Hello,
I need help from someone to create my first 5 minutes of routine. I am 15 years old and am a complete novice at comedy, haven't got a clue how to start writing and just need someone with a bit of experience to point me in the right direction of how to write my routine.
Many Thanks
Sam
Thanks, I totally missed that! 
You're obviously not going to do observational comedy then. 
I don't wish to put you off or anything but why do you want to do stand-up if you've got no idea what to talk about.
Do you want a full-time writer or a springboard?
Quote: Chappers @ September 15 2010, 12:37 PM BSTI don't wish to put you off or anything but why do you want to do stand-up if you've got no idea what to talk about.
Totally agree. You kind of come across as someone who likes the idea of being a stand-up rather than someone who is suited to being one. My advice for any type of writing is look at what the pros do.
Jumping the gun a little bit aren't we? Give the kid a chance. How can you deduce that someone isn't suited to comedy after 4 lines of text? All they're asking for is a little advice on how to start writing.
It's not that I don't have an idea to start with it's that I don't know how to write it!
Most people can't just sit down and start writing. You need the ideas first- carry a notebook around with you and write down everything which sounds funny or makes you laugh. Then look through your notes and see what sounds like it could be made into a joke.
You also need ot think about what kind of comedy you're going to do- is it one liners, anecdotes, self-deprication, shock humour, observational? Look up joke conventions on the net, there are loads of sites which will give you examples on how to format different stypes of jokes.
Also, try to group similar jokes/themes together as it will flow better, and be easier to remember.
Write, write and write. And go to the other thread for further advice. It's really rather helpful!
I was trying to be considerate. What's the idea? Maybe someone on here can help - someone who's not a stand-up but "just" a writer.
I'll have a look if you wanna PM me but there are probably better qualified people to point you in the right direction.
Trotter, my son . . .
The greatest advice anybody ever gave anyone in this business is probably 'Write about what you KNOW' which in your case (as a 15-year-old) extends not much further than (in no particular order) getting drunk, being rejected by girls and masturbating.
Stray from those three topics at your peril.
Quote: Ming the Mirthless @ October 4 2010, 10:00 AM BST'Write about what you KNOW' which in your case (as a 15-year-old) extends not much further than (in no particular order) getting drunk, being rejected by girls and masturbating.
To be fair, there are plenty of comedy writers in their 30s or 40s who appear to be similarly limited to those 3 parameters.
What's 'masturbating'?
Quote: Stephen Birch @ October 5 2010, 8:52 AM BSTWhat's 'masturbating'?
Nature's antidote to being rejected by girls.
Quote: Stephen Birch @ October 5 2010, 8:52 AM BSTWhat's 'masturbating'?
It's where a large group of people bait Turs