How to Become a Stand Up Comic

Comedian Bryan Gutmann performs in Austin, Texax.

There are several keys to being a successful stand-up comic. Some can be taught; some cannot. Timing and delivery, or how to tell a joke and when to tell it, can be learned, even if through hours of practice. Likeability and attitude are two intangibles that are more difficult to attain. If an audience likes a performer, it gives him more leeway, and a comic must have the attitude that he is funny. This often separates headliners from their opening acts. There are basic steps to gaining that confidence.

Instructions

Early Steps

1. Write new material as often as possible. Have seven or eight minutes of material ready for a five-minute open mic spot. After reaching five consistently funny minutes, set to work on the next five, and the next five, until you have a full 45-minute act.

2. Get onstage as often as possible, whether at open mikes, showcases, talent shows, or benefits.

3. Watch comedians you like and comedians who are completely different from you. Learn what to do from good comics and what to avoid from bad ones.

4. Stay late at comedy clubs and hang out on your off nights. Making yourself known at a club may get you stage time, and the comics there are good for networking and comedy advice.

Advanced Steps

1. 

   Develop a character and point of view that is uniquely yours. Jay Leno says "I play himself exaggerated." Discover what an audience thinks is funny about you and exaggerate it. If they laugh at self-deprecation or cynicism, than be more self-deprecating or cynical. A general rule is that it takes 7 to 10 years to develop a stage persona.

2. Decide if you are going to make a living working the road or staying central to one city and trying to get on television. Contact those agents and comics meeting your goals.

3. Start with a headshot and business card. Once you have recorded a few good minutes of a performance, set up a web link to your video. Road comics will also need at least a 15-minute DVD of a longer performance to get work in comedy clubs. Develop a résumé of your comedy experiences and a bio about yourself to include in your press kit.

Tips & Warnings

• Everyone bombs. The thick-skinned are the ones who stay in comedy. Give a new joke at least three chances to work. If it doesn't work by then, toss it or rework it. If a new joke works, see if you can expand upon it by adding new lines or tying other jokes to it to create a full comedy bit.

References

• Standup 411

Resources

• College of Comedy Knowledge