy club when they're having amateur night. Many of these clubs feature amateur comedians regularly and this is a easy way for others to see your talents. Don't expect everything to go off with no problem. Some things former stand-up comedians fess up to include stuttering or drawing a blank on their opening, tripping when coming on, bumping the microphone, or giggling uncontrollably during the set. More than a couple of comics have even gotten frustrated and left the stage. Don't let this happen to you, and the best way to prevent freezing up onstage is to rehearse until you can do it without thinking.
During the amateur show, watch the people watching. Take note to what jokes seem to be liked and which jokes go over their heads. Your audience is the best gauge of if if you're funny. Later, drop routines that didn't get big laughs and change them with new jokes, or cut and prune until the routine is much funnier. Learn to adjust your bit to diverse audiences. A room full of geriatrics might not understand the same jokes as a room full of teenagers. Have an idea of who your audience is before you perform and gear the jokes towards that particular crowd.
Learn to deal with hecklers in the audience. Not everyone will think you're hysterical, and at times there will be a big mouth who's had too much to drink and makes some nasty remarks about your stand up. Let it roll off of you, ignore him or laugh back at the person, but don't lose your temper, call him names or get personal. Your vocation will go nowhere quick if you earn a reputation for beating up the crowd!
Most comedy places serve alcohol and many comedians have started out in an attempt to get in to stand up comedy, but ended up only becoming a regular patron at the bar. You're not at the club to socialize, you're there to work your routine. Avoid drinking duringperformance nights or keep your alcohol intake to a minimum while working.
Even if you're not discovered by an agent to be the next George Carlin, you can still have a great career in stand up comedy. After performing a few times at amateur mic nights, try to book yourself at local bars, clubs, festivals and other gigs. Many big stars began as stand-up performers - the next one could very well be you! Learn stand up comedy now!
