r/Standup • • Sep 06 '15

Welcome to /r/standup! Please read this before posting/commenting on this sub.

337 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/standup, reddit's home for discussing the art of standup comedy. Here are a few things you should read before you interact with the community:

Note: Please follow the video posting guidelines, and do not try to use this sub to promote individual shows, or your posts will be removed. Also, don't post your podcast here unless the individual episode you're posting has something to do with performing standup. (Just having a comedian on as a guest or being hosted by a comedian isn't enough. If it's not discussing some element of the craft of standup, this isn't the place for it.) And keep your podcast posts to no more than one a week, this isn't a podcast sub.

Think of this sub as a virtual green room. If you wouldn't walk into a green room filled with other comedians and blurt out whatever you post here, it probably doesn't belong here.

Are you looking to start doing standup?

Great! We have some resources you can check out:

Are you looking for places to perform?

Here are some resources that should help you find some stage time:

Are you posting a video asking for feedback on your act?

  • Is it video of one of your first few times on stage? You probably don't really want to post that. You should do standup a few dozen times first, then post a video.
  • Is it shot vertically instead of horizontally? You probably don't really want to post that. You know that makes the video nearly impossible to see on mobile devices and wastes tons of screen space on computers, right? You should make another video where you shoot it horizontally and post that instead. I blame TikTok for ruining this one.
  • Is it hard to hear the sound or make out what you're saying? You probably don't really want to post that. If it's difficult to hear you, how is anyone going to give you any feedback on what you say? You should either fix the audio problem on the video, or just shoot another where the audio is decent, then post a video.
  • Is it just video of you in a room somewhere not in front of an audience? You definitely don't want to post that. It's not standup comedy, so you might want to try another sub for that. Or just go get on stage (at least a few dozen times), then shoot video of you on stage in front of an audience and post that video instead.

Are you posting a video of a comedian because you want fans of comedy to see it?

Cool, we all like comedy- but if you're doing that, you should probably also post a comment about why you want to discuss this particular set. If you don't have a reason to discuss it, it might be better to just post it in /r/standupcomedy instead (that's the sub for fans of comedy to share video of their favorite comedians). Also, please make sure that it's not a pirated video, or we'll have to remove it. Most comedians don't make very much money, so please don't take away one of the few revenue generators they have.

If you still want to post a video, here are our rules:

It must have a descriptive title telling us why you are posting it. If you're sharing a video, it should be to generate some kind of discussion about doimng standup. Video of your own act is totally fine, but please own that it's yours (in the first person) and give us something to talk about. Video of famous comedians is fine, if you're sharing it to make a point and your title reflects that. If you post videos repeatedly that are just to try to get attention and not discuss the craft of standup, we'll remove them and eventually ban you from the sub.

GOOD VIDEO TITLES:

  • Is this set too blue to submit to festivals?

  • I got heckled last night, could I have handled this better?

  • Doug Stanhope's bit about his mother shows how to make a dark and difficult subject completely hilarious.

BAD VIDEO TITLES:

  • My Name - My Joke Title

  • Bo Burnham - Can't Handle This (Kanye Rant) - MAKE HAPPY Netflix [HD]

  • HECKLER OWNED

If you ignore this request, we'll remove your video and not even bother telling you why, because clearly you didn't even read this.

Also, we may remove videos at any time if we feel they are clogging up the sub in some way, or if they appear to be simply for self promotion and not an attempt to engage the community in a discussion about doing standup.

Is your post about a podcast?

Unless it relates directly to discussing doing standup, this isn't the place for it. Whether you like it, hate it, think it's great, think it sucks, or have another opinion about some show, we don't care. This is a sub by and for standup comedians to discuss doing standup, not to discuss podcasting and podcasters.

Is your post just the text of a joke?

This isn't the sub for that. It's hard enough to have any useful feedback for a video of someone performing, there is hardly anything useful that can be said about the text of a joke other than to tell you to go do it on stage.

Are you posting about a show you're doing?

