Are You Funny? Funny Enough To Be A Stand-up Comic?

“Natural talent is a definite plus when choosing this livelihood. It will allow you to build on what comes easily to you”, say the writers at http://www.laughter.com, a website dedicated to advising comics on the path to stand up success. The site stresses that natural ability has to be present. A comic should be naturally funny and feel comfortable in front of a room of people. If you failed speech class, this may not be the job for you.

Many people say, “I’m funny, but how do I even get started?” Open mics are the best start. Local comedy clubs usually have nights reserved for people to test the waters of stand up called “Open Mic.” The comic usually has five minutes and the room is rarely full, but open mics are a good gut check as to whether you have what it takes.

Another great way to outlet your comedy is to team up with other people, and write together or start and improv troop. Websites like http://www.funnyfirm.com post ads from people looking to help each other out in the comedy world. Sites like these are a great resource for finding other comedians in your area as well as places to perform.

When comics make a name for themselves, representation becomes the final piece to putting a legit stand-up career together. Comics can only promote themselves for so long before needing to push forward and find more exposure. Agents and managers can do that. Most hopeful comics get meetings with agents, or bring them out to a show and watch them perform. Another great way for a comic to get exposure is through creating websites for themselves or joining on-line casting services. Sites like http://actingworkshop.com and http://exploretalent.com put your name and face in front of thousands of talent agencies all over the country.

Any comic will tell you, no matter how you do today, if you truly want to be a comic, you will do it again tomorrow. The right combination of talent, experience and luck will hopefully land you on the headlining stage. Good luck and keep laughing!