Archived Comments

164 Replies to “Archived Comments”

1. There must be some trick to it though, because everyone says that it’s different. When I just get up and be myself, I tend to ramble and have long setups, etc. Are you saying then that just keep your same personality but keep it shorter and tighter?

   • That is correct.

2. I understand where you’re coming from on the body language component, and the whole thesis of your teaching is “don’t just write one-dimensional material and then read it.” OK. Makes sense. But then it logically follows that the only way top get a good read on your material is to rehearse and perform everything a few times. Previously, I had just written stuff out and read it at open mics, which, no surprise, often doesn’t get laughs.

   So is there a way to not have to memorize and rehearse everything you’re trying, or is there really no other way to get an accurate read?

   • The short answer to your question is no. But here are some things that you may want to consider:

     If you have reviewed the 5 free lessons in my online course, you will see that I say right up front that it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate trial and error when it comes to developing stand-up comedy material that will work well on a consistent basis.

     However, the trial and error process can be dramatically reduced IF you have the knowledge to do so.

     I understand that it can be difficult to justify putting a tremendous amount of work and effort into a process for which you have little or no confidence and/or does not produce the results you want.

     Still, if you want results like a pro, you need to prepare like a pro to the maximum extent you can.

     My advice – prepare for each open mic performance as if you were being paid $1000 per show.

     If nothing else, truly understand and applying this aspect will help reduce or eliminate the performance/delivery variables that come into play and better help you to more easily determine which of your bits are actually funny or not.

3. I’ve always thought that my rehearsal time might be insufficient and not good quality. I videotape myself, I consider most open mics as rehearsal time, etc…..but I’m afraid what my rehearsal time really amounts to is just memorization……you know what I mean? Like I don’t feel as if I have “performed” my material after rehearsing it, even if I Louie CK’d it into a video camera in my living room. By contrast, when a ballerina rehearses….she KNOWS that she rehearsed.

   • Knowing how to properly rehearse and being diligent about it is one of those things that can literally shave years off the time it takes to get the big laughs on stage. Great comment. 🙂