Stand-Up Comedy Masterclass: How to Get Good Quickly in 10 Steps

Summary

In this humorous video, Steven Farmer offers comedians a candid list of 10 practical tips for generating material, securing shows, and building a comedy career. He suggests using common tropes for instant jokes, starting your own shows, and leveraging social media for booking. Farmer also addresses the importance of branding, networking, and maintaining stage presence, all while encouraging a fearless approach to the competitive comedy scene.

Takeaways

• 😄 Creating stand-up material can be as simple as using common tropes or jokes that resonate with a wide audience.
• 📏 When lacking material, one can reference unusual statistics or measurements to create humor, questioning who is responsible for such data.
• 🦁 Making fun of oneself or friends by exaggerating stereotypes can provide quick material for a set.
• 🏳️ Humor can be derived from one's own race or lack of it, as a way to self-deprecate and engage the audience.
• 🐾 Describing a 'spirit animal' that is humorously not an actual animal can serve as an instant joke.
• 💬 Ending jokes with a simple 'so that happens' can turn everyday situations into material with the right inflection.
• 🎭 Starting one's own comedy show can instantly establish credibility and power in the comedy scene.
• 🤝 Finding existing successful shows and negotiating to take over can be a strategic move to gain a platform.
• 📢 Calling out bookers on social media can be a way to assert oneself and potentially get more bookings.
• 💡 Running lights can be a suggestion to leave the stage, but if a joke didn't land, it might be worth pushing through until a laugh is earned.
• 👥 Booking as many comedians as possible for a show can increase audience size and enjoyment.
• 📝 Writing material is not necessary for all comedians; improvisation and performing are key.
• 🌐 Investing in one's brand, website, and promotional materials is more important than constant writing.
• 🎙️ Podcasts can be a great platform for comedians, especially focusing on unique and untapped topics.
• 🏆 Participating in comedy contests can be a good measure of one's talent and potential in comedy.
• 🎟️ Lying about credits can provide initial momentum and may be overlooked once a comedian gains real recognition.
• 🎭 On stage, comedians should talk 'at' the audience, maintaining the performance's flow without addressing interruptions.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script provided?

The main purpose of the video script is to offer advice on various aspects of stand-up comedy, including generating material, performing shows, and handling different situations on stage.

What are 'trope jokes' as mentioned in the script?

'Trope jokes' are common jokes or themes that every comedian does, which can be used as instant material to fill in extra time during a performance.

How does the script suggest finding material when you're short on ideas?

The script suggests looking up weird statistics or facts and asking 'whose job is it to measure this?' as a way to generate material quickly.

What is the advice given for making fun of a friend in a comedy act?

The advice is to make fun of a friend's rough or urban demeanor by pointing out the contrast with a very white name, creating a humorous juxtaposition.

How does the script recommend using the concept of 'spirit animals' in comedy?

The script suggests mentioning 'my spirit animal' and then naming something that is not a spirit animal, like a jar of something or a person, to create an unexpected and humorous punchline.

What is the script's stance on writing material for a comedy act?

The script discourages excessive writing of material, suggesting that comedians should focus more on performing and improvising on stage rather than being overly preoccupied with writing.

How should comedians approach performing in shows according to the script?

The script advises comedians to start their own shows, even if they have limited experience, as it shows initiative and can help establish a presence in the comedy scene.

What strategy does the script propose for getting booked on other people's shows?

The script suggests calling out show organizers on social media if you're not getting booked, as a way to assert oneself and potentially secure more performance opportunities.

How does the script feel about running the lights during a comedy show?

The script suggests that if the light goes off after a laugh, it's a good time to get off stage, but if a joke didn't go over, treat the light as a suggestion and continue until you can end on a laugh.

What is the script's opinion on participating in comedy contests?

The script encourages participation in comedy contests, stating that they can be a good barometer of a comedian's potential and can help boost a career if won.

How should comedians handle audience interaction during their performance?

The script advises comedians to talk at the audience, not to them, maintaining the role of the entertainer and not getting distracted by audience comments or actions.