How to Attend a Comedy Show
When I was a senior in high school my A.P. English teacher stopped our lesson plan cold during the first semester in order to give us a two week remedial course in cursive handwriting. Now, while that was an exercise in retarded futility, there is something to be said for taking a step back and relearning some things we should have already mastered.
As a professional comedy show audience member, I feel I am well-suited to shed some light on the mystery that is appropriate comedy show behavior. Thus, I have developed the following primer for those who are considering attending their first comedy show, those who just need a little refresher on the finer points, and those who don't realize they need it but actually need it more than the former two types of audience member. So let's get started, shall we?
Before the Show
1. Don't be that guy or girl
If a friend says to you, "Hey, you wanna go to a comedy show with me?" do not immediately respond, "Oh I HATE going to comedy shows, they ALWAYS say something to me!" No, they don't. You're narcisstic and you don't like comedy, so be honest. (If you still think comics always single you out, see #5). Also, comics and comedy clubs vary wildly. Some comics don't even recognize that the audience is there, some base their whole set on crowd work. Some venues cater to the "Hey, where are you guys from" style of comedy and others to the "What would you mix with powdered water " comedy. Which leads us to the next point...
2. Know where you're going
If you're going to Caroline's you're going to spend at least $40 on the cover and two drink minimum, more depending on the popularity of the performer. You're also going to need to make a reservation, check in when you get there and wait in line to be ushered in. If you're going to an "alternative" comedy show at a dive bar, you may pay nothing and drink PBR but still wait in line, only this time amongst the equally "alternative" comedy audience. You could also be the only person in the audience who isn't performing on the show depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to crawl. In that case, be prepared to either A) pretend you're on the show if you don't want to be addressed or B) accept that all jokes will be delivered directly to you and that the comics will eat it or not based on your one laugh. Taste that? That's called power. Sweet, uncomfortable power.
3. Don't be afraid to try something new
One of the biggest hurdles unestablished comics face is getting good stage time. That's why so many comics attempt to start their own shows. However, there are only a handful of really established and consistently attended alternative venues: Rififi, Mo Pitkins, the UCB Theater are a few. New comedy shows live or die based on their ability to attract an audience and supply the venue with drinkers. Unfortunately, people don't seem to enjoy going places they haven't already been and venues don't always want to give a show time to build audience slowly. So if you hear that Judah Friedlander is doing a set one night at a place you've never heard of and another night at Gotham, don't be so quick to rule out going to that new place. You'll probably have a great time and feel like you discovered something while simultaneously supporting the same entrepreneurial spirit that helped build shows like Eating It and Invite Them Up.
During the Show
4. Arrive on time but not for the reason you think
Comedy shows tend to get going anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour or more after the publicized start time. However, this creates a problematic cycle: the show starts late because the producers are waiting for a bigger audience, the audience knows the show starts late so they arrive late, the show starts even later, so the audience starts arriving even later...you see the problem. So even if you know a show won't start until 8:30, if at all possible go ahead and arrive at the official 8:00 start time. You'll be saving the host some stress, have time to get a drink and get a better seat.
5. Don't be that guy or girl, part 2
If you find that you are always getting singled out at comedy shows, guess what, there's something you're doing to attract attention. Maybe you have a dumb laugh or an ugly date, maybe you're talking too loudly to your companions, maybe you're sitting quietly with a sour look on your face. What you have to understand is that when a comic is on stage he or she is working. The comic isn't particularly interested in anything about you except hearing you laugh, unless of course crowd work is part of his or her act, but you would still have to make yourself noticed in order for the comic to single you out. One exception to the rule is pretty girls. If you are a pretty girl and you don't want the comic to say anything to you, don't sit front row center.
6. You aren't helping
This is so basic it seems like it shouldn't have to be said, but sadly it does. Heckling is not part of the show. You aren't working with the comedian when you yell something out at him or her. If you need to talk at a comedy show go to an open mic and get on the list, don't work on your lame material when someone is on stage. (Note: I officially apologize for the one and only time I heckled a comic...I was drunk, it was 1:30, a friend was on stage and he claimed to have just recently taken part in a threesome...seriously, what would you have done? Still, sorry, John.)
