What do you need to be a comedian?

Stand up comedy is a rare art form, in that anyone can give it a go. There are no licences, qualifications or credentials needed to get on stage and try to be funny. There are a few things, however, that will be necessary if you wish to be in any way successful.

A sense of humour
Any sense of humour counts! What one person finds hilarious another may find boring. Don’t let anyone tell you what is ‘funny’. That is the audience’s job and, believe me, they will let you know. Even the most successful comedians tell tales of the audience that didn’t laugh. All you can do as a comedian is be true to your particular sense of humour and hope that it will appeal to your audience. That said, there are ways to increase your chances of being found ‘funny’ by an audience.

Material
Despite what many think, every successful comedian has material. Even if that material is made up on the spot. Material is what a comedian says that makes an audience laugh. Without material you have nothing to say or no act.

When you are starting out it is vital that you know what your material is. The safest way to perform comedy is with well written, well rehearsed material.

The biggest myth about stand-up comedians is that they just ‘make things up’ on the spot. The truth is that comedians are only acting like the thoughts they are expressing are just occurring to them. That is why it is called an ‘act’.

(NB.Even comedians who ad lib or improvise their material do not come to a gig unprepared. They bring with them years of improvising experience and a wealth of natural talent. If you are considering improvising your act to a live audience you will need that same level of experience and natural talent behind you. I would recommend doing some improvisational courses or workshops first.)

A willingness to perform
Obviously, it’s hard to be a comedian if you don’t actually perform as one. Getting up on stage is sometimes the biggest hurdle.

Public speaking is one of the greatest fears people have but if you can conquer that and get up behind the microphone you will be half way to being a comedian. After all, there are only two steps to being a comedian.

Step 1: Get on stage.
Step 2: Make the audience laugh.

If you have a sense of humour, material and a willingness to perform you have the basic requirements to begin your comedic journey.

If you have any inclination to give it a go I highly recommend it!

Break a leg!