How To Become A Stand-Up Comedian

Stand-up comedy fans have always pondered to themselves if they have what it takes to become like one of their idol comedians on stage - dishing out jokes left and right and getting roaring laughter from thousands of people. The truth is, stand-up comedy is easier than everyone thinks. Most stand-up comedians started from humble roots, and don't necessarily possess any special funny genes that make them especially adept at making people laugh. Rather, these comedians understand the dynamics of stand-up comedy, and how they can best fulfill their roles as the comedian on stage. So the short version is: no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from, you too can become a stand-up comedian.

There are three ways to start learning stand-up comedy: 1) Watch stand-up comedy, 2) Read about stand-up comedy, or 3) Take a class or workshop on stand-up comedy.

The best way to start learning something is to watch someone do it. If you're interested in becoming a stand-up comedian, chances are you've watched many other amateur and professional stand-up comedians perform. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, you can seek out live stand-up comedy performances at various large and small comedy clubs in big and small cities alike. Bigger, more well-known comedians also often go on tour, either by themselves, with other comedians, or at comedy festivals like Just For Laughs in Montreal. You can also buy stand-up comedy DVDs and watch your favorite comedians perform from the comfort of your home.

One great thing about watching professional stand-up comedians perform is that it lets you see just how eclectic comedic styles are, and how people of all types perform stand-up comedy for a living. That means you have a chance too!

An even better resource is to seek out your local comedy club and attend some open mic or amateur nights. If you live in a fairly large metropolitan area, chances are there are several comedy clubs that host these events. You can usually attend these events just by paying the minimum drink-cost, or a small cover. Then you can see amateurs preform, and learn from the things they do right and the mistakes they make. Pay close attention though, because you'll likely have to take the same steps on your road to comedy stardom.

If you want to learn something, read a book about it. It's as simple as that.You can find several books on stand-up comedy on Amazon that will provide you with the basics of the profession, along with the ins-and-outs of the professional circuit so you know what to expect if you ever decide to quit the day job, take the plunge, and make a living out of telling jokes. Some of better, more definitive books on stand-up comedy include Stand-Up Comedy, The Book by Judy Carter and Zen and the Art of Stand-Up Comedy by Jay Sankey.

However, you may just be slightly curious about stand-up comedy, but don't want to devote so much time and money to learning the art. There are also other instructional products out there that can teach you about the secrets of stand-up comedy in a short amount of time. The Become A Stand-Up Comedian In 1 Week e-book does just that - it's pretty much stand-up comedy class in a book - as the authors took all the good parts of the stand-up comedy courses, workshops, and books they've learned from and condensed it into a 7 day introduction into stand-up comedy. After reading the e-book, you should have crafted your own comedy routine and be able to start slinging out jokes on stage. There's also a preview of the contents of the e-book that outlines the secrets to success and common mistakes for stand-up comedy beginners.

If you live in the Los Angeles or Southern California area, you're in luck. There are many stand-up comedy workshops and classes available to folks in the area that are offered by seasoned veterans of the stand-up comedy scene. It's great to learn from the professionals, since they can coach you one-on-one and give you personal tips that suit the way you deliver your material and your stage persona. Some of these programs include Gerry Katzman's stand-up comedy class located in Hollywood (http://www.standupcomedyclass.com) and Judy Carter's stand-up comedy workshops in Los Angeles (http://comedyworkshops.com).

The biggest downsides to these programs are that they're pretty much inaccessible to people who are in different parts of the country, and that they are quite expensive. Depending on your level of interest and dedication, the classes may run you a few hundred bucks, or maybe even over a thousand dollars. If you're just starting off and don't know if stand-up comedy is for you yet, your best bet is to rent some DVDs, buy a couple books or download an e-book, and do self-study first before you really dive off the deep end.