tell me about performing stand up comedy

**Requiem** · 10-27-2010 05:12 AM

i am trying to write but can't get the ball rolling

**ninja9578** · 10-28-2010 10:51 PM

Is this about performing or writing? I did it in college, and I have advice for both, which do you need?

**Replicon** · 10-30-2010 07:57 PM

I'd be interested in hearing both, Ninja. Do indulge us hehe. I want to get up there at some point. I've performed improv on a stage, and I've written some standup material a while ago, but never put the two together

**Requiem** · 10-31-2010 08:09 AM

both please

**ninja9578** · 10-31-2010 08:10 PM

Okay, well timing is just as important as the joke sometimes. Don't rush through your act, the funniest guys are the ones who take their time. Don't be dry and monotone, be sarcastic sounding. When writing material, you want to be sure that the audience doesn't expect the punchline, steer towards something and then make a hard left turn:

My father always resented me for being the way I am, turns out he lost a lot of money in the office pool when I came out... white

Prepare to be throw off your rhythm, imagine each possible scenario. Think of jokes that you can use to further the humor when throw off. Say you're talking about how bad a restaurant is in the city. Say someone walks out to the bathroom or the bar:

Ohhh, *weirdface* That's the owner right over there

Make your opener something that they will remember about you, it can be kinda pompous if you want:

Alright, lets hear it for all my opening acts

But, in lines with the 2nd paragraph, be prepared if you happen to be the first act.

Pot helps you write

But potheads do not help you critique

**Requiem** · 10-31-2010 09:48 PM

My main problem is writing at the moment. I'll have a few non-related jokes and when I try to write a bit around one....I realize I can go in a million different directions. How do you deal with that?

Dry and monotone can work. Check out Steven Wright. He has some good examples of misdirection as well.

"I've been getting into astronomy so I installed a skylight. People who live above me are furious."