THE BASICS
WRITING A JOKE
A joke is, basically, a 2-step format: Set-Up and Punchline. I like to add that between those two bookends is what I call the “story” or the meat of the joke. This varies, of course, and it’s up to you to create the type of jokes you want.
FINDING MATERIAL
Become an observer of the world around you. Social and political issues, family, friends, co-workers. Everything is up for grabs when it comes to finding material for your jokes.
CHARACTERS
In most cases our jokes are personal, about us and/or our reflections. You can also add other characters to your jokes, like family members, friends, celebrities, and more.
POINT OF VIEW (POV)
I find that 1st person jokes (stories about us) seem to make a joke more connective with audiences. A 3rd person joke is fine but it tends to remove an element of connectivity. Experiment!
TENSE
is your joke past, present or future tense? Or a combination of two or three? Make a choice and go with it.
PERFORMING TECHNIQUES
We are PERFORMERS. We must learn HOW to perform. Here are some things to consider:
OWN the stage! The stage is your canvass. Use it as you feel comfortable. Move, stand, whatever. But OWN it.
THE MIC - always keep the mic to your mouth. ALWAYS! We need to HEAR you!
THE MIC STAND - typically two types: clutch or twist. Know the type on stage and use it with ease.
THE LIGHTS - Usually there are bright lights so we can see you. DON’T MENTION THIS! Just accept it and move on.
VENUE RULES - Most venues have room rules. Adhere to them (if you want to come back for another show!)
ATTIRE - In general, the darker the skin, the lighter the wardrobe and vice versa. This is especially true if you tend have a rubber face as part of your act. Decide how you want the audience to remember you - somewhat dressy? Casual? “The guy or gal next door?” You get to decide. Change things up and see what works for you. The most important thing is to feel comfortable no matter what you wear on stage.
Practice! Practice! Practice! Every moment on stage is your change to practice what will make your next set better.
RECORDING YOUR SETS
Get in the habit of recording your sets for review. This is very helpful! Discover your own areas needing improvement by filming your sets. Do you mumble? Do you meander the stage? Do you stand back too far? Do you keep pulling the mic away from your mouth? Recording your sets helps you discover your areas in need of help and also shows you areas where you do well so can celebrate!
FINDING YOUR AUDIENCE
This can be tricky but I see two possibilities and there are slight differences between the two:
You do what you do and then build an audience to find you. (The focus is on your persona)
You seek out audiences and then give them what they want. (The focus is on the audience appeal)
SELF-PROMOTION
Get the word out! Don’t rely on comedy bookers to show up to your open mic!
Research comedy venues in or near your town and find out HOW to submit promo materials.
Create an effective 5-7-minute reel of your best set(s). Email this to bookers if requested.
Create a web presence with headshot, resume, reels, etc.
Create ads and memes to send to potential bookers.
Always have ways to be contacted whenever you perform! (cards, flyers, etc.)
Consider selling merch. Can be costly but whatever the item is make sure your contact info is present!
DON’T STEAL JOKES!
This should not need to be said but it happens. DO NOT STEAL JOKES from other comedians. Either in your comedy community or online. You will get found out and things will not go well for you. Just write great stuff. By the way, you may be the recipient of a stolen joke. If that happens, confront the guilty comedian and remind him/her the joke is yours. That usually halts it from continuing. Jerry Seinfeld was once asked what he does when someone steals one of his jokes. His answer: “I write another joke.” In other words, you are already creative at joke writing so get busy writing more jokes!
RESPECT THE INDUSTRY
There will always be other comedians who want to diss their fellow joke-tellers. It’s sad, but it happens. Don’t do it. Treat your fellow comedians with respect. Treat the industry with respect. Be known as an encourager of other comedians. If you have deep seeded competition issues, deal with them and don’t bring them into the green room!