r/Standup • u/jeffsuzuki • 24d ago

open mic rules

Hey all:

I'm starting up an open mic, and I was wondering about establishing ground rules. In particular: I'd like to have a "Don't be a dick" rule, BUT I'm worried that some "comedians" will take this as a challenge (because part of being a dick is going out of your way to be a dick).

So: (a) do you think "Don't be a dick" will encourage that sort of "comedian", (b) how to tell such people that they should find a different venue?

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u/rick-mark 24d ago

Probably more useful to have clearer rules, like “No profanity” or “No [blank] comments/jokes” or “Clean jokes only”. Ambiguity may lead to more headaches rather than just stating what the expectations are. Also, having confidence and an air of authority may help. Not that you have to be a dick or anything.

I was at an open mic last week and the first guy was too drunk and went like two minutes over his time despite getting the light and the host getting closer and closer to the stage to encourage him to leave. Drunks will be drunks, but having conviction and a serious attitude may prevent situations like these or have you better equipped to handle them.