Today we feature another guest post from Brandon Collins and Mike Brown of Comedy Outliers. Brandon and Mike offer great advice to comedians, or performers in general, on how to survive and thrive in today’s competitive artistic climate.
The Comedy Outliers have a show coming up this Saturday, May 18 at Lily O’Brien‘s in New York City. Their shows are free but we highly recommend you pick up tickets so you don’t show up to a full house.
If you’re in New York or headed that way, be sure to check out their show. It’s rare to see comedy of this calibre without a cover charge or drink minimum. That said, if you want them to continue bringing these great shows to the Big Apple, we highly encourage you to support their efforts by hitting the “Donate” button on their website.
So, without further ado, I give you Brandon and Mike of The Comedy Outliers:
When we at Comedy Outliers produce a show and say “You’ve been such a wonderful audience” – we mean it. A wonderful audience member is appreciated and always welcomed to comedy shows! Here are a few ways you can make sure you’re one of the wonderfuls.
1. Turn off your phones
Why would you have them on anyway? Pay attention! It’s a LIVE show! You silence your phones before a movie starts, and it’s a movie. Unlike a movie, a comedy show is with real people who can’t afford to ignore you (on screen or on the street).
2. Don’t talk during the show
In the crowd, you may whisper “That’s the funniest comedian I’ve ever seen. I want to support them financially forever.” On stage, all a comic hears is “Blah blah blah – I don’t like this person’s show so I’m going to talk through it.” Comics are insecure!
Don’t talk. We’ll think it’s a heckle. Or talk, if you WANT to heckle and leave the show in tears. Don’t invite that negative energy into a show.
3. BUT Respond if a comic asks you something
It’s okay. We asked you a question. Either way, a comic is going to continue. Just answer honestly. And for goodness sakes…don’t try to be funny!
4. Leave the jokes to the professionals
Comics have a microphone for a reason. Let us do the joking.
5. Only go to the bathroom while the host is on stage
It’s just courteous. Like we said above, comics have big egos and even bigger insecurities.
6. Keep your feet off the stage
It’s like the “elbows off the table” rule and you should know this already.
7. Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!
Remember you’re there to laugh and have a good time! Help us help you and we’ll all have a great time!
Thanks for reading! You’ve been such a wonderful audience!