From Zero to Stand-Up Hero: Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Stand-Up Comedy
So, you think you’re funny? You’ve been cracking jokes at family gatherings, making your friends laugh until they cry, and you’ve got that nagging feeling that maybe, just maybe, you could do this stand-up comedy thing. Well, you’re not alone! Stand-up comedy is a thrilling, challenging, and ultimately rewarding pursuit. But where do you even begin? This guide will walk you through every step, from nurturing your comedic voice to stepping confidently onto the stage for your first performance.
**Phase 1: Self-Discovery and Idea Generation**
Before you even think about open mics, you need to understand yourself as a comedian. This phase is all about introspection, observation, and finding your unique comedic perspective.
1. **Analyze Your Humor:** What makes *you* laugh? What kind of comedy do you enjoy watching? Are you drawn to observational humor like Jerry Seinfeld, absurdist comedy like Mitch Hedberg, political satire like John Oliver, or storytelling like Mike Birbiglia? Understanding your comedic preferences will help you identify your own natural comedic inclinations. Make a list of comedians you admire and analyze their style, delivery, and subject matter. Don’t copy them, but use them as inspiration to understand what resonates with you. Think about the comedians that you would spend money to go and see. Why? Is it the energy, or the charisma? Is it how they present a funny story in a way that is unique?
2. **Mine Your Life for Material:** Comedy is often born from truth. Start by examining your own life experiences, observations, and opinions. What are your pet peeves? What are the awkward or embarrassing moments you’ve experienced? What are your unique perspectives on everyday situations? Keep a journal and jot down anything that strikes you as potentially funny. Don’t censor yourself – just let the ideas flow. Even seemingly mundane observations can be spun into comedic gold. Use the “what if” to create the funny. A simple way of accomplishing this is by telling a story, and then after telling the story, asking yourself what would have made that funnier.
3. **Develop Your Voice:** Your comedic voice is your unique perspective and style of delivering jokes. It’s what sets you apart from other comedians. Finding your voice takes time and experimentation. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Think about your natural speaking style, your mannerisms, and your sense of humor. How can you amplify these qualities to create a distinctive comedic persona? If you have an accent lean into it. If you have some sort of way you deliver the lines that is distinct, then make sure to use it to the fullest.
4. **Embrace the Absurd:** Don’t be afraid to explore silly or nonsensical ideas. Sometimes the most unexpected and ridiculous concepts can lead to the funniest jokes. Challenge conventional thinking and look for the humor in the illogical. “What if animals could talk?” “What if we lived on Mars?” “What if socks disappeared in the dryer and went to a secret sock society?” These types of questions can trigger some unexpected ideas for jokes.
5. **Active Observation:** Become a keen observer of the world around you. Pay attention to the details of everyday life – the way people interact, the quirks of your neighborhood, the absurdities of modern society. Carry a notebook or use your phone to record funny observations as they occur. Listen to conversations, read the news, and watch documentaries – all these things can provide fodder for your comedy. Listen to news, and look for the absurdity of it. It is often said that truth is stranger than fiction, so you will find plenty of material in the world around you.
**Phase 2: Writing and Refining Your Jokes**
Now that you’ve got a collection of ideas, it’s time to transform them into actual jokes. This is where the craft of joke writing comes into play.
1. **The Setup-Punchline Formula:** The classic joke structure consists of a setup, which introduces the topic and sets the scene, and a punchline, which delivers the comedic payoff. The punchline should be unexpected, surprising, or contradictory to the setup. Think of your favorite jokes and analyze how they use this formula. The best way to write a joke is to set it up and then think about how you would finish it. Then write it down, and let it sit for a day or two. When you come back to it, you may find it funny or you may find it isn’s funny. If it is funny, then you may want to go and try it out. If not, you can refine it.
2. **Experiment with Different Joke Structures:** While the setup-punchline formula is a good starting point, don’t be afraid to experiment with other joke structures, such as one-liners, anecdotes, lists, and call-backs. One-liners are short, concise jokes that deliver a quick laugh. Anecdotes are longer stories that build up to a comedic climax. Lists can be used to highlight absurd comparisons or observations. Call-backs refer to a joke or topic that was mentioned earlier in your set, creating a sense of connection and continuity. A story that you told earlier might become more funny when you refer to it later.
3. **Write, Write, Write:** The key to becoming a good joke writer is to write consistently. Set aside time each day or week to write jokes, even if you don’t feel inspired. The more you write, the better you’ll become at identifying comedic opportunities and crafting effective punchlines. Don’t be afraid to write bad jokes – everyone does! The important thing is to keep writing and keep learning. Over time you will find that things will come more easily, and jokes will be easier to create.
4. **The Rule of Three:** This technique involves presenting two similar elements followed by a third, unexpected element that creates humor. For example: “I like my coffee black, my music loud, and my taxes… avoided.” The unexpected twist in the third element is what makes the joke funny. Some people like to use this to create a funny story, where the first two elements are real, and the third one is a punchline of sorts.
