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This sounds a bit backwards, but hear us out…
It’s important to have a bad gig early on in your comedy journey.
You need to learn to embrace the fails and learn from those bombs. The earlier earlier you get comfortable bombing, the earlier you’ll learn to take more chances and that better.
Embracing those initial deaths on stage can be the key to growth and success in mining funny out of thin air. Obviously don’t aim to bomb but don’t let it get into your head when it happens.
One common misconception among comedians is the belief that they must be fully prepared before their first performance. The desire for the perfect joke or the need to seek advice from experienced comedians can often hinder progress.
The truth is, the longer you postpone your debut, the longer it takes to gain experience and improve. By delaying the inevitable, you deny yourself the chance to learn, adapt, and grow as a comedian.
Contrary to popular belief, lacking experience at the beginning of your comedy career can actually be an advantage. Consider the analogy of two jugglers—one who starts with basic skills and performs early, and the other who spends countless hours perfecting advanced skills without ever stepping on stage.
The performer who starts early not only gains performance skills but also develops their writing abilities simultaneously. Starting with simple techniques allows comedians to understand audience dynamics, build rapport, and develop their unique comedic style.
Being honest about being new during your first performances can be surprisingly beneficial. Audiences appreciate authenticity and may even be inspired to pursue comedy themselves after witnessing your journey.
The open mic community is generally supportive, especially during the early stages of your career. Don’t underestimate the power of encouragement and camaraderie in your quest to become a successful comedian. Never be disparaging and if you are offering advice make sure its wanted and also framed correctly.
At the open mic level, being likeable often carries more weight than delivering perfectly crafted jokes. Focus on establishing a genuine connection with the audience and winning their support.
Remember that your jokes may not be polished in the beginning, and that’s absolutely fine. It’s a natural part of the learning process. By prioritising likability, you’ll create a positive impression and pave the way for growth and improvement in the future.
Performing in front of an audience is an invaluable teacher for comedians. It provides firsthand insights into what works and what doesn’t. Embracing live performances allows you to experiment, refine your material, and receive feedback that is essential for growth.
Remember, mistakes and failures are not setbacks but stepping stones on your comedic journey. Each misstep brings you closer to understanding your comedic voice and fine-tuning your craft.
Thanks to Let’s Talk Comedy for the inspiration behind this blog!
The fear of being remembered for a less-than-stellar performance is often unfounded. Audiences seldom recall individual sets, especially at open mic events where numerous comedians take the stage.
The hosts and organisers understand that some performances will shine while others may fall short. Their main focus is to maintain the energy of the show and provide a supportive environment for comedians to showcase their talent.
It’s natural to imagine the worst-case scenario, but the reality is often far from it. Even if your jokes don’t elicit thunderous laughter, there will always be individuals who appreciate your effort and cheer you on.
Connecting punchlines and refining your performance skills take time and practice. The key is to embrace the learning process and view each performance as a stepping stone toward improvement.
The early stages of your comedy career are a unique opportunity for growth, experimentation, and improvement. Don’t let the fear of failure or over preparation hold you back.
Step onto the stage with confidence, embrace the challenges that come your way, and trust that each performance—regardless of its outcome—contributes to your development as a comedian.
Starting your comedy career with less-than-perfect performances is not only normal but crucial for your growth as a comedian.
Learn from your mistakes, gain invaluable experience through live performances, and remember that failure in the early stages is an integral part of the learning process. So, take the plunge, step onto that stage, and enjoy the exciting and rewarding world of comedy.
Your journey to becoming a successful comedian starts with embracing failure and working on that.
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