You've had the comedy itch for a while and you've decided to check out an open mic. If you're like, me you attended a few just to see what it was like before you decided to give it a go.
You were nervous, even though you present PowerPoints to folks making $300,000 a year.
And yet here you're scared of this lightly populated bar full of drunks?
Welcome to being a stand up comedian!
You're ready to take the plunge into the exhilarating world of stand-up comedy, but let's face it, that first open mic can feel like life or death. If you feel like this it might be because you are on the cusp of discovering one of your passions.
Fear not, brave comedian-in-the-making! This guide will equip you with the battle-tested weapons you need to not only survive, but conquer your open mic debut.
How to Attend a Comedy Open Mic
Attending a comedy show for beginners isn't rocket science. But if you keep these tips in mind you should be good to go.
Be an Early Bird: Why Arriving Early Makes You a Comedy Rockstar
Every comedy open mic will have two times listed. The time the show actually starts, and the time that sign ups start. Usually you will see something like 7PM sign-up, 8PM show time.
Keep in mind however that the more crowded mics may have people "waiting to sign up" around 6:45PM, to make sure they can go second or third and be out of there by 8:30PM.
If you're the 14th comic to sign up for a 8PM show, that means you will have signed up around 7PM, waited till 9:30PM for your slot, and then left by 10PM. That's a long night but the harsh reality (if not longer) for most open mic shows in LA or NYC.
Arriving early ensures you snag a prime spot and avoids last-minute scrambling. But that's just the tip of the comedic iceberg:
Meet the host: Introduce yourself, ask questions, and build rapport. They're the gatekeeper to stage time and valuable insider knowledge.
Scope the scene: Get a feel for the venue's vibe and the audience's energy. Are they a raucous bunch or a quiet, contemplative crowd?
Connect with other comics: Share nerves, swap stories, and forge friendships. Remember, you're not alone in this comedic quest!
By arriving early, you not only show professionalism, but also lay the groundwork for a positive and supportive experience. Now, onto the most important rule of any open mic...
Don't Go Over Your Time!
Comics get "the light" which means somebody will flash a light or cell phone or even just a few fingers to let you know you have a minute left. This is your cue to wrap it up.
If you're new to any open mic scene going over time, like doing six minutes when you only had five is a sure fire way to get banned!
Do not do it! They're a line of performers waiting to go up and you can easily make enemies with them as well.
Keep in mind it happens to everyone, but don't do it your first time.
Hush Up and Listen: The Importance of Etiquette at Open Mics
While waiting for your turn, remember: silence is your superpower. Talking over other comics' sets is like heckling a knight mid-joust – not cool. Here's the chivalric code of open mic etiquette:
Laugh generously: Support your fellow performers and create a positive atmosphere. Remember, what goes around, comes around (in the form of hilarious heckles).
Stay engaged: Observe the crowd's reactions and learn from others' experiences. What jokes land? What bombs? Take notes, brave knight!
Ditch the Script: Why Memorization Makes You a Comedy Magnet
Imagine a knight fumbling with their sword mid-battle. Not a pretty sight, right? The same goes for stand-up. Ditch the paper and:
Memorize your jokes: This allows for natural delivery and a stronger connection with the audience. They'll feel you're speaking directly to them, not reading a grocery list.
Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your set aloud in front of a mirror, your dog, or even your cactus (they're great listeners). Refine your timing and delivery. My first few open mics I would go into a conference room at work and pretend like I was rehearsing a presentation. Anytime I forgot my next joke I started over by looking at what I had bullet pointed out on the whiteboard.
Embrace the nerves: They're normal! The sooner you deal with the first time you bomb, (or the 100th), the voice cracking, the fumbling with the mic wire...the sooner you get beyond it.
Remember, the audience wants you to succeed.
The audience does not want to see you bombing and then realize you have 90 more bullet points to get through on the napkin you're holding.
Be a Comedy Comrade: Why Staying Back Matters
Your set is done, the applause fades, and you're tempted to make a quick escape. But hold your horses, brave knight! The quest isn't over yet:
Stay for at least 3-4 other comics: This shows respect and support for your fellow comedians, fostering a strong community spirit.
Sometimes by the time it's your turn, there will be nobody left. Or you will be the only audience member left when someone else is performing. If you find yourself in this situation try to support the other person, and hopefully they do the same. Occasionally (maybe 1 out of 20 mics) you will perform so late that you will only have an empty room and the host to perform for. Consider this free practice and just enjoy yourself. It sucks, but it's all part of the grind.
Take feedback: Comics have huge egos, and sadly love to pick on newcomers. If somebody says "don't quit your day job" or "that sucked" they're just sad they haven't been booked on bigger shows yet. I've been told I was bad by comics who two years later were begging me to book them late night comedy clubs. Just say "ok thanks" and pick yourself up and try again next week!
Network! Connect with other comedians, share contact information, and build relationships. You never know where your next gig might come from!
Supporting others not only creates a positive and nurturing environment, but also expands your network and paves the way for your own comedic success. Remember, the comedy scene is a marathon, not a sprint. Build genuine connections and enjoy the journey!
Bonus Tip: Record your set and watch it back to identify areas for improvement and track your progress. Think of it as reviewing your swordsmanship skills after a practice duel.
Conclusion
With these tips and a healthy dose of courage, you're ready to take the plunge and conquer the act of attending your first comedy open mic. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, so embrace the experience, learn from it, and most importantly, have fun making people laugh!
Now go forth, brave comedian, and slay that comedic dragon!
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