7. For the love of God, laugh you douche bags
Why would you go to a comedy show if you think you're so above laughing? Wouldn't moody aloofness be more appropriate for some other activity, like the indie rock shows you've already ruined with your vapid, blank stares. Stand-up isn't a battle of wits between you -- the well-read, bespectacled, Vann-wearing audience member -- and the talking monkey trying to entertain you. Here's a news flash: you aren't any cooler than the person on stage, so get the fuck over yourself, loosen up and have fun. That's what you're supposed to be there for, moron.
After the show
8. Have another drink
Again, if it's a small show at a bar or lounge it's always good to hang out and have another drink. It certainly helps put the comic in good sted with venue, plus you might have an opportunity for #9.
9. Do show your appreciation, don't be a weirdo
One of the fun things about comedy shows in the city is that it's usually very easy to talk to the comics afterword. And comics like positive attention, so there's no reason to be afraid to say something. However, don't be creepy. If the comic you want to talk to is busy or already involved in a conversation, don't walk up and stand next to him or her until you're noticed. And please for the love of god, don't seize the opportunity to show him or her how funny you think you are. Be complimentary, be nice, ask a question but don't be starstruck and don't think you're cool. Finally, as stated, comics love attention so if you simply tried to strike up a pleasant conversation at an appropriate moment and he or she acted annoyed or superior, that comic is an asshole.
10. Go tell it on the mountain
If you saw a good show, tell people about it. Go back and take people with you. Comedians work their asses off for very little money in the hopes that more and more people will see them and they can build a following that magically translates into a career. So if you really love comedy, support it. Trust me, the comics will thank you.
I hope you found this helpful. I think we're all ready to venture back out into the night and laugh ourselves silly. Might a suggest this coming Monday's Drink at Work.com Presents... at Siberia? It features some of the funniest and most attractive comics in the city, including: Craig Baldo, Becky Donohue, Shayna Ferm, Jack Kukoda and Sean Crespo. Plus, our musical guest is the insanely wonderful Billy McCarthy of Pela (one of DAW's favorite bands). So come out and put today's lesson to the test. I'll be grading you on clarity, poise and dexterity with Irish Car Bombs. See you then!
As a professional comedy show audience member, I feel I am well-suited to shed some light on the mystery that is appropriate comedy show behavior. Thus, I have developed the following primer for those who are considering attending their first comedy show, those who just need a little refresher on the finer points, and those who don't realize they need it but actually need it more than the former two types of audience member. So let's get started, shall we?
Before the Show
1. Don't be that guy or girl
If a friend says to you, "Hey, you wanna go to a comedy show with me?" do not immediately respond, "Oh I HATE going to comedy shows, they ALWAYS say something to me!" No, they don't. You're narcisstic and you don't like comedy, so be honest. (If you still think comics always single you out, see #5). Also, comics and comedy clubs vary wildly. Some comics don't even recognize that the audience is there, some base their whole set on crowd work. Some venues cater to the "Hey, where are you guys from" style of comedy and others to the "What would you mix with powdered water " comedy. Which leads us to the next point...
2. Know where you're going
If you're going to Caroline's you're going to spend at least $40 on the cover and two drink minimum, more depending on the popularity of the performer. You're also going to need to make a reservation, check in when you get there and wait in line to be ushered in. If you're going to an "alternative" comedy show at a dive bar, you may pay nothing and drink PBR but still wait in line, only this time amongst the equally "alternative" comedy audience. You could also be the only person in the audience who isn't performing on the show depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to crawl. In that case, be prepared to either A) pretend you're on the show if you don't want to be addressed or B) accept that all jokes will be delivered directly to you and that the comics will eat it or not based on your one laugh. Taste that? That's called power. Sweet, uncomfortable power.
3. Don't be afraid to try something new
One of the biggest hurdles unestablished comics face is getting good stage time. That's why so many comics attempt to start their own shows. However, there are only a handful of really established and consistently attended alternative venues: Rififi, Mo Pitkins, the UCB Theater are a few. New comedy shows live or die based on their ability to attract an audience and supply the venue with drinkers. Unfortunately, people don't seem to enjoy going places they haven't already been and venues don't always want to give a show time to build audience slowly. So if you hear that Judah Friedlander is doing a set one night at a place you've never heard of and another night at Gotham, don't be so quick to rule out going to that new place. You'll probably have a great time and feel like you discovered something while simultaneously supporting the same entrepreneurial spirit that helped build shows like Eating It and Invite Them Up.
