How To Become A Comedian?

Question

I Want To Work In The Comedy Business As Anything, Be It Script Writer/Advisor, Performer, Stand-Up, Etc., But I Don't Know How To Go About It!
Are There Any Courses (University/College/Learn Direct/Open University/Etc) I Could Take, So As To Put On CV, For Example?
OR
Should I Dive Straight Into The Deep End, And Start As Stand-Up, And If So....Where To Start? And How Do I Go About Asking For A Spot On A Lineup(EG: In A Seedy Club, Local Pub, High Class Venue, Or Straight To The Fringe Festival?)

(SOZ IF THAT WAS TOO LONG FOR YA! LOL THAT'S ALWAYS MY PROBLEM!)

(NOT ONE OF MY BETTER JOKES!)

Thanks!!!
:D

Answer 1

First; keep writing, always keep writing no matter what you're doing.

Stand up is a good place to start. Most comics got their beginnings in stand up. A lot of clubs will have amateur nights. Give them calls and find out if they do. Get about thirty minutes of material though you'll probably only get about ten minutes on stage, you'll only use the best stuff and may forget your act when in front of an audience and you need stuff to fall back on.

The clubs that allow amateurs are smaller. You won't want to work a huge, nationally known club to begin with. Start out small and when you get a feel for it start looking for shows at community groups, local award shows, etc. You'd be surprised how much work is out there.

There are classes available though most can only be found in the major comedy cities (LA, Chicago, NY and Boston). Check your alternative newspaper to see if there is one near you.

I've done shows before and though I've never taken a class, someone gave me a book (Stand-Up Comedy: The Book by Judy Carter) that helped me work on my act. It helps you develop your humor better.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Its not too long, I hate people that don't actually explain what, and why they are asking a question. It makes answering it a lot harder.

I don't know if there are courses in comedy stuff exactly. But there are courses on producing, script writing, etc. All things that are directed at the entertainment industry, not just specifically comedy.

If I were you, I'd get a couple (at least) of sets together and take them to your local Joungleurs or other comedy club and see if they will give you a gig. Or you could try building a bit of a cult fan base by doing small pubs first, then plead with them to turn up to a bigger gig.

Try to build up contacts, and even if you don't perform at the fringe, you must go. Get your face about, and see what other comedians are doing, and the reaction they are getting from that.

Answer 3

Ok, firstly, if you sort out your capitalisation your question will be a lot easier to read and understand.

Secondly, most comedians start stand-up comedy as a side thing, e.g. while at university. Have a look for your local comedy club as they very often have open mic nights. To be a script writer you generally have to have already written a script and then you contact people to try & get it made into a tv show.

Comedy isn't about qualifications - it's about being funny.

Answer 4

Many large colleges have improv troupes or acting classes. That can definitely help. As for the writing, take screenwriting classes perhaps. The focus (comedY) is probably your own, they don't usually have classes on each kind of screenwriting unless you are at a performing arts school.

Answer 5

Don't know where you live, but The Stand comedy clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow have a show called Red Raw, which they describe as "a weekly showcase for absolute beginners".

Check out their site at:

http://www.thestand.co.uk/shows.htm

Or just call 0131 558 7373 to book a spot!

Good luck!

Answer 6

You should do both. Take some courses and do stand up. Go to stand up. Watch stand up. Watch sit coms. Watch the news. Write write write.

If this is your passion, then make it become your obsession. It will increase your chances of becoming a comedian and writer.

Answer 7

Please honey sort out your capitals problem first!!!! At University of Kent as part of thier Degree course in Drama you can specialise in Stand up comedy, you havhe to do a certain amount of live stand up shows as part of your degree and you are encouragaed to write and perform your own material. have a look if that is your sort of thing

Answer 8

Don't give up the day job, if you have one that is. Go work where you meet lots of people, try out your comedy skills on joe public, see if you make them laugh, start at the bottom, work out a rapport with people. A lot of good "gagsters" started at work, if you can't make your work mates / customers laugh, forget it, they will be your toughest audience /test.

Answer 9

In addition to the write, write, write, right answers you already have, I would say try and get into street theatre. Its pretty easy to get into, and your material does not have to be too strong. The great thing is you get INSTANT feedback on your show. If people don't like it, they don't stop to watch, you will learn fast about timing, gag constructions and delivery.

Answer 10

if you want to start in comedy your best to shot is at some open mike night at a comedy club. if you try it a few times and dont get any chuckles try your hand in writing. try to get an internship some where. hope i can help.