Stand-up comedy

A person stands on a stage.

They tell funny stories to a crowd. They might use music or silly faces. Some tell jokes about everyday life. They might even do magic tricks.

The performer uses a script. But they also talk to the people watching. This is called crowdwork. If the crowd laughs, the joke works. If they do not laugh, it is called bombing.

It is a fun way to be together.

Stand-up comedy is a type of funny show.

A person stands on a stage. They tell jokes or stories to a live crowd. They might use music, magic tricks, or silly faces. Some comics use a script. Others talk directly to the people watching. This is called crowdwork.

There are many ways to do comedy. Some tell stories about life. Others act like different characters. Some people tell jokes about themselves to be funny. This is called self-deprecating comedy.

Comedians work hard to make their jokes perfect. They build a routine, which is a set of jokes. A show often ends with a "closer." This is a final joke that ties everything together.

The audience is a big part of the show. If the crowd laughs, the joke works. If they do not laugh, the comic is "bombing." Many people find it scary to speak in public. For a comic, the crowd makes the show feel special.

Stand-up comedy is a special kind of performance for a live audience.

A performer stands on a stage to tell funny stories or jokes. They might use a script that they have practiced many times. Sometimes they talk directly to the people watching, which is called crowdwork. Comedians use many different tools to make people laugh. They might use music, magic tricks, or even silly voices. They can also use props or do physical acts called act outs.

These shows happen in many places like comedy clubs, theaters, or even colleges.

There are many different styles of comedy you can see. Some comedians use anecdotal comedy to tell stories with lots of exaggeration. Others use character comedy to act like a made-up person. Some performers use deadpan comedy, which means they keep a very serious face. This creates a funny contrast with the silly things they are saying. You might also see observational comedy about everyday life. Some comics use self-deprecating comedy to make jokes about their own flaws.

This can make the comedian seem more relatable to the crowd.

Stand-up comedy has a long and interesting history. It grew out of many types of old entertainment in the late 1800s. These included things like circus clowns, variety shows, and music halls. Some famous people, like Mark Twain, gave funny speeches while touring in 1866. A man named Charles Farrar Browne was also a very early comedian. Historians often call him Artemus Ward. The term "stand-up comedian" started appearing in writing around 1911 and 1917.

It helped describe how people were performing comedy on stage.

Performing a comedy show follows a specific order. First, a host or emcee warms up the audience. Then, an opener performs, followed by a feature act. Finally, the headliner performs the main part of the show.

Comedians build their shows using routines made of smaller parts called bits. They often end with a "closer," which is a final joke. Some comedians even record their shows for TV or special albums. A half-hour special usually lasts between 20 and 35 minutes. An hour-long special can last up to 65 minutes.

The audience is a very important part of the whole experience. The crowd helps make the show feel personal and exciting. If the audience laughs, the comedian is said to be "killing" or "crushing it." If the jokes do not work, the comedian is "bombing."

Many people find public speaking very scary. Some studies show that people fear it more than dying! Because of this, watching a comic take that risk is very impressive. The audience and the comic work together to make the magic happen.

Stand-up comedy is a unique form of live performance. A comedian stands on a stage to deliver humorous or satirical monologues.

These performances often use rehearsed scripts. However, they frequently include crowdwork, which is live interaction with the audience. Comedians use various tools to entertain. These include one-liners, stories, and observations. They may also use props, music, impressions, or even magic tricks. This art form is special because it relies on a direct connection between the performer and the crowd.

Comedians build their shows through specific structures. They develop routines made of interconnected sections called bits.

Most jokes follow a pattern involving a premise, a set-up, and a punchline. Sometimes, they add a twist or a tagline to increase the laughter. Some use a paraprosdokian, which is a surprising punchline that changes the meaning of the setup. A routine usually ends with a closer. This is a final joke that ties the themes of the show together for a satisfying conclusion. The performer uses timing, intonation, and inflection to deliver these moments effectively.

There are many different genres within stand-up comedy. Anecdotal comedy uses storytelling and exaggeration to create humor. Character comedy involves the performer adopting a fictional persona. Some use deadpan delivery, also known as dry humor, to stay emotionally neutral.

Impressionists imitate notable figures to get laughs. Observational comedy focuses on the absurdities of everyday life. Satire uses ridicule to critique people or institutions. Self-deprecating comedy is when a comedian makes jokes about their own flaws. This can make the performer seem more relatable to the audience.

Stand-up comedy emerged from various popular entertainment traditions in the late 19th century. These included vaudeville, variety shows, and English music halls. Circus clown antics and medicine shows also played a role. In 1866, Mark Twain delivered humorist monologues during his touring show. Charles Farrar Browne, known as Artemus Ward, is considered America's first stand-up comedian. The specific term "stand-up comedian" appeared in print in the early 20th century. In 1911, it described Nellie Perrier performing comedy songs. By 1917, the term was used to describe the career of Finlay Dunn.

A typical professional comedy show follows a set order. First, a host, compere, or emcee performs to warm up the audience. Next, the opener performs, followed by the feature act. The final and main performer is called the headliner.

Comedians can work in many venues. These include comedy clubs, bars, colleges, and large theaters. Some performers use open mic nights to practice new material. Others participate in comedy festivals to find new talent or agents. Experienced comics may even produce television specials or comedy albums.

The audience is an essential part of the performance. An unspoken contract exists between the comic and the crowd. This allows for the discussion of controversial or unexpected subjects. The audience's reaction determines the success of the jokes. If the crowd laughs, the comedian is said to be "killing," "crushing," or "destroying."

If the jokes fail, the comedian is "bombing" or "dying." Because many people find public speaking more intense than the fear of dying, the audience appreciates the performer's skill. The audience acts as a co-constructor of the entire situation.

Stand-up comedy has produced many remarkable records and feats. Phyllis Diller holds the Guinness World Record for most laughs per minute, with 12. Taylor Goodwin holds the record for most jokes told in one hour, with 550. In 2015, Jessica Delfino set a record for the most sets performed in one night by a female comedian. On the business side, Ricky Gervais set a record for the highest gross from a single performance. His "Armageddon" tour at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023 earned over $1.7 million. These numbers show the massive scale and impact of the profession.