Anyone can try their hand at doing comedy, but being a comedian takes perseverance, hard work, and—let’s not forget—a consistent ability to make people laugh. This article lists helpful advice on becoming a comedian, starting with tips on developing your comedic style and stage persona, moving on to pointers on coming up with great jokes, and finishing with guidance on getting comedy gigs. With a little luck and lots of laughs, you may be able to turn telling jokes into a career!
Tips for Being a Comedian
Take improv classes to develop your comedic timing, and study the jokes and stage presence of comedians you admire. Start trying to make people laugh in everyday situations and get comfortable being in front of a crowd. Perform at open mic nights to practice and network with other comedians.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat's the easiest way to review my open mic sets if the venue doesn't allow recording?Kendall Payne is a Writer, Director, and Stand-up Comedian based in Brooklyn, New York. Kendall specializes in directing, writing, and producing comedic short films. Her films have screened at Indie Short Fest, Brooklyn Comedy Collective, Channel 101 NY, and 8 Ball TV. She has also written and directed content for the Netflix is a Joke social channels and has written marketing scripts for Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Astronomy Club, Wine Country, Bash Brothers, Stand Up Specials and more. Kendall runs an IRL internet comedy show at Caveat called Extremely Online, and a comedy show for @ssholes called Sugarp!ss at Easy Lover. She studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and at New York University (NYU) Tisch in the TV Writing Certificate Program.Every comedian I know uses a recording app on their phone. They just turn it on before they get on stage, and then they put the phone in their pocket to record their set.
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QuestionWhat's the best way to practice my standup?Kendall Payne is a Writer, Director, and Stand-up Comedian based in Brooklyn, New York. Kendall specializes in directing, writing, and producing comedic short films. Her films have screened at Indie Short Fest, Brooklyn Comedy Collective, Channel 101 NY, and 8 Ball TV. She has also written and directed content for the Netflix is a Joke social channels and has written marketing scripts for Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Astronomy Club, Wine Country, Bash Brothers, Stand Up Specials and more. Kendall runs an IRL internet comedy show at Caveat called Extremely Online, and a comedy show for @ssholes called Sugarp!ss at Easy Lover. She studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and at New York University (NYU) Tisch in the TV Writing Certificate Program.There's really no replacement for the open mic. It's the tried-and-true option for comedians who want practice telling jokes to a live audience..
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QuestionCan watching comedy movies help me to improve?Community AnswerDefinitely. This is a great way to see the way some of the top professionals express humor.
Tips
- Always maintain professional relationships with club owners and other comedians so you don’t lose any opportunities to perform.Thanks
- Have twice the number of jokes you think you need for a set just in case you accidentally rush through them.Thanks
Warnings
- There will be many times when audiences don’t laugh or think that you’re funny. Know that each performance will be different and don’t dwell on nights that don’t go as expected.Thanks
- Never plagiarize or steal material from another comedian, or else you won’t get booked to perform.Thanks
- Don’t interact with people that try to heckle or interrupt you during your set.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/19/3-improv-comedy-skills-that-can-help-you-get-ahead-at-work.html
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/oct/04/learning-laughter-an-experts-guide-on-how-to-master-standup-comedy
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/oct/04/learning-laughter-an-experts-guide-on-how-to-master-standup-comedy
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_improve_your_sense_of_humor
- ↑ https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/treatment/conquering-stage-fright
- ↑ Kendall Payne. Standup Comedian. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.indiewire.com/2015/11/top-new-york-comedy-writers-tell-how-to-start-and-sustain-a-career-in-comedy-52182/
- ↑ http://www.goldcomedy.com/resources/5-ways-discover-comedy-persona/
- ↑ http://www.goldcomedy.com/resources/write-stand-up-comedy/
- ↑ http://www.goldcomedy.com/resources/comedy-writing-exercises/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/itWxXyCfW5s?t=231
- ↑ http://www.goldcomedy.com/resources/put-together-five-minute-set/
- ↑ http://www.goldcomedy.com/resources/put-together-five-minute-set/
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2017/04/10/jim-gaffigan-you-have-to-constantly-practice-to-be-a-good-standup-comedian/?sh=72cd7bee203a
- ↑ https://youtu.be/itWxXyCfW5s?t=198
- ↑ Kendall Payne. Standup Comedian. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/01/the-beginners-guide-to-becoming-a-stand-up-comedia.html
- ↑ https://www.schooloflaughs.com/get-work-comedy-club-part-one/
About This Article
To be a comedian, practice writing jokes every day so you get better and have lots of material to work with. When you write jokes, always start with a good set up to intrigue your audience. Then, deliver a punchline with a twist to make them laugh. For example, your set up could be "It's hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs" and then the punchline could be "because they always take things literally." If you're struggling for material, try reading up on current events or getting out of the house to find inspiration. To learn how to do stand up, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
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