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Do you want to be a stand-up comedian? What type of advice do famous comedians have for beginners?
On the Fly on the Wall podcast, Jo Koy, Dana Carvey, and David Spade reflect on the moments that changed their careers for the better. We’ve compiled their advice into two tips that will give rookie comedians a boost in the industry.
Check out these professionals’ top stand-up comedy tips for beginners.
Focus on What Your Audience Likes
While Koy, Carvey, and Spade express admiration for each other’s work, they also share personal anecdotes that shaped their respective comedic styles.
One stand-up comedy tip for beginners is to adjust your set based on what will make the audience laugh. Spade revised his comedic approach after a stage operator’s comment about his in-between remarks being funnier than his scripted jokes. This reflection made Spade refine his on-stage persona, focusing more on his natural, unscripted commentary in his sets, a style he preserves to date.
Have Fresh Content for Every Set
The discussion highlights the importance of developing fresh material rather than reusing old content, a negative trend Koy has observed in the industry. Koy makes it a constant practice to discard his entire act after each Netflix show, ensuring the continuous development of fresh content while touring.
Spade notes the artistry behind presenting a significant number of outstanding one-liners in specials, as exemplified by Dennis Miller.
A crucial aspect of Koy’s performances is his innate flexibility, his ability to deviate from a set plan by trusting an intuitive “second voice.” Koy voices his disdain for comedians who recycle their content, recognizing it as a widespread negative trend.
Interplay of Admiration and Influence among Comedians
While Koy, Carvey, and Spade express admiration for each other’s work, they also share personal anecdotes.
One such interaction includes Spade playfully jesting about Koy’s early career. He refers to a time when Koy was only appealing to smaller, 400-seat venues.
Carvey then proposes that he and Spade could make a surprise appearance at one of Koy’s performances. This happens just as Koy’s about to take the stage, and Carvey shares a lengthy anecdote. These interactions project a warm camaraderie and a playful dynamic among the comedians.
Context
Stand-up comedy, a form of entertainment that involves comedians performing live on stage, has a rich history and continues to captivate audiences with its humorous monologues and routines. Comedians draw inspiration from personal experiences, observations, and social commentary to create their material. In the case of Jo Koy, an American stand-up comedian and actor, his Filipino heritage plays a significant role in shaping his comedic style. Born to a white American father and Filipina mother, Koy’s upbringing in the Philippines and subsequent move to the United States influenced his unique perspective on life.
One prevalent theme in stand-up comedy is the interplay of admiration and influence among comedians. Comedians often look up to their peers for inspiration while striving to carve out their own distinct voice. The camaraderie among comedians fosters a playful dynamic where they exchange ideas and support one another’s creative endeavors. However, maintaining relevance in the industry requires constant innovation and fresh content. Audiences crave novelty, making it crucial for comedians like Jo Koy to continually refine their material.
Crafting one-liners is an art form within stand-up comedy that showcases a comedian’s wit and ability to deliver concise jokes or humorous statements in rapid succession. These punchy lines are carefully constructed for maximum impact on stage. Unfortunately, there is also a negative trend of recycling content within the industry as some comedians resort to rehashing old jokes instead of creating new material.
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