5. **Exaggeration and Understatement:** Exaggeration involves amplifying a particular aspect of a situation to create humor. Understatement involves downplaying a situation to create a humorous contrast. Both techniques can be effective in creating comedic tension and surprise. With exaggeration, the key is to go over the top, and be obviously over the top so people know it is just a joke. If you don’t go far enough with the exaggeration people might just think you are really talking about whatever you are exaggerating.
6. **Wordplay and Puns:** Puns and wordplay can be a fun way to add humor to your jokes. Look for opportunities to use words with multiple meanings or to create unexpected associations between words. However, be careful not to overuse puns, as they can become tiresome if not used sparingly. Think of funny words, and write them down. You may find yourself creating some puns without even trying.
7. **Rhyme:** Rhyme is like a pun, but with syllables. The rhyme can be humorous in and of itself, or it can be humorous based on the context that it is used in.
8. **Edit Ruthlessly:** Once you’ve written a batch of jokes, it’s time to edit them ruthlessly. Cut out any unnecessary words or phrases that don’t contribute to the humor. Make sure each joke has a clear setup and punchline. Be willing to scrap jokes that just aren’t working, no matter how much you like them. Some comedians say that the best way to get better at comedy is to throw out your worst jokes. This makes sense because it means that every time you are on stage you are bringing your best material. This is a skill that will be honed over time.
9. **Test Your Jokes:** The best way to know if a joke is funny is to test it out on an audience. Share your jokes with friends, family, or fellow comedians and see how they react. Pay attention to their facial expressions, body language, and laughter. Use their feedback to refine your jokes and identify what’s working and what’s not. Remember that not every joke will land, and that’s okay. Learn from your failures and keep experimenting. It is often a good idea to have a friend in the audience to get honest feedback afterwards.
**Phase 3: Crafting Your Stand-Up Set**
Once you have a solid collection of jokes, it’s time to start putting together your first stand-up set. A stand-up set is a curated collection of jokes that are arranged in a specific order to create a cohesive and entertaining performance.
1. **Start Strong:** Your opening joke is crucial. It needs to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your set. Choose a joke that is guaranteed to get a laugh and that reflects your comedic style. A funny story to start things off, can also get people on your side, and make them feel like they are going to be safe for the rest of your set. If you can get the audience on your side in the beginning, then they will tend to be more forgiving if you have any lulls in the rest of the performance.
2. **Variety is Key:** Mix up your material to keep the audience engaged. Alternate between different joke structures, topics, and delivery styles. Don’t just tell one-liners for five minutes straight – that can get boring quickly. Include personal anecdotes, observational humor, and topical jokes to create a well-rounded set. When things are going well, don’t be afraid to push the tempo up, so that you can include even more jokes. The general rule is that the more jokes you tell per minute, the more laughs you will get per minute.
3. **Build Momentum:** Arrange your jokes in an order that builds momentum throughout your set. Start with your strongest jokes and gradually work your way up to your funniest material. Save your best joke for last to leave the audience wanting more. Often a comedian will start with some standard material to get a feel for the audience. After this they may try some newer material. Then after that they may launch into their best jokes.
4. **Transitions Matter:** Pay attention to the transitions between your jokes. Don’t just abruptly jump from one joke to the next. Use segues or connecting phrases to create a smooth flow. You can also use callbacks to tie your jokes together and create a sense of continuity. If you are a good story teller, you can create a continuous story throughout the act. If this is done well, the audience may remember you for that story.
5. **Know Your Time:** Be aware of how long your set is supposed to be and stick to it. Don’t go over your allotted time, as this can be disrespectful to the other comedians and the audience. Practice your set beforehand to get a sense of how long it takes to perform. You can either remove a joke, or shorten some transitions if you find that you are too long.
6. **Tag, Tag, Tag!**: If a joke is landing well, don’t move on immediately. Add tags. What is a tag? A tag is a short addition to a joke or story to get even more laughs. The more tags you can add, the more the audience laughs. For example, if you tell a story about your dog, you can add tags that add humor to the story. Tags can come from the original story, or they can be off the cuff. Usually a comedian knows their jokes well enough that the tags come easily. Tags are how some comedians extend a 5 minute bit into a 10 minute bit. It also makes it more interesting, so the audience can continue to laugh.
7. **Have an Ending**: Ending on a punchline is a solid way to end the show. When you are nearing the end of your time, you can end the show at any point, but it is always good to have an ending. Having an ending lets the audience know that the show is over and that they can applaud. You don’t want to just end the show abruptly.
**Phase 4: Conquering the Stage**
Now comes the moment you’ve been working towards: performing your stand-up set in front of a live audience. This can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also incredibly exhilarating.
