Hi Folks!
I have entered a stand up comedy competition (never done stand up before) and have just been informed that it is taking place this weekend aaargh!!!
I have got material at the ready but would be very grateful for any hints & tips /dos & don'ts that you guys can offer.
What are the commom mistakes to avoid, performance and writing wise?
Thanks guys,
Kate
P.S. I think I have stuck this on the wrong forum so please don't shout at me!
I'd always have a back up collection of usable one liners for dull spots. Don't panic if people aren't laughing all the time and if you're talking to the audience keep your questions rhetorical.
thanks sootyj, to be honest, if they laugh at all I will be a happy bunny!
Get your funniest line in first if possible. Once you've got a big laugh it'll be less hard work. End on your second funniest.
Don't try to tell long stories, be truthful, make a point etc, just for as many laughs as possible. As a first timer, that should see you through. Good luck. 
Stroll on stage and say... 'I am a comedy virgin. (BEAT) Anybody want to f**k me?'
Good advice Dolly! A one line intro usually helps my 2 faves are
"Hi I'm Sootyj I'm a standup and a stripper so laugh or I'll be embarassed and you'll be sorry"
"I'm not here to entertain you you're here to laugh at me"
And tell a story, have a persona and referring back to jokes always gets a good laugh.
Also there's loads of threads here especially the 118 ones which are chock full of one liners you could "borrow" if it's not to big a night.
Quote: Marc P @ April 28 2009, 10:02 AM BSTStroll on stage and say... 'I am a comedy virgin. (BEAT) Anybody want to f**k me?'
I was actually introduced as a comedy virgin by the compere at my first gig. My first words were "it's a long time since I've been called that." It got a good laugh.
Quote: Marc P @ April 28 2009, 10:02 AM BSTStroll on stage and say... 'I am a comedy virgin. (BEAT) Anybody want to f**k me?'
Also works in branches of Walkabout.
Quote: sootyj @ April 28 2009, 10:04 AM BSTGood advice Dolly! A one line intro usually helps my 2 faves are
"Hi I'm Sootyj I'm a standup and a stripper so laugh or I'll be embarassed and you'll be sorry"
"I'm not here to entertain you you're here to laugh at me"
And tell a story, have a persona and referring back to jokes always gets a good laugh.
Also there's loads of threads here especially the 118 ones which are chock full of one liners you could "borrow" if it's not to big a night.
Yeah, callbacks. An audience seem to appreciate when you use them.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ April 28 2009, 10:04 AM BSTI was actually introduced as a comedy virgin by the compere at my first gig. My first words were "it's a long time since I've been called that." It got a good laugh.
Yeah. Mine's better.
Quote: Marc P @ April 28 2009, 10:05 AM BSTYeah. Mine's better.
I wouldn't have said that though. The room would have gone silent.
thanks Dolly, I will use the virgin line, it should work well - especially as I am 41!
Be confident & enjoy it, the audience will want you to do well anyway.
If you make any mistakes have a laugh about it, the audience will enjoy that.
Try to make sure you don't mumble or speak too fast (which is easy to do when you're a bit nervous)
Wrong forum but good luck anyway. Very brave you stand-ups are.
Oh and don't write your entire routine on your arm and spend your whole routine squinting at it.
But a few prompts can be ok.
And be nice and engaging with the audience. The audience want to like you and share a laugh.
Very few comics can get away with being grinchy.