During the Show
4. Arrive on time but not for the reason you think
Comedy shows tend to get going anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour or more after the publicized start time. However, this creates a problematic cycle: the show starts late because the producers are waiting for a bigger audience, the audience knows the show starts late so they arrive late, the show starts even later, so the audience starts arriving even later...you see the problem. So even if you know a show won't start until 8:30, if at all possible go ahead and arrive at the official 8:00 start time. You'll be saving the host some stress, have time to get a drink and get a better seat.
5. Don't be that guy or girl, part 2
If you find that you are always getting singled out at comedy shows, guess what, there's something you're doing to attract attention. Maybe you have a dumb laugh or an ugly date, maybe you're talking too loudly to your companions, maybe you're sitting quietly with a sour look on your face. What you have to understand is that when a comic is on stage he or she is working. The comic isn't particularly interested in anything about you except hearing you laugh, unless of course crowd work is part of his or her act, but you would still have to make yourself noticed in order for the comic to single you out. One exception to the rule is pretty girls. If you are a pretty girl and you don't want the comic to say anything to you, don't sit front row center.
6. You aren't helping
This is so basic it seems like it shouldn't have to be said, but sadly it does. Heckling is not part of the show. You aren't working with the comedian when you yell something out at him or her. If you need to talk at a comedy show go to an open mic and get on the list, don't work on your lame material when someone is on stage. (Note: I officially apologize for the one and only time I heckled a comic...I was drunk, it was 1:30, a friend was on stage and he claimed to have just recently taken part in a threesome...seriously, what would you have done? Still, sorry, John.)
7. For the love of God, laugh you douche bags
Why would you go to a comedy show if you think you're so above laughing? Wouldn't moody aloofness be more appropriate for some other activity, like the indie rock shows you've already ruined with your vapid, blank stares. Stand-up isn't a battle of wits between you -- the well-read, bespectacled, Vann-wearing audience member -- and the talking monkey trying to entertain you. Here's a news flash: you aren't any cooler than the person on stage, so get the fuck over yourself, loosen up and have fun. That's what you're supposed to be there for, moron.
After the show
8. Have another drink
Again, if it's a small show at a bar or lounge it's always good to hang out and have another drink. It certainly helps put the comic in good sted with venue, plus you might have an opportunity for #9.
9. Do show your appreciation, don't be a weirdo
One of the fun things about comedy shows in the city is that it's usually very easy to talk to the comics afterword. And comics like positive attention, so there's no reason to be afraid to say something. However, don't be creepy. If the comic you want to talk to is busy or already involved in a conversation, don't walk up and stand next to him or her until you're noticed. And please for the love of god, don't seize the opportunity to show him or her how funny you think you are. Be complimentary, be nice, ask a question but don't be starstruck and don't think you're cool. Finally, as stated, comics love attention so if you simply tried to strike up a pleasant conversation at an appropriate moment and he or she acted annoyed or superior, that comic is an asshole.
10. Go tell it on the mountain
If you saw a good show, tell people about it. Go back and take people with you. Comedians work their asses off for very little money in the hopes that more and more people will see them and they can build a following that magically translates into a career. So if you really love comedy, support it. Trust me, the comics will thank you.
I hope you found this helpful. I think we're all ready to venture back out into the night and laugh ourselves silly. Might a suggest this coming Monday's Drink at Work.com Presents... at Siberia? It features some of the funniest and most attractive comics in the city, including: Craig Baldo, Becky Donohue, Shayna Ferm, Jack Kukoda and Sean Crespo. Plus, our musical guest is the insanely wonderful Billy McCarthy of Pela (one of DAW's favorite bands). So come out and put today's lesson to the test. I'll be grading you on clarity, poise and dexterity with Irish Car Bombs. See you then!
posted by Carol at 3:16 PM
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