How to Do Stand-Up Comedy
Stand-up comedy is one of the most raw and direct forms of performance. It's just you, a microphone, and an audience. There's no script to hide behind, no scene partner to bail you out. If you've ever thought about trying it, here's what you need to know.
Write Your Material
Start by writing five minutes of material. Use the techniques from our comedy writing guide: setup-punchline structure, the Rule of Three, callbacks, specificity. Draw from your own life and observations — observational humor and self-deprecating jokes are good starting points because they're authentic and relatable.
Find an Open Mic
Open mic nights are the training ground for comedians. Most comedy clubs and many bars host them. You typically get 3-5 minutes. Sign up, show up, and do your set. The first time will be terrifying, and that's completely normal. Every comedian you've ever admired started at an open mic.
Record Yourself
Record every set on your phone. Listen back afterward. You'll notice things you can't perceive in the moment: where you rushed, where the audience responded unexpectedly, where the energy dropped. Recording is the single most useful tool for improving as a comedian.
Develop a Tight Five
A "tight five" is five minutes of polished, reliable material — every joke has been tested and refined, every transition is smooth, and the set flows naturally from start to finish. This is your calling card. Work toward it gradually by keeping the jokes that work, cutting the ones that don't, and continuously refining your timing and delivery.
Handle Bombing
You will bomb. Everyone bombs. Bombing is how you learn what works and what doesn't. See our guide on recovering from a bad joke. The important thing is to keep going back. The comedians who make it are the ones who keep showing up after the bad nights.
For further reading on the stand-up tradition, see our history of stand-up comedy.