1. **Find an Open Mic:** Open mics are the lifeblood of stand-up comedy. They’re the places where aspiring comedians can test out their material, hone their skills, and connect with other comedians. Search online for open mics in your area and sign up for a slot. Be prepared to wait your turn, as open mics can be crowded. If you can’t find an open mic, then you might want to consider creating your own. If you do create your own, make sure it is in a place that allows for jokes. Churches and schools are not good venues.
2. **Practice, Practice, Practice:** The more you practice your set, the more comfortable you’ll feel on stage. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or perform for friends and family. Pay attention to your delivery, timing, and stage presence. Practice makes perfect! This doesn’t just mean practising telling the jokes. You also want to be able to deliver them naturally, without looking at notes. You also want to be able to improvise and add tags if things are going well.
3. **Embrace the Nerves:** It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before performing. In fact, a little bit of nervousness can actually be a good thing, as it can help you stay focused and energized. However, if your nerves are overwhelming, try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. It also helps to know that everyone is nervous at their first open mic. The person who runs the open mic may not seem nervous because they have done it many times before, but they were nervous for their first time just like you.
4. **Command the Stage:** When you step onto the stage, own it! Project confidence, make eye contact with the audience, and use your body language to enhance your performance. Don’t be afraid to move around the stage, but avoid pacing or fidgeting. If you can’t think of where to put your hands, then just put them at your side. It is better to just have them there, rather than constantly fidgeting with them.
5. **Connect with the Audience:** Stand-up comedy is all about connecting with the audience. Be yourself, be authentic, and let your personality shine through. Talk to the audience like you’re talking to friends. Make eye contact, listen to their reactions, and respond to their energy. If someone heckles you, don’t get angry or defensive. Instead, try to respond with a witty retort or a self-deprecating joke. A heckler is someone who interrupts the show with uninvited commentary. The audience may not agree with the heckler, and they may actually be on your side, so use that to your advantage.
6. **Listen and Adapt:** Pay attention to how the audience is reacting to your jokes and adapt your set accordingly. If a joke isn’t landing, don’t force it. Move on to the next joke. If a joke is getting a huge laugh, milk it for all it’s worth. Be flexible and willing to adjust your set on the fly. A lot of learning comes from listening to the audience. They are always telling you whether something is funny, and you can use that to hone your craft.
7. **Record Your Sets:** Recording your sets is a valuable way to analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement. Watch the recordings and pay attention to your delivery, timing, and stage presence. You can also use the recordings to identify which jokes are working and which ones aren’t. Most phones have a voice recorder that you can use. Or if you want to record video, you can prop up your phone and start recording.
8. **Don’t Give Up:** Stand-up comedy is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, dedication, and perseverance to become a successful comedian. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t kill it every time you’re on stage. Learn from your mistakes, keep writing, and keep performing. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. If you can, try to get feedback from other comedians. They have likely been through what you are going through, and they can give valuable advice.
**Phase 5: Continuous Improvement and Networking**
The journey of a comedian is one of continuous learning and growth. Never stop honing your craft, seeking out new opportunities, and connecting with other comedians.
1. **Take Classes:** Consider taking a stand-up comedy class. A good class can provide you with valuable instruction, feedback, and networking opportunities. Look for classes taught by experienced comedians or comedy instructors. Even if you think you already know everything, you may learn something new that can help you.
2. **Watch Comedy:** Immerse yourself in the world of comedy. Watch stand-up specials, listen to comedy podcasts, and read comedy books. Pay attention to the techniques and styles of different comedians. This can also give you ideas for jokes.
3. **Network with Other Comedians:** The comedy community is a supportive and collaborative one. Attend open mics, comedy shows, and comedy festivals to meet other comedians. Exchange ideas, share experiences, and offer each other feedback. If you can, find a mentor. A mentor is someone who is further along in their comedy career who can give you advice and guidance.
4. **Create Your Own Opportunities:** Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – create them yourself. Start your own comedy night, produce your own web series, or write your own comedy blog. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to get noticed. If you create your own show, you have control over the lineup, the venue, and the marketing. This can be a great way to showcase your talent and build a following.
5. **Build an Online Presence:** In today’s digital age, it’s essential to have an online presence as a comedian. Create a website or blog to showcase your jokes, videos, and upcoming performances. Use social media to connect with fans and promote your work. A strong online presence can help you reach a wider audience and attract the attention of comedy industry professionals.
6. **Stay True to Yourself:** As you grow as a comedian, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your comedic vision. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or to conform to someone else’s expectations. Be authentic, be original, and let your unique personality shine through. That is what will ultimately set you apart and make you a successful comedian.
**The Rewards**
The road to stand-up comedy success isn’t easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a thick skin. But the rewards can be immense. The feeling of making an audience laugh, of connecting with people through humor, is unlike anything else. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one headlining your own comedy special! So, go out there, be funny, and chase your dreams!
Good luck, and remember to always be laughing!