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This week is going to be a little different. We’re going to be giving you one assignment and one assignment only. You might have guessed it by now but that task is to try your hand at Crowd Work! It’s something that every comic will need to be able to do eventually so why not give it a go now, don’t worry though, we’ll guide you through it.
That’s the task, at each gig you do this week, just try some! It can be at the start, the middle, the end, and it can be as little or as long as you feel but get used to talking to the audience. We’ll tell you why here.
Even the most skilled comedian in the world can face an audience that seems unresponsive. Despite delivering their best material, the crowd remains still and unyielding. Why does this happen? There are numerous reasons, many of which lie beyond the comedian’s control. It could be discomfort due to temperature, distraction from other events, lack of awareness about the show, fatigue, or even a cultural disconnect between the audience and the performer.
Nevertheless, as comedians, our responsibility is to give the audience a great show and make them laugh. But relying solely on pre-planned material demands active attention from the audience, which might not be possible in certain circumstances. That’s when we turn to crowd work.
Crowd work has both advantages and disadvantages. Being spontaneous and unplanned, it might lack the finesse and subtlety of pre-written material. However, it is undeniably exciting and engaging, effectively waking up the audience and making them feel part of the present moment.
1. Starting a show: It helps transition the audience from their previous activities to show mode, where they actively listen and participate.
2. Recovering from a bomb: When a joke falls flat or the set isn’t going well, crowd work can re-establish the connection with the audience and save the performance.
3. Handling a heckler: Crowd work is indispensable for getting back on track when someone disrupts the show, but we should avoid using it to mock or put down the audience.
4. Developing new material: Engaging with the audience can lead to spontaneous conversations that inspire new and potentially great lines that we can later develop into written material.
To successfully carry out crowd work, remember some basic tips:
Audiences are often nervous about being singled out and spoken to in public. So, we need to approach them with kindness and positivity. Instead of trying to prove how funny we are or put someone in their place, we should view crowd work as having a conversation with newfound friends.
When embarking on crowd work, the objective isn’t about showcasing your wit or putting hecklers in their place. It’s not a power play or a battle of dominance. Instead, think of it as engaging in a conversation with the audience. Approach it with the same level of politeness and respect you would when meeting someone new outside the confines of the show.
While it may be tempting to resort to insults and put-downs, try taking a different approach. Seek ways to connect with your audience, highlighting their cool traits and finding common ground.
The more challenging it is to find agreement, the more humour you’ll bring to the table. Embrace the quirky, inappropriate, or ludicrous things the audience says, and by aligning with them, you’ll often create hilarious moments. Embracing this delightful struggle of finding agreement generates a captivating conflict that keeps people entertained and glued to the show.
Honesty is vital in crowd work to avoid pandering or being insincere. Being genuine helps us connect with the audience and keeps the positivity from becoming artificial.
This rule holds true particularly in crowd work, where it’s surprisingly easier to do than when writing material. Writing often involves contemplating various factors that might not be relevant, such as worrying about appearing cool to the audience or striving to impress them with intellectual prowess.
These considerations can subtly influence your writing without your awareness. However, in crowd work, the pressure is intense, leaving no room for pretence. Your authentic self is likely to shine through, as you willingly subject yourself to high-pressure, almost crisis-like situations.
Always keep in mind that the audience is your ally, so embrace authenticity and engage with them sincerely.
Engaging in crowd work can be intimidating at first, but using the Socratic method can be helpful. We ask questions, restate their answers, and let the conversation naturally progress, leading to humorous and spontaneous moments.
When you first attempt this technique, brace yourself—it can be quite intimidating. But fear not, here’s a solid strategy to help you get started. Embrace the Socratic method, inspired by the renowned philosopher Socrates, who used to ask questions and then cleverly rephrase the responses he received, often yielding hilariously amusing outcomes (Plato’s writings are a testament to this comic brilliance).
So, give it a shot! Pose any question to your conversation partner, such as their name, occupation, or place of origin, and then reiterate their answer using your own words. This not only sets the stage for comedic tension but also aids the audience in following along with the interaction.
As you progress, naturally, your queries will become more intricate, as conversations tend to evolve. For example, if they mention they’re a “human resources manager,” your follow-up questions might delve into the specifics, like “What exactly does a human resources manager do?” or “Do you find enjoyment in your work?”
This tactic compels the person to ponder more deeply and provide longer, more captivating responses. And here’s the comedic twist—when summarising their answers, feel free to let your own perspective sneak in. Honesty and humour go hand in hand. Even if you don’t fully grasp their explanations, don’t fret! That’s a golden comedic opportunity right there!
Playfully reiterating something you don’t quite comprehend can be hilarious. Just be candid and encapsulate what you believe they were attempting to convey. Your genuine approach and amusing summaries are sure to elicit laughter from your audience.
We don’t have to come up with elaborate jokes on the spot. The conversation itself can be funny, and our genuine responses will often lead to laughter.
Just keep this in mind: it’s all about the conversation. If you’ve got that natural humuor in you, chances are you’ve spent time cracking jokes and having a blast with your buddies. You know those moments when someone says, “This could totally be a show,” or “This could be a stand-up bit”? Well, crowd work is your golden opportunity to show off that comedic flair. Trust me, if you’ve got that funny bone (and most folks do), engaging with the audience will be your ticket to making your crowd work downright hilarious. So go on, seize the stage, and let the banter flow!
Having a few tricks and stock lines can be helpful for handling common issues that arise during crowd work, but they should be used sparingly and integrated smoothly into the conversation.
For example, it’s good to have a stock line ready for when the person you’re questioning refuses to answer or gives answers that are exceedingly vague. You could use a line about how the person must think we’re somehow trying to steal their identity. So, you can ask them for their social security number, etc.
Likewise, when a person you’re questioning acts like they are afraid of us, you can try to defuse their fear by asking if they’re afraid you’re about to say [INSERT HORRIBLE DISGUSTING REMARK].
While crowd work is a valuable tool, it should not become the sole focus of our act. It should complement our written material and be used strategically to enhance the performance without overshadowing our unique point of view.
When embarking on the journey of crowd work, it may seem challenging initially. Yet, with time, it grows more manageable, and surprisingly delightful. However, one must exercise caution not to let it turn into a crutch. Your act should never be hindered by an over-reliance on crowd work.
Think of crowd work as a helpful medicine to enhance your set. Use it wisely and as prescribed. Overindulging in crowd work can lead the audience astray from your prepared material.
They might mistakenly believe they’re the centre of attention, overshadowing the essence of your performance. Remember, as the comedian, you’re the star of the show. Refrain from administering an excessive dose of crowd work that might create an addiction in your audience.
Ultimately, comedy drew you in because you had a unique voice and something meaningful to express. Once you have the crowd’s attention, seize the opportunity to speak your truth and let your message shine.
This is an adaptation of the free 12 week course Jon Roy offers HERE
Learn more about the Comedy Basics here
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