How to get into standing comedy because you’re a punishments glutton

Do people constantly tell you how funny you are? Do you always have the perfect joke in every situation, but no one to tell it to? Have you always thought may be you should try standing? Well, you probably also know this stand-at the top comedy is a notoriously difficult business to penetrate—but he can be finished. Here are some points to remember if you’ve ever wanted to give it a shot.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time on preparation

Obviously you’ll want to start doing open mic parties at local venues, but even if you do get a spot, you’re going to devote many more time for prepare and plan than you actually are on the scene.

“It takes a lot longer than people think,” said Eitan Levine, a 32-year-old comic book in New York. “The writing, the mics and the number of daily trips to ‘stuff’ are insane. “

Long bBefore embarking on stand-up, which led to his writing and directing videos for brands and YouTube channels, his current first gig, Levine began keeping a joke journal as a child. You’ll be spending a lot of time writing and rewriting jokes, so you better have a journal too.

Interact with the comedy community

Of course, ta stand-up community is funny—but it is also Serious business. You have to be ready and willing to network. The hardest part of getting to your feet Levine said, is “literally just browsing the community”.

“Navigating open mic schedules and making registrations work requires maps and Google docs,” he joked. “Sometimes all it takes is showing their face on shows you’re not in and someone will recognize you and maybe book you in a few months. Knowing the gatekeepers and who you have a real chance of getting something from is a whole other part. “

Kelsey Caine, a 29-year-old New York comic who founded the Two Scoops Network, pointed out that it’s considerably harder to enter the stand-up world if you’re not a straight white man.

She said sexism is the most unexpected challenge she’s faced while trying to book shows and rise in the comedy ranks. She also quoted what she calls “the sex offender thing,” adding sarcastically, “So many sex offenders do stand-up comedy. It almost sounds like stand-up comedy is an environment that allows sex offenders to joke about assaulting people as a tactic to distract from how they actually assault people.

Caine is right here. Comedy, like many other industries, has been rocked by accusations of sexual violence misconduct in recent years. Comedian Bill Cosby was even convicted of assault and jailed, alalthough his prison sentence was thrown and his conviction was overturned earlier this year.

Be aware that everyone’s sense of humor is different and you will almost certainly be exposed to jokes that offend or disgust you, but you don’t have to stay in situations where you are uncomfortable. even if staying or feigning nonchalance seems to be the only way to move forward.

You can also find your clean community. Yes, the world of comedy can be insular and guarded by powerful characters, but times are changing! You can and should research your own community where you can learn, grow, collaborate, and laugh.

“Go to an open mic … find a place to do comedy that is inclusive, otherwise it will eat your soul, “ said Cain.

If you like it, don’t give up

Even the biggest comic book bombs in the world sometimes. It’s part of the process. Don’t give up on this dream because of a bad show or two (or 20).

“I think people also don’t realize how many shows you do that really suck even after you’ve ‘done’ them,” Levine said. “Moreover, the concept of ‘doing’ does not not exist – it just changes meaning every six months. You gotta really, really really like that stuff to stay motivated to do it long enough to see “returns” (which are in quotes because it’s more than financial returns). The amount of effort to have small victories in this world is insane. “

Show up to shows. Take notes on other sets. To make friends. Then fight your way through space no matter what, and write jokes about what you’ve learned.