VULGARITY
This is always a questionable subject because most comedians today believe you MUST be vulgar to be funny. This is simply not a fact about stand-up comedy. Like all things related to “stand up” a joke is only funny if it is, indeed, funny.
Here are my thoughts on the use of vulgarity…
FOCUS FIRST ON “FUNNY” NOT “FILTH”
Focus FIRST on how funny your joke is. If it truly NEEDS vulgarity to make it funny, then add it. In most cases, the use of vulgar content is simply the comedian’s preference.
Often times vulgar content brings laugher simply because it is TABOO. Pay attention to your audience. I have found that most bar shows, or certain comedy club venues, are fine with vulgar content. However, if your audience is not consistently laughing at your vulgar content, you might need to consider switching things up. While the use of excessive cussing is somewhat normal in today’s world, you will still find that drenching your set in over-the-top vulgar content may, over time, diminish the impact. Give yourself the freedom to tone it down as needed for greater impact.
Remember, less is more!
WORKING CLEAN
There are financial rewards in being able to work cleaner.
Most corporate gigs, for example, demand clean sets. HR is happier when they don’t need to face backlash for vulgar comedy content. This is not censorship, btw. This is a venue understanding their client base and wanting to deliver a show that will be embraced by the majority of their employees. You are being paid to deliver a favorable show.
Many cruise lines want you to have both a clean and adult set. Again, these gigs pay well so it’s wise to have a solid 45-60 set that is clean along with your 45-60 adult set. Just make sure BOTH sets deliver the funny. (By the way, always check ahead of time. There are cruise lines who only want cleaner sets - like PG-13, or mild R. Extreme vulgar will not be embraced and you will not work that particular line again.)
RULE OF THUMB: If a joke is not funny, adding vulgarity will not help it. Similarly an un-funny clean joke is just as deadly.