Comedians are a group of performers who write and perform humorous songs, skits, and jokes. In order to be successful, they must be able to keep their audiences entertained. Generally, they work 40-50 weeks a year. They may have a number of different types of gigs, from standup comedy to comedy club appearances, film appearances, business functions, and even television appearances. Many comedians also have a YouTube channel to promote their comedy.
Unlike other artistic vocational groups, comedians have the unique ability to challenge cultural norms. Their act can reveal fascinating aspects of human nature. However, being a comedian is not for the faint of heart. Aside from the obvious physical demands of performing, it requires a lot of time and energy to perfect your set.
The best way to learn how to be a comedian is to attend open mic nights. These are unpaid events that provide comedians with a stage for developing an onstage persona and receiving immediate feedback. This gives them the opportunity to experiment with different ideas and develop a professional portfolio.
Some of the best comedians have YouTube channels, so it is possible to watch a comedian in action without traveling across town. Other comedians have appeared on television and radio shows. While many of them have been in the entertainment business for years, there are a number of newcomers to the scene.
Although there are many differences between comedians and other artistic groups, it is easy to see that they share some common traits. One of these is the Big Five factor dimension of openness to experience. For example, a survey of British scientists asked 364 actors, comedians, and other performers to answer questions about magic, antisocial behavior, and the ‘wonder of the world’. Those who scored highest on the Big Five factor of openness to experience were most likely to have been a comedian, according to a study conducted by HURL lab.
Several other surveys have been done, including a longitudinal study of Finnish police officers. Researchers found that comedians are more likely to exhibit the psychotic traits of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
A study of children with a good sense of humor concluded that their life expectancy was a bit shorter than average. However, a study by the New York Times found that humor can actually be a powerful motivator and help people deal with stress.
Creating a well-researched and impressive set is a great way to launch a career as a comedian. Be sure to document your observations in a notebook. Also, don’t borrow from others. When writing a set, make sure you know your audience. It can take several gigs to build a reputation, so don’t try to please everyone.
Performing in open mic nights is a great way to hone your skills and establish a personal brand. If you can, try experimenting with ad-libs and making sure your material is on-point.
Although it is difficult to determine whether a comedian has the most impressive set, a well-constructed set will often unlock doors to other potential gigs.