r/Standup

Did stand for the first time and bombed like i should, it sucked but it was also a rush mixed “holy tits that was uncomfortable” and i absolutely wanna do it again. now i have no idea how to write jokes and i don’t plan on asking (i searched the subreddit,enough people asked) and although i don’t make enough to live alone in NYC and have random OMFG what have i done with my life because im in my late 30’s with no career. But doing open mics feels right. I haven’t fell this good about something since i joined the Marine corps back in my early 20’s. I haven’t fell zero desire to try n make this into a I’m gonna get famous thing (there’s no way that’ll ever happen) but if i some how end up getting good enough to pay rent doing this then then to me i made it. Although i doubt that’ll happen since im starting off late in this….. im pretty high right now and super forgot what I was trying to write here…..anyways it sucks being poor sucks but doing open mics are awesome and it feels like i found my thing even though nothing will probably come out of it.

I see most of the top highest paid comedians all have a lot of social media presence on the top social media sites like instagram, TikTok and YouTube the only one who doesn’t have a high presence on all 3 is Nicki Glasser. In this day and age should we have a strong social media presence on all 3 websites or 2 is alright or 1 is ok or we don’t need none if we trying to get somewhere as comedians ? Please give other examples as well

I'm trying to identify a stand-up comedian from a TV special I saw sometime between 1994 and 1997. My friend taped it off cable, and I think it was HBO, but it could have been Showtime or another premium channel.

The entire special was one male comedian performing about 2 or 3 long character pieces rather than traditional stand-up. He stayed in character for several minutes at a time and then switched to another completely different character. He wore normal clothes throughout and didn't use costumes.

The character I remember best was an Eastern European, possibly Polish, plumber or handyman. He barely spoke English. He would say just one word or a very short phrase, then use exaggerated pantomime and body language to communicate the rest. I remember him saying things like, "You cook?... My wife cook..." while acting everything out. The physical comedy was what made it so funny.

I don't think the comedian ever became very famous because I've never seen him again, and I watch a lot of stand-up.

It is NOT Richard Jeni or John Riggi.

Does anyone remember this comedian or the special?

Haven’t had any luck with google or AI so trying here. Pretty sure had to be YouTube I saw his clips originally. I want to say he was on Letterman though not certain, and might have been 2x guest, probably in 00s or 10s at latest. Very nondescript guy you might not even expect to be a comedian. He was not particularly emotive style wise, but also not forced deadpan. Suit and tie, perhaps a bit heavier set, maybe in his 40s? Was like if a buttoned up actuary took to the stage and killed. The set was largely family-related (as the dad/husband), but completely clean and no real edge to it either. I seem to recall the host commenting how good the set was too but don’t remember if he had him over to the desk.

I’m not a comedian but I am a stand up junkie. Was hoping I could get some feedback on recommendations based off of my all time favorites:
Louis Ck, Rock, Pryor, Dave Attel, Sarah Silverman, Norm, Jeselnik, Chappelle, Gillis, Rory Scovel, Patrice, Joe List, Sam Tallent, Adrienne Iappalucci,Dan Soder, JP Mcdade, Rodney, Steven Wright, Geoffrey Asmus, Brian Simpson, Raanan Hershberg, Joe Derosa,Big Jay, Nate Bargatze, John Mulaney, Kyle Kinane, Chad Daniels

Hi everyone, I shot a pilot of Heckle Havoc Live. It’s a mix of the things above with its own unique flavour. Basically my love child. I would be so grateful if any of you like it.

What’s happening around Malibu on the weekends?

Sounds like fun, but I bet it depends on who is leading it. Am interested in this as a fun thing to do, not as a career choice

I know this is strange but I’m looking for actual clowns. Any type or variation(even accept a lil miming in there), but looking for real clown with acts. Been wanting to expand and just try new things in comedy. Again looking for actual clowns! Thank you.

How common is it to use a stage name these days?

I ask because I have been interested in doing stand-up for a while, I've written jokes, done an open mic.

However, I have the same name as an already moderately famous comedian. Our names are spelled SLIGHTLY differently but sound and read the same. Honestly, it has kind of been a weird thing to think about and have rattling around in my head.

I'm aware that I'm probably just using it as an excuse to not put myself out there more, but I cant help it.

What you good people think? Should I create a stage name for myself or am I just getting way to ahead of myself?

I have nothing off limits comedy roast that I’m doing for a company event. It’s a small startup and everyone knows each other. I was wondering if I could get some feedback?

So I've been doing this about two years and I keep running into the same frustrating pattern. I'll workshop a bit at open mics for weeks, get solid laughs from other comics, feel genuinely confident about it, then bring it to an actual paying audience and it just flatlines. Total silence. Maybe a polite chuckle from someone in the front row who feels bad for me.

I know the obvious answer is that open mic crowds are mostly other comedians who appreciate the craft and construction of a joke differently than a civilian audience. But knowing that doesn't make it easier to figure out which bits are actually ready versus which ones only work in that room.

I've started recording every set and comparing the energy, but I'm still struggling to identify the specific thing that makes a bit translate or not. Sometimes it feels like a timing issue, sometimes the premise just needs a stronger or more universal anchor point.

Jordan Jensen is a GREAT comedian & a GREAT story teller & very talented. Jordan is terrific.

AND...

I have a strong feeling that she walks along a precarious mental health edge.

I foresee her falling over the edge, mental health wise, during a live set.

Anyone else have this feeling, too?

EDIT: To clarify, I don't mean "mental health struggle" as a criticism of Jordan Jensen.

It is just like any health struggle,e.g. low heart rate, low blood sugar, etc. It is not the fault of the person.

It just "is."