man using mic

How to improve your standup comedy act

The best knowledge you can have as a comedian who is starting out is on stage.  The only way you can learn how to be funny is to acquire stage time. You have to stop waiting for the right time and just get out there immediately.  If you like to make people laugh, then utilize that as your motivation to get out there. As you use your stage time you will learn what works and what does not through a process referred to as trial and error. Yes you might fail but keep in mind that failing is the appropriate learning experience. You will not improve if you cannot perform in front of a live audience. Below are some tips on how to improve your stand up comedy act:

Practice performing anywhere there is a group of people

show

You require experience to improve your performance. Acquiring the experience may not be a process that is full of fun, but you need to put together a 20 to 25 minute show that you can get laughs from in a consistent manner night after night. Once you have that show that always works for you, yo will be able to begin getting paid for your work. However, until you get there you will still need to get the experience.

Open mike night

Restaurants, coffee houses, nightclubs and other places offer enough opportunities for beginners to perform a three to six minute comedy show. You will be able to make individuals laugh anywhere if you can do so at open mike nights.

You may not be treated fairly

Things are not going to be easy. You will probably be slotted early in the show before any person is there or late in the show after everyone has gone. There will be moments when you get lucky and have an audience, but they will most likely be other comedians waiting for their turn or drunks who do not pay you any attention. Whatever the case continue believing in yourself and the process.

Pay attention to your cues

man holding micA lot of times the club or coffee house will have a signal of some sort that enables you to know when it is time to get off the stage. Ensure that you pay attention to it. Be aware of where it is and how it works, and watch for it during your performance. You have about 30 seconds after your signal before they force you to leave the stage or you might be ordered never to come back.…

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