Stand up comedy is probably the most difficult form of performance, and nowhere was this more apparent than at an open mic night that Red and I attended last night. These “comics” were just painfully, piteously, awfully bad. So bad that it inspired me to come up with a list of subjects and pratfalls to avoid should any of our readers consider attempting stand up comedy in the future. Take this advice – please!
- The word “vagina” is not inherently funny. Not that there aren’t some good vagina jokes out there, but the word is not a joke unto itself. Now flugelhorn, that’s a funny word.
- The word “vagina” is not inherently funny. Not that there aren’t some good vagina jokes out there, but the word is not a joke unto itself. Now flugelhorn, that’s a funny word.
- When in doubt, don’t just swear. All it does is prove that you were in doubt.
-There is very little that can be said about Vegas without sounding like you’re ripping of Swingers or The Hangover. Unless you have a truly original Vegas story, leave that stuff at home.
- Homer Simpson is never wrong: Things are funny because they’re true. If you’re making a joke out of a situation, it’ll only work if it’s real. So make sure the situation your portraying isn’t full of plot holes.
- Women aren’t the enemy. It’s disappointing that so many male comedians still think tearing down the fairer sex makes for good material. Look to guys like Louis C.K. for more interesting (and funnier) takes on male/female relationships.
- If you’re bombing, exit gracefully. Every (and I mean every) comedian has bombed at some point in his or her career. You learn from it and move on. But while it’s happening, don’t insult the audience, and get your unfunny ass off the stage ASAP. The odds of the situation improving are about as good as your odds of scoring with any ladies in attendance after your whole act revolved around them being simpering morons.
