Comedy is something that is very important to me. As long as I wanted to be a radioman, I have also wanted to be a comic. Years ago, I did one open mic and then competed in the Funniest Person in Austin contest. As a now expert in Austin comedy, I learned a few things about the right way to perform on stage:
1) Tell jokes
This might seem a bit too simple (or even like a joke in itself) but comics often forget why people are in the seats. It is because they want to laugh! The stage is not your place to tell stories, life anecdotes, rants or go on any kind of negative tangent.
2) Dress for the occasion
You’re on stage not relaxing in the living room on a Sunday after church. If you have a decent suit wear that. If not, wear a collared shirt tucked into some slacks. Ladies should always wear a dress – just be sure you have stockings or something appropriate underneath.
3) Communicate!
Talk to your audience! Get to know them and appreciate feedback when and if they give it. Like it or not, these people are paying to be part of the show. Let them in and do not insult them. Participation makes for an exciting experience and an overall good night for the crowd. If you are lucky you might land a night with a fun bachelorette party, conference goers, or ticket winners in attendance.
4) Give it up for the soldiers
You’re on the stage telling jokes not in the trenches of Afghanistan. You should give the people who deserve proper adulation a little bit of your time. Ask the audience to give around of applause for America’s GIs. Then look around the room and see if you have any service men or women in the audience. Coordinate with the club and ask them if they would like to upgrade to some better seats. Buy them a round or two if you can afford it.
5) Throw a few to the back of the room
A lot of comedy clubs double as a hang out for fellow standups. These people are not your competition, they are your comrades! Ignoring their presence undermines the entire industry itself. Make sure you write and perform a good bit of material that is directed solely at your peers, who usually sit at the back of the room. Not doing so is seen as insulting.
6) This isn’t a frat party
Drinking on stage, smoking cigarettes or taking in marijuana is about as classless as it gets. You’re here to entertain not get wasted! People in the audience are looking up to you as a role model. Besides, no one can understand what you’re saying if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
My special:
https://youtu.be/tdrbhPRqAss
And now (for real) my five minutes of cringe comedy iron pyrite
https://youtu.be/6Oe3rNykACk
Courtesy of Voltaic Video
