This article concentrates on helping performers take the necessary steps towards professionalism and also helps comedians finding their “zone”. It applies to every kind of comedy; stand-up comedy, theatre and other performance arts where comedy is used.
I am a magician myself, but I perform magic mixed with comedy. I have been a professional performer for 15 years, so I have some understanding of what I’m talking about. Comedy is a universal language, everybody respond to it and laughter makes life easier, lighter and happier. To be able to produce quality stand-up comedy is a very important thing in the modern stressful world.
If people think you are funny in everyday life, you probably have a good sense of comedy, you are gifted and you have good timing. If you also enjoy being the center of attention, then I suggest you try a career as a performing artist, because it is obviously something that falls naturally to you.
It so happens, that in this world some of the most gifted people are waiting tables or working in offices and feel bad about their life. They feel they have something to give to this world, but for some reason they haven’t been able to make the decision. It’s understandable in a sense that this world encourages people to study and get academic education. It requires much courage and self belief to start career as a performer, but it is also very important to do if you have it in you.
Actually a person can succeed in comedy business without ever getting on stage; he can write sitcoms, screenplays and articles, he can do advertising, comics and other related stuff. But most artists of course get onstage doing stand-up, theatre and other performances.
I have learned best from mistakes. To do something wrong in front of your friends can hurt a little, but doing something wrong in front of hundred people in a real life stand-up situation can really hurt! Mistakes have taught me great lessons and gotten me to study my errors in detail. I have understood that I need a solid base to work on, and that means well rehearsed routines. Sometimes it’s ok to improvise, especially when someone shouts from the audience or when you need to handle a heckler in a correct way. But other than that, everything should be so well rehearsed you could do it anytime, anywhere. On that base you are free to move and breathe as a performer.
Finding the “zone” can be very difficult for a comedian. I feel most of this is related to finding your stage persona. So many times we hear people say “just be yourself” when we feel insecure and are getting on stage, but nothing is further from the truth in real life. If we want to be able to consistently perform successfully, we need a stage persona. That persona has a “funny attitude” or a certain edge or angle to his being that makes people like him. When you get on stage and you get laughs, there is something you do right and you need to take notes, ask your friends and videotape your shows to understand what this “angle” is. Then work with it, build your stage persona around it and do lots of performances. Nothing is better than working a lot, because you will establish yourself and your stage persona is growing stronger and more believable.
The best way to get material for your act is to capture spontaneous moments. These moments in life are funny and they carry the right attitude and edge. Study them and practice them, combine with other material you already have and you are well on your way to becoming a successful comedy stand-up performer.
