Comedian
Be funny for the money as a comedian
While many people think they are funny enough to become a stand up comedian, it takes more than just a few good jokes to make it as a professional. You need to understand the basics of stage presence, learn to react to your audience and consistently write jokes that the general public will find entertaining. The road of a stand up comedian is a lot rougher than most people expect, but it is also usually a fun ride. Here are a few tips for anyone aspiring to be a comedian.
Train to be a Comedian
Not every stand up comedian in show business is a natural talent. Comedy classes are a great way to learn all of the complex concepts behind stage performance and timing. You will often get the opportunity to study different forms of comedy to experiment with the best fit for your personal style and humor. Most classes give you a chance to perform for the instructors as well as your peers, so you are able to refine and polish your act.
Choose the Right Style of Comedy for You
There are a number of different styles of comedy, including improvisation, musical comedy, television and movie acting. Think about your personal preference since you will probably be most inspired to write the kind of comedy you like. Too many beginning stand up comedians and comedy writers just jump into a career without considering the style of comedy they really enjoy performing. Choose a style early so you can devote yourself to learning and improving your craft. You can also diversify from the pack by mixing other talents in your act; a comic magician may get more work then the average comedian.
Perform as Much as Possible
The best way to improve your comedy routine is just to keep practicing it over and over again. Start off by practicing by yourself in front of a mirror until you sound smooth and comfortable. Then you can move on to performing for a few friends or family members to get their feedback. Make any suggested changes to your routine and practice it again until it sounds natural.
When you are ready to make your first appearance as a stand up comedian in front of an audience, check out your local comedy clubs or bars. Most of them will have an open mic night where you can get two or three minutes onstage to hone your routine. Some clubs will even have special nights for certain groups, like female comedians or minority comedians. You may even be able to make contacts in related industries to pursue other interests in singing or performing arts.
