Stand Up Comedian
Stand Up Comedians usually write, direct and perform their own material. In some cases, as they become more established, they may also work with another writer, or with a team of writers.
Their material may grow, or be adapted, in response to their interaction with the audience – it is an organic process. There is no “fourth wall” between Stand Ups and the audience, as there is with Actors who pretend to be someone else and perform to the audience.
Stand Ups acknowledge the audience's presence, and work with, as well as to, them. Some Stand Ups work in character, and use costume and/or other props to create an alter ego to interact with the audience. Stand Ups may employ Agents, Managers or Producers, but they normally retain overall control of their work.
What is the job?
Stand Up Comedians must be able to formulate ideas for their act, and write their own material. Most of their research is unstructured, e.g., they may work from news items for topical material, or from their particular passions or interests, to develop their act. If they are working collaboratively, the research may be more structured, e.g., if it has a particular theme.
Stand Ups create an on stage personality to deliver the material to their audience. They must be able to adapt their material quickly to reflect changing circumstances, as well as in response to the audience reaction. They may develop an overall structure for the act, into which they slot references to current events, news items, etc. If they work in character, they can react within that character, which may be very different from their own; the rigidity of the characterisation allows them onstage flexibility.
Occasionally Stand Ups work with a Director to stage their act, but this is unusual – for the most part they direct themselves. Peer feedback is important – other Stand Ups comment on their act, and suggest what works best for them, and how to improve their performance.
When working in television, they may also work with Costume Designers and Makers, and with Make Up Designers to help develop their characterisation. Stand Ups must design any required new costumes, choose or find costume makers, and work with them to create the appropriate style. Comedy is a very creative process, but it can also be lonely and isolating when not performing.
Typical career routes
Stand Up Comedians come from a variety of backgrounds, and it is difficult to pinpoint any specific career route. They may have worked in Performance Art, or as Actors or musicians, or as teachers, or in other professions. There are some competitions for new comedy acts, e.g., So You Think You're Funny, BBC Talent, Comedian of the Year (Leicester Comedy Festival), Funny Women, etc., which may provide an opening into the industry. Once they embark on a career in Stand Up, a fairly rigid progression structure exists.
They usually start performing their acts in small unpaid open mic spots in Comedy clubs, and they must find these opportunities themselves. From there they may progress to 5 minute, 10 minute, 20 minute, and eventually 25 or 30 minute headline spots. A show at the Edinburgh Festival is usually a one hour performance – by this stage they should be able to draw on many hours of material which they have previously developed. As work opportunities are often based on peer recommendations, establishing and maintaining good industry contacts is vital.
Essential knowledge and skills
Stand Up Comedians must be able to select and use the appropriate material for the occasion and for the audience. It is rare for them to deliver material exactly as it is written; they may improvise according to the audience response, and by pitching their material at the appropriate level. They must be able to interact appropriately with their audience, and to react equally well to both positive and negative responses. They must learn how to present themselves effectively on stage – in some cases this may involve working in character, rather than appearing as themselves.
Some Stand Ups may incorporate other definable skills into their act, e.g., the ability to sing, or to play a musical instrument; ventriloquism; impressions, etc. They also need to be aware of how their performance may be affected by: the types and positions of microphones, cameras and cables; different lighting techniques; and the requirements of different sets and locations. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working in television and radio. Stand Ups continue to learn on the job, throughout their careers.
Key Skills include:
- excellent creative and writing abilities;
- a good memory for their material;
- excellent communication skills;
- the ability to be quick thinking, and to respond to changing circumstances, and to different audiences;
- an intuitive sense of timing;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Some Stand Up courses exist, e.g. those run by Amused Moose (London), The Comedy School (London), or Ship of Fools (Leicester); however they only cover the basic skills required, and provide some experience of performing to a live audience. Stand Ups must develop their own acts, and hone their skills on the job. Acknowledged industry experience, combined with a proven track record of success, is often the most valued qualification for Stand Ups.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the creative media industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
– Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Film, Television, Radio, and other Live Performance;
– BBC offers a wealth of information about careers and training in the media;
– BBC Talent runs talent spotting schemes.
Publications
– The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly, includes recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school;
– Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry;
– Time Out London for comedy club listings. Time Out London
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Stand Up Comedian - TV
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