Zite Prismatic 10 things no one tells you about stand-up comedy 3. You have to ignore the critics If you want to be a successful comedian, don’t worry about making the nerdy critics who lurk at the back of gigs with their little pens laugh. Concentrate on the people who have actually paid for their tickets. 4. If you follow comedians on Twitter all you will read about is how they have just seen their best mate do a storming gig. 5. The louts that shout out at gigs tend to think they have the wit of Oscar Wilde and the poise of Noël Coward. Having said that, some responses to interruptions are priceless. 6. Imagine, just for a moment, that you said the same thing every night. 7. Stand-up comedy is just that: few comedians deliver their jokes while perched on a stool. The exact amount of time you spend on your feet seems to depend on your nationality. 8. Not better. 9. I’m afraid to say that if you are thinking of getting into stand-up for the sex and drugs, you're in for a (not very) rude awakening. Comedy is more like the new accountancy. 10.
6 Ways to Not Suck at Stand-Up Comedy Are you following me so far? OK, now here's the deal: If they need you to perform, but you're already drunk or, let's say, tripping on psychedelic calzones (which slanderous rumors lead me to believe Kevin is totally into), you'll be in no shape to do a good job on stage. So Kevin's advice in a nutshell (which he also finds delicious) is to always be ready to perform, because you don't want to squander good opportunities. If I could take that advice a bit further and out of Kevin's wheelhouse of eating and drinking, I'd advise that it's a good idea to be prepared with all sorts of material for different occasions and different timed sets, because, y'know, you never know. Our top spot goes to comic Fred Stoller, who you might know from appearances on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist and Everybody Loves Raymond or his book Maybe We'll Have You Back. Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.nePies in the face? Well, there you have it.