Comedians know that in reality it is a tough world out there. Logically, antics and jokes that were hilarious and truly funny in the past years may not be funny or even entertaining these days. Aside from the changing and evolving preferences of audience when it comes to humor, there just are too many other factors to consider. You need to learn standup comedy that tunes in with the present humor and wants of audiences.
There are more sources of entertainment these days. To begin with, there are more than 200 cable television stations to choose from. Comedy acts, shows, and movies are somehow considered as staples by such channels. Television is full of many standup comedians, who dominate the screen during almost all important times of the day. So how could you learn how to become an effective standup comedian and survive the already intense competition? You should realize that being a competitive standup comedian is not just all about talent. Here are several helpful tips.
For beginners, it would be best to first determine competition. That would entail doing some ample and relevant research about the current market for standup comedians. Look up to Jay Leno and David Letterman as idols and inspirations. At the same time, consider them as your potential fiercest rivals. These comedians are crme de le crme. As a starter, you could learn so much from watching those seasoned standup comedians. Make it your goal to equal and eventually outpace them.
Regularly visit local comedy clubs. There, you could watch your potential immediate competitors. You could learn from them as well. As you aim to be competitive, realize that to be as good as the current standup comedians, you have to work very hard, if not better, than those guys. As a tip, always focus on your material and on how you could deliver it in the finest and funniest way.
After that, go and hire a manager for yourself. Make sure that your manager would be responsible not just on looking for lucrative opportunities but also for helping you become a better standup comedian as well as a person. Expect the manager to be as brutally honest as possible. Thus, to be constantly effective, be sure to rehearse on time and regularly with the manager around (for constructive criticisms) so you would know how to deliver jokes and punch-lines better and much funnier.
Take formal standup comedy classes. To learn standup comedy, one has to truly learn the art of effective throwing of emotions. You may be truly sad and depressed. But you should learn to control those negative emotions are project a happy and cheerful disposition when on stage. It is hard to learn that ability. But most formal classes for standup comedy intend to teach students how to exactly do that.
Lastly, as you learn standup comedy, try to develop the right attitude so that you could truly make it in the business. Believe in your talent and set aside any form of sensitivity. The audience may boo and dislike you at times. But you should learn how to get used to it so you could do what you have to do—that is to make people laugh.