Starting Stand-Up Comedy

Dan Hobson · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 10

Hey guys, I've just turned 16 and I really want to start performing some stand-up comedy. I've been writing material for a couple of years now but I've never had a chance to perform it. Only trouble is, I have NO IDEA how to go about it! I've e-mailed a couple of comedy clubs and none of them have got back to me. If you're reading this and you can offer me a spot then I'll happily book it. If you perform stand-up comedy, please let me know how you got into it too. Thanks in advance! Smile

PS: I live in Harrogate but would like to not perform too locally as I'd much rather perform in font of strangers than people I may pass in the street. Maybe Leeds would be good as it's close and there are lots of venues.

Ryan J · Joined: 01 Jun 2011 Posts: 30

Hey Dan

I am 17 years old and was in the same situation as you when i just turned 16 i wanted to be a stand up comedian since i was 14 and started writing since then but only got onto the stage when i turned 17 well if you wanna give it ago first of all tell us what area your from there are loads of open mic nights out there you just gotta look for them.

If your applying for comedy clubs as you said if there big clubs like comedy store or jongulars then they probs wont get back to you cause of your age and experience starting stand up at 16 is great but ive learned some pubs wont take you due to the venues licenseing laws (pub are abit funny about us young people performing) but tbh i havent actually incounted this problem much but it still somthing that could happen.

also quick question are your parents ok about driving you around cause luckly for me ive got a very supportive dad and mum who take me to all my gig aslong as i pay travel. (i know this question is nosey but well i am)

so yea back to your question what area are you from and ive i know the area ill reccommed night i loved to perform and if you got any other question do ask or if want a one on one chat pm me

Ryan

Sean Cosgrove · Joined: 14 Feb 2012 Posts: 152 Location: London

Go for it. I wanted to do this when I was 18. I ended up waiting until 38 to give it a proper go, and it was no easier or harder than it would have been if I'd tried back then.

Lee Kyle · Joined: 14 Oct 2010 Posts: 5

Check out the Yorkshire Comedy Forum, plenty of places local to you to be found on there.

spikymike · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 5825 Location: Nottingham

We are running a friendly gong show in Sheffield on Aug 22 and are happy to accepy under 18s.
Funhouse Gigs http://www.funhousecomedy.co.uk/html/fun_house_comedy_want_a_gig.asp

Here's some more info for you that should be useful.

Advice For New Acts http://forums.chortle.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=10

More Advice http://www.chortle.co.uk/correspondents/2009/01/30/8208/advice_for_new_stand-ups

Great Advice from Gary Delaney http://www.yorkshirecomedy.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1008&highlight=&sid=77ab27e330ebdbd2893ccc9d1578581d

Where to get gigs
http://www.manchestercomedyforum.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=26916

Compering Advice http://www.manchestercomedyforum.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=9095&hilit=compering+advice

Comedy Courses http://www.funhousecomedy.co.uk/html/fun_house_comedy_comedy_courses.htm
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Funhouse Comedy Clubs in Nottingham, Derby, Grantham, Lincoln, Burton, Ashby, Tamworth, Loughborough, Eastwood and Leicester. Best Midlands Club, Chortle 2006 and 2008 Awards http://www.funhousecomedy.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/funhouse_comedy

ChristhePurchase · Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 78 Location: Milton Keynes

I did one of my first gigs at the Soho Comedy Club at the Round Table in London - http://www.sohocomedy.com/to_perform_at_soho_comedy_club

Really nice and supportive and its non competitive
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www.christopherpurchase.com