How to Write Stand Up Comedy

If you're the funny guy in the office or you were the class clown back in school, you may be thinking about trying out stand up comedy. Before you sign that big sitcom deal, you're going to have to write an "act." Use these tips to find your voice, and you may just be the next Jerry Seinfeld.

Things You'll Need

• Lined notebook
• Pocket-sized notebook

Instructions

1. Get a lined notebook (8 1/2 by 11 inches or smaller) and use it to write out your first bits. Do you have an odd hobby that no one knows about? Do you have a funny pet name for your wife? Is there something in the news that really gets on your nerves, or a story you always tell at parties? Sit down and start writing these "bits."

2. Go to a comedy club and watch a professional stand up comedian. Notice how a dry comedian delivers his material and observe how a high-energy comedian gets into her bits. If you meet other new comedians at the show, be sure to ask them where the open mics are in town.

3. Write some more material. Look for comedy in your physical traits. Do you have a longer than usual neck? Maybe you look like the love child of two celebrities. Beat the audience to the punch, and you'll have them rolling in the aisles.

4. Work on setups. These are the premises for your jokes. If you want to write a joke about how your boss annoys you, your setup line could be something as simple as "My boss always spits when he talks," or, "My boss always takes the credit for my work." Write out a list of possible premises. Be sure to pick subjects you're genuinely passionate about.

5. Select one premise and write down your reactions to it. Look for a twist, or a new way of seeing the same subject. If your boss always spits on you when he talks, maybe your angle is that it saves you time in the morning since you don't have to shower. Don't censor yourself: Just write out your reactions to one premise.

6. Hit a stand up open mic. Be sure to take along your notebook in case you need it up on stage. Experiment with joke-telling styles and get on stage as often as possible.

7. Buy a small notebook and carry it around with you. Any time you've got an idea for a joke or make an amusing observation, write it down.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't steal jokes. Other comics will know, and they'll lose respect for you immediately.