Stand up in San Diego

[abenaroya]

Does anyone know of any stand up open mikes in San Diego. I really want to start doing stand up, but I just don't know where to go to perform.

[Adult Ed]

You should try the google.

Winston's has a Friday evening mic and the Comedy Store in La Jolla has a new talent night on Sundays.

The people at those shows will know where to find the open mics that don't come up on the first page of results for comedy "open mic" "san diego".

[abenaroya]

Hey, thanks for getting back to me. I should have been more specific, unfortunately I'm not 21 yet. I need to know of places that aren't 21 and up.

[CaptainBreakfast]

It doesn't matter, I've found. I'm underage, I can go into places without bouncers. My only advice is that you stay away from drink situations, and that you keep in your head that even if you do get caught, the worst that happens is you get thrown out. Also, it's good to ask and see if you might pass for over 21.

[Adult Ed]

Hey, thanks for getting back to me. I should have been more specific, unfortunately I'm not 21 yet. I need to know of places that aren't 21 and up.

I know a comic here that started showing up at mics at bars when he was ~13 (with a chaperone, at first, but not anymore and he is still in HS). Even if you can't perform, I'd show up and ask the comics about other places. Also, you can look into music and poetry mics - they will sometimes let a comic go up.

Sorry about the snark.

[pg13]

I should have been more specific, unfortunately I'm not 21 yet. I need to know of places that aren't 21 and up.

There may not actually be places that aren't 21 and up--and that's something you should be aware of immediately.

Traditional professional stand-up comedy is quite often merely the chosen draw of someone hoping to sell alcohol to as many people as possible. In many states, this can make it very difficult (and increasingly ever MORE difficult, as loopholes are being closed and liquor control boards get more nitpicky...all in our culture's insane drive to constantly PROTECT THE CHILDREN) for someone underage to find a way to participate in the traditional stand-up comedy process.

I'm not saying that it's impossible--and in some areas it is easier than others--but it really isn't set up to be easy for you, either.

Quite frankly, it shouldn't be. (Not what you want to hear, but trust me, the world is definitely NOT waiting on your youthful observations to be shared with them...and the fight will make you stronger...better...)

Now, finding a non-traditional approach might be a way to go...but you may find that you'll have to do a lot of the grunt work to make those opportunities happen yourself--which can be difficult if you don't know what you're doing as a comedian yet...to suddenly find yourself in the roles of a show promoter, booker, host...etc.

If you don't mind me asking--exactly how far away from 21 are you?

It might be a whole lot less hassle for you if you just keep writing...and wait.

Again, I know, that's not what you want to hear--because you've got a bit of Veruca Salt in you...and that's a wonderful motivator, but not always a practical--but it's not like stand-up comedy is going to go anywhere...you're not in danger of "missing it."

And if you can't wait, it might suggest that this is just a passing fancy for you...and then we're not really in danger of missing you...

But the true bottom line is--if you really want it, you'll figure out a way to make it happen.

Good luck.

pg--seattle

PS--Lots of good people doing comedy in San Diego. Start making friends on MySpace with these people and maybe one of them will take you under their wing. Knowing people doing comedy is, by far, the best way to get the opportunities to do comedy yourself.