Everybody is a comedian. Well, at least they either think they are or want to be. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably thinking of making a go at standup comedy. If that’s the case, there are a few things you’re going to want to know before you begin. Comedy is no laughing matter and a lousy routine won’t bring any laughter…just a lot of boos and hisses.
At the top of my list is know your audience. I don’t care how good a routine is. Not all routines are right for all audiences. For example, if you’re planning on doing a standup routine that is mostly risqué material, you want to make sure that the audience is going to be receptive to it. A room full of nuns may not take too kindly to you making jokes about the sister who…well never mind…you know what I mean. Okay, know you’re audience.
Make sure your jokes are not dated. This will happen quite often when standup comics do routines on current events or politics. A joke about Nixon today probably won’t go over very well…especially if your audience is under the age of 30. You want to come up with the most relevant material to the period as possible. Naturally, this isn’t a problem if you go with more generic material.
Whatever routine you DO come up with, don’t do it cold in front of a paying audience. First you want to do it in front of a mirror and see how you look. A lot of standup comedy is appearance. Sometimes just a funny expression can make people laugh. After you’ve done the act in front of a mirror and have it down cold, perform the routine in front of friends. Ask them to be honest about your performance. Some friends won’t have any trouble doing that.
I’ve been told that I’d be good at it. I have my own material that I use on people. I’m 16 and a Junior in high school. I’ll be going to college as a film major (directing), but my true dream is becoming a stand up comedian. Film director is just my backup plan.
Village Voice Scribe Michael Musto Heads to the Chatterbox Sept. 2
The weekly live talk show, which includes interviews and performances from Broadway stars, is held at 6 PM at the New York cabaret Don’t Tell Mama. There is a $10 donation and a two-drink minimum.
Backstage Report: Jane Lynch on the Run?! George Clooney Power Mad?!
Jane Lynch gave reporters the slip. George Clooney demanded respect. Tom Hanks dropped the F-bomb. Padma Lakshmi beat down the competition with her own bare purse. And Jim Parsons?…
US comedian Eddie Griffin destroyed a rare Ferrari when he crashed it into a barricade while promoting a movie. Griffin has appeared in a number of comedies including Undercover Brother, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and its sequel Date Movie.
Alex welcomes friend, Comedian, Doug Stanhope to the studio to discuss the topice of eugenics, which Doug says is not all that bad. Toward the end of the show alex makes an effort to turn Doug away from the Darkside of the force. www.dougstanhope.com www.infowars.com www.prisonplanet.tv www.prisonplanet.com
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