While there may be millions of stories about stand up comedy and how people have broken thru from open micer to headliner. There are some tried and true ways to do so. In this post, you’ll find competitive edges in stand up comedy. Comedians know that the comedy scene is a tough world. Logically, jokes that were hilarious in the past years may not be funny or even entertaining these days. Aside from the changing and evolving preferences of the audience when it comes to humor, there just are too many other factors to consider.
There are more sources of entertainment these days. To begin with, there are more than 200 cable television stations to choose from. Television is full of many standup comedians, who dominate the screen during almost all important times of the day. So how could you learn how to become an effective standup comedian and survive the already intense competition? You should realize that being a competitive standup comedian is not just all about talent. If every comedian is using the same route to get ahead how do you break out of the pack and give yourself top competitive edges in stand up comedy?
Here are The Top 5 Competitive Edges In Stand Up Comedy:
Competitive Edge In Stand Up Comedy #1
First, determine the competition in your scene. That would entail doing some ample and relevant research about the current market for standup comedians. Look up headliner-level comedians as idols and inspirations. At the same time, consider them as your potential fiercest rivals. These comedians are creme de le creme. As a starter, you could learn so much from watching seasoned standup comedians along with up-and-comers in your local scene. Make it your goal to equal and eventually outpace them. This is the biggest way stand up comedians can get a competitive edge.
Competitive Edge In Stand Up Comedy #2
Second, regularly visit your local comedy clubs, venues, and open mics. There, you could watch your potential immediate competitors. You could learn from them as well. As you aim to be competitive, realize that to be as good as the current standup comedians, you have to work hard, if not harder, than those guys. As a tip, always focus on your material and on how you could deliver it tight and funny. Seeing what you are up against and what topics are over-talked about is a huge way stand up comedians can get a competitive edge.
Competitive Edge In Stand Up Comedy #1
Third, take formal standup, writing, improv, or comedy class. To learn standup comedy, one has to truly learn the art of effective writing and performance. It is hard to learn those abilities alone so classes help you to hone your writing and performing skills with feedback from an instructor and classmates. While the comedy community is not in agreement about comedy classes most formal classes for standup comedy intend to teach students how to write a joke and perform it on stage. Too many comedians think that a class is unnecessary or a waste of time but you will see that even one class will give you as a stand up comedian a competitive edge.
Competitive Edge In Stand Up Comedy #4
Fourth, seek a mentor for yourself. Make sure that your mentor is not just looking for lucrative opportunities or for an assistant but, wants to help you become a better standup comedian as well as a person. Expect a mentor to be as brutally honest as possible. Thus, to be constantly effective, be sure to rehearse on time and regularly with the mentor around (for constructive criticism) so you are better able to deliver jokes and punchlines effectively. Having a pro look out for you and guide you is a big competitive edge in stand up comedy.
Competitive Edge In Stand Up Comedy #5
Lastly, as you learn standup comedy, try to develop the right attitude so that you can truly make it in the business. Believe in your talent and set aside any form of sensitivity. The audience may boo and dislike you at times. But you should learn how to get used to it so you can do what you have to do and hopefully want to do… make people laugh and make money. Having the right attitude is by far the best competitive edge in stand up comedy you can have.
The road to becoming a professional comedian is not easy but with these small tasks to guide you, you will find that the road is made easier through practice, education, feedback, and work. With the tips above you can go from open mic comedian to working comedian in a few short years.