How to Start Off Your Comedy Career

You’ve probably heard by now that getting into the entertainment industry as a performer is extremely difficult. Music is extremely prevalent in society, yet many musicians struggle to find enough work to sustain their careers. Comedy is no different, as it takes a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck to make it big as a comedian. So how can you set yourself up for future success and take the right first steps as a comedian? Here’s how to start off your comedy career. 

Find Inspiration

The first thing that you’ll need to do to start off your comedy career is to look for inspiration. The top comedians are able to constantly churn out new material because they are always on the lookout for inspiration. You’d be surprised at the places where you could find material for your routines, as inspiration could come from something as mundane as everyday interactions or simple conversations that you overheard. However, you need to remain vigilant and always be on the lookout for this material. You’ll need lots of different jokes and routines when you’re just starting out, so the more inspiration you can find the better.  

Rehearse Your Material

As with anything, practice makes perfect, and being a comedian is no different. People may think that being a comedian is an all-natural talent or doesn’t require a lot of practice, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You need to spend a lot of time practicing your material, ensuring that you can create funny and compelling jokes from it. In addition, you’ll have to tinker with things such as pitch, cadence, and delivery when telling a joke. You can’t just simply walk on stage and expect immediate success, so you’re going to need to practice a lot in order to be successful.

Network with Other Comedians

Another important part of starting your comedy career off on the right foot is networking with successful comedians. These comedians can offer a lot of value, being a huge help in becoming successful yourself. You may take inspiration from watching their performances, incorporating their mannerisms or style into your own routines. Alternatively, you may be able to run jokes or routines by other comedians, allowing you to get valuable feedback that can allow you to fine-tune your comedy. Finally, more successful comedians may ask you to open for them and warm up a crowd. Doing so can be a great way to earn some gigs and build your own brand as a comedian.

Take Lots of Gigs

While practicing by yourself and with industry experts can be beneficial, it won’t entirely prepare you for what's to come. You should be constantly searching for venues that are looking to book a comedian, as the stage experience is invaluable. You’ll need to learn how to alter your pacing when the audience cheers and laughs and how to incorporate stage movements into your routine. Finally, you’ll need to understand how to deal with hecklers and other forms of audience interaction, as it is an important part of being a successful comedian. You can practice and study these things all you want, but you’ll never truly be able to understand them unless you experience them yourself.