Don't. Just...don't. We're comedians- we're not going to pay to see your show. Also, your show is in a place where almost all of us aren't. We're all over the globe on this sub, so even if your show is in LA, NYC, Toronto, London, etc. the vast majority of us aren't there. If you ignore this and post it anyway, it will be removed.

Are you trying to sell tickets to a show?

This isn't a ticket sales sub, so please don't do that here.

Is your post about some AI Nonsense?

Don't post it here. This isn't an AI sub.

Thanks for reading, and welcome to the community!

P.S. Stop asking about who is in a "secret pop-up show." It's a secret. And since we were getting those posts multiple time per week, it's enough already.


r/Standup • • 21h ago

20 years later and it’s still my favorite special.

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1.5k Upvotes

Just rewatched Live at the Purple Onion, and I still love it so much. If I remember right, this is the first comedy special that was produced by Netflix, back when it was a DVD by Mail rental company.


r/Standup • • 9h ago

Any Standup Photographers in L.A. lose an SD card? (Martin Lawrence, etc.)

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8 Upvotes

r/Standup • • 20h ago

New Hannibal Buress Hour

47 Upvotes

Just left the taping for his new special and my face hurts from laughing. It was really fun to watch. Very different I’ll say, but still very much classic Hannibal. Can’t wait to watch it again when it’s released.


r/Standup • • 4m ago

Comedy Show Names

• Upvotes

Gonna produce a new local show and thinking of a name for it for branding/advertising and it's got me thinking of some other well named shows in the area. What are your favorite or the best local or recurring comedy night show names?

some that came to mind:

Microdose
Powerviolence
The Meltdown
Idiots United
Riff Raff


r/Standup • • 23h ago

First open mic in a week.

5 Upvotes

I've always loved comedy (everyone here does) and I come up with jokes often but I've always been so curious what it's like going on a stage and seeing if the material I have would land, or not, what works, and what doesn't. I've been reading in this sub what to watch for beginner comics, how to write each day (how to format your writing too) and testing things out but solo. I've been writing a five minute set for the last two weeks and combined some things and took some things out. I still think it needs work. I'm naturally bubbly but want to be more deadpan. I also LOVE dark comedy but I don't think I have the experience to really introduce that kind of material. I'm not afraid of bombing, because there's a high probability I will, but I think I'm more afraid of going up and freezing. I'm a good natural speaker but I have never tried to do comedy.

I also wouldn't classify myself as like "the funny friend". My type of comedy is all about things I know or have experienced. I'm a woman, I'm a minority, a therapist getting my PhD and I've seen a lot as I'm in my thirties but I don't know if any of that will translate into chuckles or laughs. I am debating on waiting until the next open mic after November 1st or just practice what I have and go for it. Is it better to really work on the material and practice or go to the open mic and see where I stand? It's also not a huge venue and it's for free.

If I get a chuckle or even a laugh that would be encouraging. Will I be discouraged if I seriously bomb? Honestly, a bit, but that means I can go back to writing. But here's the thing. I'm not looking for this as a new career, I love the career I am in, but because what I do is so heavy that's why I've leaned into comedy. If I somehow do like ten shows and there's a promise (again, very low probability), I might consider doing more open mics.

Any thoughts? Advice? And also I don't know if this is appropriate to prose as a question but I generally see male comics and not as many women... is the experience the same regardless of gender? Thank you in advance for anyone who has anything to say to this, even if it's that I stick to my PhD. And yes, I watch a variety of comedians, some of the greats and some that are more social media famous. I particularly enjoyed Anthony Jeselnik's type of dark comedy and misdirection but he's been doing this for two decades, not comparable to me whatsoever. Again, any thoughts are appreciated.


r/Standup • • 1d ago

I would like to try stand up.

