Dan Nainan - The Best Book On How To Become A Full Time Stand-up Comedian

Stand-up comedy is a profession devoted to the pursuit of humor. That said, it is a solitary endeavor: stand-up comedians perform alone before a crowd. While all stand-up comedians have their own type of humor, their own opinions about what is or is not funny, and their own strange idiosyncrasies, they all have two things in common: they fly solo and they like to make people laugh . The first and most important requirement for entering this grueling profession as a full-time performer being paid to tell jokes and stories to a live audience is to be funny.

There are many different types of comedy: from the improvisational acts found on shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? to the comedy clubs specializing in stand-up. The latter is especially flexible and can include anything from character comedy , like impersonations and imitations, to slapstick comedy , like over-the-top displays that exceed the boundaries of commo n sense. Theres physical comedy, black comedy, blue comedy , and even surreal comedy, which plays on absurdism and juxtaposition. Stand-up comics throughout history have utilized all these forms of humor and continue to do so today.

Sketches, sitcoms, improv troupes, spoofs, and satires are examples of other forms of comedic entertainment from outside the stand-up realm. They all involve multiple performers and focus more on storytelling. While the most successful stand-up comics often cross over into other forms of comedy, the stand-up realm focuses on the consistent and quick delivery of humorous one-liners, longer jokes, or anecdotes that comprise a monologue. Stand-up comedy is about making people laugh right away .

Stand-up comedy requires open communication with an audience. The act is fun for n either the comic nor the audience if no ones laughing. The stand-up comics job is, simply put, to stream a constant stream of hilarity out of his or her mouth until the audience members stomachs are sore from laughing. (And, of course, full after imbibing the required two drink minimum at most comedy clubs). But just as stand-up isnt the only form of comedy out there, being funny isnt the only requirement for becoming a stand-up comedian.

I used to play in bands. I had to rely on three other dudes with drug problems and girlfriend problems. Doing improv involves relying on a group of people, on other people being funny. I dont like to rely on other people. The greatest thing about stand-up is that whether you fail or succeed is completely up to you and does not depend on anybody else. Not to mention, its more lucrative when youre just one person. You dont have to split the income with anyone else. You go to New York, there are probably two places where you can see improv, and 15 major comedy clubs.

Most people have to have other careers, especially when theyre just getting started with stand-up. You cant just decide you want to be a stand-up comedian and start making money tomorrow. It isnt a lucrative living, and you have to work for years to make any living at all. Treat it as a hobby in the beginning and have another job until you are confident you can support yourself as a stand-up comedian.

Before television and radio, comics could spend years perfecting a single act. Stand-up comedy originated in British music halls in the late 19th century, where comedians acts were subject to censorship. They were forced to read exactly what they had planned after submitting their monologues to the chamberlain for editing.

Television and radio changed everything, increasing demand for material and getting rid of scripting and censorship requirements. Careers in comedy became more attractive. Today the most successful comedians can write for television and radio, make podcasts, have their own talk shows, and put their work on YouTube. But stand-up still remains one of the most respected forms of comedy.

Stand-up is a solo act: the comedian must depend only on him or herself. Of course, theres a big group of people in the audience who have to think youre funny, but the stand-up comedian is the sole writer and editor of material. They are the performer, producer, promoter, and technician all in one. The reward that comes from developing a rapport with the audience and keeping them laughing through an entire act is priceless.

When it comes to stand-up, there isnt as much structural pressure as there is in the production of a television show or a theatrical play. Stand-up is about getting immediate laughs . That being said, the best stand-up comedians are fully versed in the art of storytelling, and understand how to set up a story arc within a series of jokes, even if the audience isnt following specific plot. Stand-up is perfect for perfectionists: the best stand-up acts have been nursed and cared for edited and re-edited over time and constantly groomed until they are perfect.

While stand-up comedy may be demanding as an art form, its also very malleable. It can be a hobby or a full-time job, and its an avenue into other, more corporate careers. Many public speakers trained in stand-up comedy can make up to $25,000 per speech, and they arent even famous. They are simply well trained, articulate speakers who started as aspiring stand-up comedians.

1. Educate Yourself.

Going to as many comedy shows as you can, whether they be open mic nights, free local shows, or comedy shows at bigger, more established comedy clubs, is the first step to becoming a full-time stand-up comedian. There is no comedian you admire that didnt start out in the audience. Follow comedians you admire. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are great places to educate yourself about your favorite comedians. Twitter home to one-line witticisms is a haven for budding comedians and experienced comedians alike. Follow your favorites on Twitter to see what theyre talking about and what new material they are releasing, as well as what websites they follow and which fellow comedians they admire. Whenever youre in a new city, check out the comedy shows or clubs nearby. Absorb different forms of cultural humor whenever you can, and see what other people think is funny. If nothing else, youll learn something.

2. Take A Public Speaking Class .

Comedy is just a form of public speaking. To think outside the box, join your local Toastmasters International group for helpful tips on public speaking, and another community or people who could help forward your career. Visit http://www.toastmasters.org/ for details.

3. Take A Comedy Class .

Jerry Seinfeld once said Comedy is the hardest thing you can do. If you can do that you can do anything.Before I was a stand-up comedian,I was working as a senior engineer at Intel. My job was to travel around the world with the co-founder and design technical demonstrations to present on stage with them. The technical part is something I can do in my sleep being Indian and Japanese helps but the tough part was speaking on stage in front of thousands of people, sometimes millions on television. It was really, really terrifying to speak in front of people so I thought Id take a public speaking class to get over my stage fright. I joined the Intel Toastmasters club on campus. Although that helped a little bit, being in front of 12 other geeks at lunchtime just couldnt stimulate being in front of thousands of people. Taking a comedy class would scratch my urge to try to break into comedy and have the benefit of easing my fear of speaking on stage.