Hi Dave (see I called you Dave) – First off, I am not a professional comedian. That being said, it is my dream to be one. I know that I am a funny person and I realize what it takes to pursue a career in comedy. I guess my big problem is, I’m afraid of taking the first step. I am afraid of going onstage and everyone just absolutely hating me. I am aware that bombing is a learning experience. But, I always want people to like me. So, as you can guess, I haven’t really done much stage time because I’m scared to do so. I guess my question is, and this may sound stupid: Is it OK to be scared about taking the first step? Thanks for your time – SM
Hey SM – Thanks for the “Dave.” It shows someone besides my mother read last week’s FAQ and Answer. Ha! Now to answer your question…
YES – it’s okay to be scared about doing comedy the first time! It’s speaking in public, which is a fear a LOT of people have. To quote the over-quoted Jerry Seinfeld bit:
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“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
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There’s a great example of truth in comedy – and why Seinfeld’s a master at it.
Another fear factor for a lot of people thinking about going into this crazy biz is – as you so eloquently put it – bombing.
You’re right in saying that bombing is a learning experience. Every time you go onstage should be a learning experience. Once you accept that, it shouldn’t be a goal-stopping event. Anyone who performs in public needs to develop a thick skin. It’s not gonna go as perfectly as you might imagine.
When – not if – you bomb, you shake it off, figure out what went wrong and make corrections. Then you try it again.
All comedians have gone through it. If someone tells you they haven’t – then they’re not a great example of truth in comedy. In other words, they’re lying.
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It takes nerve and determination to walk on stage the first time. It’s not easy. If it was, then just about everyone would try it because… well, it sure looks like fun – doesn’t it? Standing on stage in front of an audience and making them laugh seems like a pretty good job. If all you had to do was fill out an application and lie about your work experience during an interview, a lot of people would be asking where they could sign up.
But it ain’t that easy. Along with nerve and determination, it takes… well, it takes a lot more – like talent and experience – but that’s not what we’re talking about today. We’re talking about taking that first step on stage.
The advice I’ve heard from a lot of the comedians I’ve interviewed for my books is that the best way to get started – and to get over being nervous or scared – is to be prepared. Know what you’re going to say before you go on stage and don’t just try to wing-it (hoping you’ll just open your mouth and something funny will accidentally come out).
If you only have three to five minutes on stage (the amount of time first-time comedians are usually given at an open-mic) then have what you are going to say – three to five minutes of material – prepared in advance. Write it and be familiar with it. Practice it and get used to saying the words out loud.
Memorize if you have to. BUT as you continue to develop through onstage experience, the key is NOT to ever sound memorized. But again, we’re just talking about taking your first steps here – so the goal right now is just to get on stage.
It’s also acceptable to take notes with you on stage so you don’t forget what you want to say. There’s nothing wrong with that because doing comedy is a step-by-step learning process that doesn’t happen overnight. When you’re just starting out, the first step is to get on stage and learn how to converse with an audience. That’s enough pressure – so you don’t need to add more pressure by worrying about memorizing your material word-for-word.
Like your stage presence and delivery, your material will also change as you get more experience. Doing an open-mic is not auditioning for The Tonight Show, so don’t be afraid to rely on your notes while you’re learning what to do.
I’ve seen many big-name comedians take notes with them on stage when they’re working on new material. Want names? George Carlin and Jay Leno to mention only two – and you can’t argue with their success.
So don’t let anyone say you can’t do that. You can.
Another way to make that first step is to have help in being prepared.
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I don’t know where you’re located. But a lot of comedy clubs offer workshops. Pick the best club in your area, call and ask if they have workshops. Hopefully the person running it will know what they’re doing (be careful – some don’t and only end up creating clones of themselves!).
Look at their experience, credits and whenever possible, what other comedians in the area are saying about them. If they have positive reviews you should find them posted on a professional looking website. If not, then look for someone else.
In a good workshop you should get experience on stage and helpful feedback about your material and delivery. Also to ease the fear factor, make sure you’re given an opportunity to work with a microphone and in front of the spotlights before facing a “real” audience. It’s all about preparation.
The first step will always be a BIG one. If you’ve prepared it will still be BIG, but hopefully not as scary.
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Dave Schwensen is the author of Comedy Workshop: Creating & Writing Comedy Material for Comedians & Humorous Speakers, How To Be A Working Comic and Comedy FAQs And Answers.
For information about these books, comedy workshops at The Cleveland Improv, and private coaching in person, by phone and via Skype visit www.TheComedyBook.com
Copyright 2013 – North Shore Publishing
Tags: advice, Comedians, comedy career, Comedy Clubs, comedy coach, Comedy Workshop, customize comedy material, Entertainment, humorous speakers, open mic, Performing, presentation skills, Schwensen, stage fright, Standup, working comic
February 9, 2013 at 1:33 am |
As usual, nothing but sage words of valuable advice from you, Dave! Cannonization in Comedy Heaven is a no-brainer. Keep up the excellent work you do for all of us.