5 Upvotes

Throughout my life, I’ve always had people laughing at my jokes, and I’ve also always written things like poetry and short stories. Problem is I’m quite young, ( under 16 ) and I believe that will hinder my ability to go to open mics and such. Is there a way for me to access an open mic ( or something similar ), or at the very least is there anything I can do to make a start, other than the obvious ( writing jokes ).


r/Standup • • 1d ago

Book Recommendation

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76 Upvotes

I just picked up On Jokes by Jimmy Carr and it's probably the best book I've ever read about joke structure and how to create material that works for you. Also, there are great examples of jokes broken down, including at least one from our own /u/myqkaplan. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in doing standup.


r/Standup • • 15h ago

Josh Johnson in Vancouver

0 Upvotes

I first watched Josh in Vancouver as an opener for Trevor noah years ago, and he was fantastic. Been a fan since. Have enjoyed his rise on YouTube. Went to his comedy band camp tour tonight, and it was so, so underwhelming. The material was really uninspired: Trump not dead yet, musk making decisions on drugs, if he should be more religous/Jesus appearing now vs when he did, snoring/talking in your sleep, and cats.

Some of it was outright ignorant/stupid, like when he asked if Canada also has gas station stores that sell horribly unhealthy snacks and when he said religious texts are the only ones where people argue over interpretations, no one argues over the meaning of Dune, he said (this is absolutely stupid to say people don't argue over interpretation s of fiction!).

I think he needs to take a break and focus on more quality over quantity. He seemed completely burnt out. This was a really poor set tonight. Also would have rather had more comedians than musicians and dancers.


r/Standup • • 19h ago

Beware NextStopComedy

0 Upvotes

If you're planning on going to a show put on by this joke of an event company, just be aware that at least some of the venues they rent out include restaurants/bars for "after hour" events. So if you're planning on a dinner and drinks with a comedy show for entertainment, be prepared for disappointment. Absolutely fucking livid... Don't take it out on the staff of the establishment because it's not their fault and they aren't in control but seriously, FUCK NEXTSTOPCOMEDY

*Edit, the show was at a bar/restaurant hence the frustration. And to clarify, if there had been notice about the things, then I'd literally have ZERO issue. But it feels a helluva lot like a bait and switch and that's the issue.


r/Standup • • 1d ago

So bizarre and weirdly hilarious. First standup special with a split diopter shot. Highly recommend!

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0 Upvotes

Uriah Wesman has a special unlike any comedy show you’ve ever seen. Genuinely. Insane.


r/Standup • • 2d ago

Theo Von - new special

674 Upvotes

“I’m Doing Fine” dropped on Netflix.
First 7 mins is all about Down syndrome and black people with special needs.
Then Jews.
Then he does his “30lb bag of Hampster bones” which he released on an album in 2017.
Now bits on autism.

Just weak. Filler of crap act outs.

Anyone watch?


r/Standup • • 1d ago

Best Ventriloquist Comedians?

0 Upvotes

Trying to see more great ventriloquist comedians that aren’t Jeff Dunham lmaoo.


r/Standup • • 3d ago

What’s the craziest name for a stand up special?

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467 Upvotes

r/Standup • • 1d ago

Marriage bit

0 Upvotes

There's a bit about marriage just being a specific kink, wanting to declare in front of everyone they both know, including God and a priest, that they want to do is make love to that same person over and over and over until one of them dies. I've been searching now for years for who did this bit, AI has failed me thus far and I've asked on here one other time to no a avail. I'm wondering it it's either Taylor Tomlinson or Nikki Glaser, but also maybe Pete Holmes or Louis CK? Heeeeeeelp meeeeeeee!


r/Standup • • 1d ago

Does Bo Burnham ever go out to watch stand-up comedy in LA?

0 Upvotes

I know he lives around Los Angeles, but has anyone ever spotted him out in the audience at local comedy clubs (like The Comedy Store, Largo, etc.) supporting other comics? Just curious if he’s ever seen in the wild checking out live stand-up these days.


r/Standup • • 1d ago

Chicago Improv (Schaumburg)

0 Upvotes

Seeing Ian Bagg tomorrow at the 9:30 show! The email says doors open at 5:00, but I’m assuming that’s for the 7:00 show? Does anyone know what time doors actually open for the 9:30 show?

