Comedy Questions From Beginners For Experienced Comics

[forgetiheardthat]

Jesus, thank you Harry, I didn't want to be the one to say it, but it's been driving me insane since the beginning. John, your commitment is admirable, but please stop capitalizing Stand Up Comedy. I know this is a dumb, nitpicky thing, but for the good of my idiocy.

[John Santana]

I honestly think John is jerking you guys around.

Who capitalizes Stand Up Comedy?

Punctuation hint taken. I'm not jerking you guys around - for a while now I've been trying to understand exactly what "comedic voice" is - it's spoken about with such reverence that I think it's a major step in developing my voice.

[scamboogah]

Now I know it's a joke.

[Harry Bongers]

When you ask about developing a Comic Voice are you talking about learning how to sound like Rip Taylor?

[Alex Mac]

A better choice would be Paul Lynde.

[crlygrl]

Now I know it's a joke.

http://instantrimshot.com/

[Harry Bongers]

A better choice would be Paul Lynde.

I know this is a comedy advice thread but thanks, I stand by Rip Taylor.

[scamboogah]

You should take Bobcat Goldthwaite's voice. He doesn't seem to be using it.

[Alex Mac]

I know this is a comedy advice thread but thanks, I stand by Rip Taylor.

Respectable. I just couldn't get past the fact that in my mind, whenever I hear Rip Taylor's voice, I get flashbacks from the Ducktales movie.

[John Santana]

Does it usually mean that you have 1 minute left at most comedy open mic's when they signal you with the signal light, or does the light usually mean they want you to wrap up your current joke?

[Gene George]

Does it usually mean that you have 1 minute left at most comedy open mic's when they signal you with the signal light, or does the light usually mean they want you to wrap up your current joke?

Depends on the show. Usually a minute. If you're at a good stopping point or get a laugh it's OK to bail early.

[scamboogah]

This would also be a good question to ask the guy operating the light.

[Gene George]

This would also be a good question to ask the guy operating the light.

Yeah I should have been more specific than "depends on the show." I meant it varies by show, usually it's a minute to go, but check with the MC, Booker, Producer, Tech, Director, Lighting guy or whomever. I've found most open mics are usually "idiot resistant" and generally clear. When in doubt ask.

The worst shows to me are the ones that vary set times to try and shoehorn in more comics, those you gotta stay on top of.

[drieux]

If you're at an open mic and go more than 90 seconds after getting the light, it is comedy law that somebody can stab you and face no legal repurcussions.

[Gene George]

If you're at an open mic and go more than 90 seconds after getting the light, it is comedy law that somebody can stab you and face no legal repurcussions.

SO IT IS WRITTEN!

[drieux]

Let it be written on every sheet of scribbled fart jokes; inside every pretentious Moleskine filled with rape humor.

[John Santana]

Could it be said that the most popular and most successful Stand Up Comics (I believe "Stand Up" can be capitalized when it's a person's title) are also the best Actors/Actresses on stage?

[Gene George]

Could it be said that the most popular and most successful Stand Up Comics (I believe "Stand Up" can be capitalized when it's a person's title) are also the best Actors/Actresses on stage?

It could be said but it might be wrong.

One thing that can be said with a modicum of certainty is that generalizations are usually full of holes.

The usual stereotype is that it's difficult to "learn" comic timing and sensibility. Comics already have that and therefore seem more versatile when they also have dramatic chops i.e. Robin Williams.

Also I prefer sTAND uP cOMIC.

[scamboogah]

I believe "Stand Up" can be capitalized when it's a person's title

And english professors and grammarbook.com would believe that you're wrong (and wouldn't consider 'standup comic' to be a title like chairperson or president). You wouldn't capitalize 'Future Forklift Driver', would you?

Rule 3. Capitalize a person's title when it precedes the name. Do not capitalize when the title is acting as a description following the name.

[John Santana]

I can't remember where I heard it recently, but someone said that you should memorize your punchlines exactly - word for word. Is that pretty sound advice?