How to become a stand up comedian?

Question

Where do you get your material from..is it just personal experience...and how do u know where to start?

Answer 1

Most of the comedians write their own material. They see life a little bit differently than most of us. They are usually the ones to make their friends laugh at work or parties and can dialog for long periods of time and just ad lib funny stuff.
Many comedy clubs have an armature night where locals can try out and get feed back from an audience. That would be a good place to go and just talk to real comedians in the business.

Answer 2

Howdy! I am a standup comedian. Obviously not a very good one because I'm sure you've never heard of me; but that's a different story. I got my start doing standup in 2002 while I was in college. There was a variety show called A Taste of Culture that showcased international and ethnic students. I was asked if I could do something for it, since I am Native American. I can't sing or dance in the traditional way so I opted to try standup. I had never done it before but I always wanted to try it. I had 2 weeks to write some material. Most of what I wrote was based on my being Arapaho. Many of those jokes I've kept and still use to this day.
What you need to learn to do is be observant all the time. Keep a notebook and pen handy at all times and/or a small tape recorder. Write down anything you see that you think is funny, unusual or that you might be able to make a joke out of. It doesn't have to be funny right away. Also, keep a notebook and pen next to your bed. I can't tell you the times I've thought of something funny and promised myself I would remember it in the morning. My memory is about as long as my.....well, it's pretty short; let's put it that way.
When you get some material written that you think is funny, perform it in front of your friends. Don't expect miracles. Rome wasn't burned in a night, you know. Try it out, take advice from your friends, tweek it and try it again. When you think you've got it down good enough for an audience, I would go to an open mic night somewhere. I don't know how old you are, but if you're over 21 go to a karaoke night and ask to do your stuff there. I've done it and it's not the ideal place, but when you're starting out it's about the best place you can get to practice. You might not get any laughs, you might get heckled but it's something every comedian has had to deal with so you might as well get used to it early. If you're not old enough to get into a bar, perhaps you can arrange to perform at a local coffee house...someplace where people go to socialize. If there is a comedy club in your area I would definitely go there, but only if you feel you are prepared. Rehearse your material well enough that you don't need note cards if you can.
Also, I would recommend buying a book called "The Comedy Bible" by Judy Carter. What I've told you here is a drop in the bucket compared to the good advice and instruction she gives in her book. Good luck and welcome to the Dark Side.

Answer 3

You must know how to connect with the crowd you are speaking to and most comedians use material from their everyday life. Some things can end up being funny depending on how you tell your story.

Answer 4

Many comedians started by going to Open mike night at comedy clubs.

Answer 5

Okay, first, you need to think up of some experiences you've had on life that were funny or that could be funny. Ask other people if they think that would be something funny to talk about. Then you "stretch the truth". Instead of just saying what happened to you, say more that could possibly be funnier.

Answer 6

you can get your materials everywhere. just open your eyes. then you can get exposure at www.rizingbandzradio.com. they provide exposure to indie artists and comedians as well.

Answer 7

First you need to study political science, just kidding, but you can use that one to get started..