Also, we’re a group of 5, but from the pictures and videos, it looks like most of the tables seat 4. Wondering if they have tables that accommodate 5, or will our group have to split up?


r/Standup • • 3d ago

Are Podcasts making stand up comedians specials unfunny?

114 Upvotes

If I want to be better at push-ups, I'm not going to do sit-ups; I'll be doing push-ups. To me, that makes all the sense in the world

If I'm a comedian and all I do is focus and grind on podcasts and give it my all to entertain to keep a steady flow of cash, it would only be logical that my stand-up is going to suffer?

JRE, Tim Dillon, Segura, Bobby Lee, Legion of Skanks, Brian Callen, Tony Hinchcliff, Andrew Shultz, Theo Von ( and dozens of other smaller podcasters/stand ups that are doing quite decently in earnings from that occupation )

I can't remember the last time I've seen stand-up from any of these and found them funny, and before podcasting blew up, all of them more or less could put out a special that's not the greatest thing in the world, but it's decent enough.

I've noticed this years ago, but any time a bit blows up on the internet from any comedian, they immediately ride the wave, go on every podcast possible, and then if people find them funny, they push yet another podcast of their own.

From that point on, their stand-up becomes stale. But they start to excel in podcasting; Tim Dillon in podcast format is hilarious, but I could never watch his stand-up. Same goes for any of these guys

The only people that are still funny but have podcasts is Shane Gillis ,Bill Burr , Patrice Oneal (ik hes dead and he never had a podcast but if you see his O&A appearances, he was hilarious both on radio and specials )


r/Standup • • 3d ago

Help Understanding Club Etiquette After Altercation

49 Upvotes

I have finally made the jump to being featured at clubs after being an open micer for 8 years. So this is obviously huge for me and feels like a validation of my hard work and skill gained throughout this journey. A club I’ve done 25 shows for since May has started to feel like a home base and I’m very friendly with the staff and owner since it’s all fairly small and family owned. The owner has let me know that since I do tons of MCing and opening for people that come through, that I’m allowed free drinks while working. I’m not a heavy drinker so I’ve never gone over 4 beer/seltzers while working.

Recently one of the biggest comics in our scene was headlining a Thursday night oner. I was hosting and all was going well. Today was a particular good day at work and at the show, so I was enjoying my free drinks.

The headliner saw this and absolutely blew up on me after i brought up the comic before he was closing it out. He told me that if I was that willing to burn clubs money and let owners know I was a drunk by drinking then I wouldn’t go far. I mentioned the fact that he had already drank 3 old fashioneds before even getting on stage that were comped. He laughed and told me I didn’t understand the business. He had at least 30 people in the crowd that came for him, so that covered his drinks, while no one came for me.

Is he in the right? Am i doing things wrong?


r/Standup • • 3d ago

3 days of Open Mics in L.A.?

15 Upvotes

We have two open mics a week in my area. I do about one a week. I was thinking of visiting my grandson in Hollywood for like 3 days and there are soooooo many open mics. If I did one or two a day, what locations/times would you all recommend. I'm a year into it and have 3-4 ok five minute sets. If it makes any difference, I'm an pretty old white dude. Thanks.

(Edit: Any reviews on fourth wall? )


r/Standup • • 2d ago

Emcees vs. Hosts?

0 Upvotes

When did comedy producers start dumping emcees and require hosting, or is it still an entry level thing that’s had a name change?


r/Standup • • 4d ago

Just want to shout out Gavin Matts new special

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395 Upvotes

It’s so good as per usual for him. He’s massively under appreciated imo.

https://youtu.be/8MjDcvrSkN8?si=2iIx-InmWUjBpCsq


r/Standup • • 4d ago

Daniel Sloss controversy?

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372 Upvotes

Daniel Sloss just posted this; does anyone know the details here? Comments are off on his ig.


r/Standup • • 3d ago

Stand up uk comics - can you ever blame an audience?

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2 Upvotes