Practicing Stand Up - Attempt No.3 Page 3

My plan is to find a local open mic and then go for it. The main reason for the 'not great' (as opposed to poor) performance, is down to the fact that I record them about 5 minutes after finalising the script. When I decide to go for it 'live', I'll have the routine memorised completely. Also the problem with recording them at home is having to remain in the same position to get it on camera. I missed out a few gags, but was happy that some worked okay. The next time I post on here, it will be after an open mic set. There. I've said it.
Audio quality might not be great, due to using a Wii 'Sing it' microphone.

I have seen some of your stuff and it is both original and funny, but I don't see you as a stand up.

You produce the goods have no doubt about it, but I think you would be make an exceptional writer, but an average performer.

Obviously I don't expect you to take my word for it and with a bit of stage time you may prove me wrong (I would be delighted for you if that was the case)

But I think you should play to your current strengths and ask yourself if you want to be an average stand up or a great gag writer, because you could be either,the choice is yours.

That's very honest & constructive feedback. Ta.

Quote: Park Bench @ July 22 2011, 10:17 AM BST

The next time I post on here, it will be after an open mic set.

View original

Good for you and good luck.

I don't think I agree with Teddy about you as a performer because an audience (and the laws of physical science/adrenelin) mean that you talking alone into a camera will not have anywhere near the same emergy as you on a stage, unless you a schizo.

I like the gags becuase they're funny but if you want a critique all I'd say, which is true of loads of open mics, is that is says little about You. Its says you're a bloke who makes funny observations, but not what angers you and hypocrisies you percieve. (This is purely style of course, Lee Evans doesn't do this either for eg)

The only comics I cherish are the ones who make me think Yeah! You F**king Tell Em! This is just personal taste of course.

You've showed more thought (and dedication) to preparing your material than a lot and that's why its time NOW to apply for a spot... You'd be given a date for Sept/Oct anyway and once booked you're less likely to drop out.

Dont think about that performance comment because although Teddys calling it as it honestly sees it, which is what critique needs - you adressing a camera without the energy of a crowd (even a crowd of 15) means nothing really.

You can get 100 good comments yet its the one negative one that can stay with you, so please, book a spot and then you'll know where you stand.

In the last 2 weeks Ive won three clap offs in manchester, southport and preston and now have 8min slots (unpaid) on better days than midweeks, and whilst Im no expert AT ALL I reckon its cos I approached it with the idea this isnt just 'a bit of a laugh' but a means to an end in ultimately getting the leverage to do what I want.

Im gonna type up and pm you my routine so you'll see what I mean about seperating yourself from 'gags' which say little about who you actually are as a person and more, jokes about what fuels you as a human being worthy of stage time and an audience. In the meantime, good luck and take it by the balls and to f**k with anyone who thinks they can better you on the night.

There's nothing wrong with just doing silly gags though, if that's what you like. Tim Vine does well for himself! Takes all sorts of comedians.

Sorry to jump back to what Tony was saying before on the point of jokes already being done. If you are on the stand up circuit, you CAN NOT use jokes or ever punchlines which are/have been used by jobbing comedians. You just can't. Regardless of whether it's nicked, borrowed off a bloke down the pub, or written completely independantly. If you write one and don't realise, 9 times oout of 10 someone will politely let you know after your set. It is then up to you drop it. If you continue to use that joke when someone has beaten you to it, then (on the circuit) you are practically a plagarist.

It's harsh, but it's the standard. The standup circuit is very self-policing.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ July 22 2011, 1:58 PM BST

There's nothing wrong with just doing silly gags though, if that's what you like. Tim Vine does well for himself! Takes all sorts of comedians.

View original

Absolutely true. Purely speaking from personal opinion. Don't want to imply I know ANYTHING cos I dont, only speaking on behalf of me.

Loads of funny people don't feel the need to be 'angry' or preachy or cynical, in fact the less opinionated, the more successful it seems. I'd hate PB to think I was saying change anything about style or content 'cos I weren't and sorry if it read that way, that'd be more hindrance than help. I'm a big fan of that Patton Oswalt now, he's musing on star wars and shit I couldn't care less about, but he's genius because that's 'him'.

So defo ALL variety of comedians work well, but I still think people who are Themselves (in whatever form this takes) on stage come across a little bit better than 'here's the penguin jokebook/ an evening of lollystick humour' or 'here's the character I've invented' but again,that's only my opinion based on a narrow worldview. I'm not smart enough to be objective. (no sarcasm, Im just not) Im a simple man trying to get through the day without breaking something.

It just seemed he wasnt getting any in depth comments after going to the trouble of filming and posting a vid so I was trying to give him a kick up the arse to sign up for an open spot or he'll really regret not doing it.

Doing it and dying beats not doing it at all.

My first open mic will be the acid test. Until then, it's all speculation. But trust me, I can do funny, oh and I can rant all day. You should see my rant album on FB.

I just watched routine number 4, I thought the gags were very good, I hadn't heard any of them, but there again I don't go out very often...

Some constructive criticisms I would offer are:

Slow it down, it appeared far too rushed...

Too many ers and ums, it seemed like you couldn't remember some of your own routine...

Listen to your routine again and count how many times you can hear yourself inhale, I know you have to breathe but you need to control it somehow so it's less noticeable...

Last Saturday night Lee Mack and Michael Mckintyre both had Dragons Den guests in their show, both did a 'I'm out' gag for their mobile so overlap and similarities to material do happen so I wouldn't worry about it too much...

Good luck with it all...

Okay, I've done some digging, and will be doing my first ever stand-up on either Sept 11th or Oct 9th. Then I will know, either way.

Weyhey PB