TALKING FUNNY

Thoughts Regarding Stand-Up Comedy

OPEN MICS

Let's talk about the comedy elephant in the room - open mics. For some comedians this is the holy grail of comedy. A "must have" and even a "rite of passage." Some proclaim, "the only way to have a successful comedy scene is to offer open mics!" And, if the mic in question is healthy, then that is certainly partially true. (I say "partially" because we also need to create shows and showcases with seasoned comedians.)

For now, let's focus on mics.

BAD MICS
I say "bad" because that is the most generic, all-encompassing word I can think of. While it's fun for comedians to hang out and test material, some open mics are simply a waste of time. What causes this?
- lack of venue support
- audiences don't understand the concept
- bad sound and/or lighting
- poorly run due to fear of appearing rigid or exclusive
- very low audience numbers
- weak promotion
- diminishing morale of comics
I propose that unhealthy open mics are not good for a comedy scene and can actually harm the overall vision for and growth of comedy. But there is a remedy!

GOOD MICS
A healthy mic grows a comedy scene. Always. So, what does a healthy mic look like?

1. PURPOSE: We must focus on entertaining the audience. Bring a solid 5 -7-minute set that has at least 50% tested, laughable jokes. Funny shows get noticed and bring audiences!

2. VISION: This is huge! Find a partner venue. They must be on board with a "comedy night." They agree to shut down all distractions for the duration of the mic. They help promote. If all they do is allow you to set up a mic in the corner of the room as an "added element" that will not work. Comedy is a focused art form. Also, decide upfront with the venue the flavor or content of the mic. Let the venue guide you on this. They know their clients. You are not the caretaker of free speech and a business has the right to enforce parameters. If they want extreme filth, deliver. If they want family-friendly, deliver. Your job is to make them succeed so you (and the mic) can succeed.

3. EDUCATE: We need to help teach audiences the purpose of a mic. It needs to be a dual impact: A testing ground AND a show. The best mics offer a seasoned comic as the closer (10-15 minutes) with new content up front and a skilled host. "After the appetizers enjoy the meal." You inform and promote this.

4. PROMOTION: A joint effort by venue, producer, and comics. Successful mics are a cooperative effort. Create flyers, posters, FB events, etc. Heavily encourage comics to be excited about the mic and invite friends.

5. CONSISTENCY: Don't give up too soon. Mics take time. A bad mic will die and most of the time this is not because comics don't care. Very few comedians are eager to drive, park, order food and perform for 2 bar customers who are angry we are disrupting their social fun. This is where venue support is vital.

6. PAY: This can be a tip jar on free shows, or a cover charge, even a sponsor (to help pay your headliner). Comics bring value and should be paid whenever possible.

THE “COMEDY GATEWAY”
Open mics, when healthy, are a fantastic, necessary gateway into your comedy scene. (And deadly when not healthy!) If you are truly passionate about growing a comedy scene then decide to be a visionary team player. Help create a healthy mic (or 3!). Build a show that comics and audiences want to enjoy.