Stand up comedy

[SHRED]

Is it a learned skill? Natural skill?
It seems like basically channeling angst and frustration into a form that makes people laugh.

I'd like to learn to think that way more.

[Orrex]

1. Ask a stand up comic

It is a full-time job, even if they only do a single one-hour set each week, and it takes years of dedication to master the craft.

Like most art forms, the customer-facing aspect is really the smallest part of it.

I'm sure that there are some who can step onto the stage and unload a million-dollar performance with no preparation. I'm also sure that there are people who can peel themselves off of their couches and run a three-minute mile on the first attempt.


The skill that you're talking about, though, is rather different. You don't seem to want to become a performer, but rather to learn to handle "angst and frustration" in a more positive way.

Well, the bad news is that this also can take years to master. The good news is, well, what other choice do you have?



Good luck!

[Dave Starsky]

2. Ah, but the key to good stand-up is not what you say...

But how you say it.

You have to be a great storyteller who uses vocal inflections, timing, facial expressions, and all of the other tools that go with that. THAT is where the real artistry and talent come in. And like any other art, that is what takes years to develop.

Think of every great comedian you've ever truly appreciated. You don't remember the jokes they told as much as you remember how they behaved in general.

[SHRED]

3. Great great point

Most I've seen do express physically what they are saying.

I recently saw Larry "Bubbles" Brown and he's an exception but his whole schtick is dark humor

[Dave Starsky]

7. Dave Chapelle could read a page out of the phone book...

And I would laugh my ass off. His voice and facial expressions are just funny in and of themselves.

[True Dough]

5. True dat!

It's also about using the techniques you mentioned to build toward the set up, leading people in one direction and then throwing them with an outlandish, humorous twist.

[Binkie The Clown]

4. Once saw a guy roll out on stage in a wheel chair and say

"everyone laughed when I said I wanted to be a stand up comedian."

This was 20 or 30 years ago in NYC, and I don't recall his name, but he was the funniest sit down comedian I ever saw.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

6. Good stand up comedians are great writers

They know how to build up to a joke. They know how to set up jokes that are way down the line.

Yes, some of it is the delivery and patter with the audience (I go to a local comedy club and you can tell pretty early quickly if they have the right delivery that makes it seem natural). But that is not something that you just "have." It takes a lot of development to figure out what works for you and perfect it.

It becomes obvious when someone thinks it is an art that doesn't take any work.

[Leith]

9. They Are Also Excellent Dramatic Actors

Examples are:
Steve Martin - if I told you that if his falling down and peeing his pants would make you want to cry, you better believe it. Watch Grand Canyon.
Robin Williams - what's so scary about a guy who works in a photo booth? Hah! Plenty!
Hugh Laurie - he got his start in sketch comedy. Look up Fry and Laurie on YouTube and prepare to giggle.
Howie Mandel - to this day, if I ever have to go to the emergency room, I want Dr. Fiscus on duty (St. Elsewhere).

A few others:
Marlon Wayans
Seth Rogan'
John Leguizamo
Jerry Lewis
Peter Sellers
Whoopi Goldberg
Jamie Foxx

[Cuthbert Allgood]

10. Absolutely agree

They have to create a character that is solid. I am amazed when people get mad at the character thinking that is how the comedian is.

I need to watch Grand Canyon again. Thank you for reminding me of that fantastic film. Steve Martin is so multi-talented it is awe inspiring. His banjo playing is wicked.

I loved Hugh Laurie in Black Adder long before he was House.

[red dog 1]

8. I don't know if it's a learned or natural skill, all I know is which comedians make me laugh,

and which comedians don't.

Examples:
George Carlin, Don Rickles, Jonathan Winters, Stiller & Meara, Robert Klein, Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, Gilbert Gottfried, Sarah Silverman, David Brenner, and Jim Gaffigan all make me laugh.

On the other hand, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry the Cable Guy, David Steinberg, Billy Connelly, and Carrot Top do not make me laugh.