The Importance of a Good Joke

Let’s face it—a good joke can do wonders. It can break the ice on a first date, lighten the mood in a tense meeting, or make you the life of the party. But it’s more than just about getting a laugh. A well-timed, well-crafted joke can stick with people, make them think, or even change the way they see something. So, yeah, mastering the art of joke writing? Totally worth it.

Understanding the Basics of Comedy

So, what actually makes something funny? It’s one of those questions that doesn’t have a single answer, but a big part of it comes down to surprise. Comedy often plays with our expectations—setting us up to think one thing, then flipping the script in a way that catches us off guard. When it’s done right, that twist hits you with an “aha!” moment that’s almost impossible not to laugh at. Think of it like a mental magic trick that leaves you wondering, “How did they do that?”

The Structure of a Joke

Setup and Punchline

At the heart of most jokes is a simple structure: setup and punchline. The setup is where you lay down the foundation—giving your audience just enough to get them on board. Then comes the punchline, where you pull the rug out from under them. The timing here is everything. Hit the punchline too soon, and it won’t land; wait too long, and you might lose your audience’s interest.

Tags and Callbacks

Once you’ve got the hang of setup and punchline, you can start playing around with tags and callbacks. Tags are those little extra punchlines that keep the laughter going after the initial joke. Callbacks are even cooler—they’re references to jokes you made earlier in your set, which ties everything together and makes the audience feel like they’re in on something special.

Finding Your Unique Comedy Voice

Every comedian has their own voice—that thing that makes their humour distinctly theirs. It’s not just about what you find funny; it’s about how you express it. Some comedians excel at observational humour, like noticing the weird quirks of everyday life, while others might dive into dark or absurd humour. Finding your voice is about experimenting until you find what feels most like “you.” Authenticity is huge here—people can tell when you’re being real, and that’s what they connect with.

The Writing Process

Brainstorming Ideas

When it comes to writing jokes, the first step is just letting your mind run wild. Brainstorming is where you throw everything at the wall—observations, weird thoughts, random ideas—and see what sticks. Don’t worry about whether it’s funny at this stage; just get it out there. Sometimes the best jokes come from the most unexpected places.

Editing and Refining

After you’ve got a bunch of ideas, it’s time to start shaping them into actual jokes. This is where editing comes in. You want to trim the fat, sharpen the punchline, and make sure the setup flows naturally. Think of it like polishing a gem—you’re cutting away the rough edges to reveal something that really shines.

Testing Material

No joke is truly finished until you’ve tested it in front of an audience. Whether it’s at an open mic, with friends, or even on social media, getting feedback is key. Pay attention to what gets laughs and what doesn’t, and be ready to tweak your material based on how people react. And remember—comedy is subjective. Not every joke will land with every crowd, so be flexible and willing to adjust.

Incorporating Storytelling in Comedy

Sometimes, a quick joke isn’t enough, and you want to take your audience on a bit of a journey. That’s where storytelling comes in. A great story can draw people in, make them feel something, and then hit them with a punchline that’s all the more powerful because they’ve been along for the ride. The trick is balancing the story with the humour—too much narrative, and you might lose people; too little, and the punchline doesn’t have the impact you want.

Timing and Delivery

In comedy, timing isn’t just important—it’s everything. You can have the funniest joke in the world, but if your delivery is off, it can fall flat. Timing is about pacing, knowing when to speed up or slow down, and sometimes, it’s about knowing when to pause and let the audience catch up. It’s something you get a feel for the more you perform, and it can make all the difference between a joke that kills and one that bombs.

Common Pitfalls in Joke Writing

Overcomplicating the Joke

One of the easiest traps to fall into is overcomplicating your jokes. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to be clever that we add too many layers or twists, and the joke ends up losing its punch. Simplicity often works best—a clear, straightforward joke usually hits harder than something that makes the audience think too much.

Misjudging the Audience

Another common pitfall is not tailoring your material to your audience. A joke that’s hilarious at a college party might bomb at a corporate gig. It’s important to know your audience and adjust your material accordingly. Understanding what they’ll relate to, and what might go over their heads (or be offensive), is key to making sure your jokes land.

Using Current Events and Observations

Topical humour—jokes about what’s happening in the world right now—can be a great way to connect with your audience. It shows you’re paying attention and that your material is fresh. But there’s a downside: these jokes can have a short shelf life. What’s funny today might be old news tomorrow. The trick is to mix in some timeless material that will work no matter when or where you tell it.

Collaboration and Feedback

Comedy writing doesn’t have to be a solo effort. In fact, working with others can be one of the best ways to improve your material. Whether it’s bouncing ideas off a friend, joining a writing group, or just getting feedback from fellow comedians, collaboration can help you see your jokes from new angles and refine them into something even better. And don’t be afraid of constructive criticism—it’s a crucial part of growing as a comedian.

The Role of Practice in Comedy

Like anything worth doing, comedy takes practice. The more you write and perform, the better you’ll get. Even when a joke bombs, it’s a learning experience that helps you refine your craft. So keep at it, try out new material, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every time you step on stage or share a joke, you’re getting closer to mastering the art of comedy.

Case Studies of Successful Comedians

If you’re looking for inspiration, studying successful comedians can be incredibly helpful. Take Jerry Seinfeld, for example—his observational humour is legendary, making the mundane moments of life hilarious. Or look at Sarah Silverman, who manages to mix edgy, dark humour with an almost innocent delivery. Watching how these pros craft and deliver their jokes can give you insights into your own comedy style. But remember, it’s about learning, not copying—your voice should always be uniquely yours.

The Business Side of Comedy Writing

Writing jokes isn’t just for stand-up—it’s a skill that can open doors in all kinds of creative fields, from writing for TV and movies to creating viral content online. Understanding the business side of comedy writing, like how to pitch your ideas or even make money from your jokes, can help you turn your passion into a career. So, whether you’re aiming to be the next big stand-up star or just want to write killer one-liners, knowing the business side is just as important as nailing the punchlines.

Conclusion of Comedy Writing

Crafting a joke might seem simple, but it’s a blend of creativity, technique, and a deep understanding of what makes people laugh. By mastering the basics, finding your unique comedic voice, and constantly refining your material, you can create humour that really resonates with your audience. But above all, remember that comedy is about connecting with people, sharing a laugh, and having fun. So keep writing, keep performing, and keep finding the funny in everyday life.

Experience Montreal Stand-Up Comedy

At Comedyville, we understand the dedication it takes to perfect the craft of comedy writing. That’s why we’re proud to host some of the best Montreal stand-up comedy shows, where you can see both seasoned professionals and rising stars in action. When you attend a show with us, you’re not just witnessing great comedy; you might be seeing the next big name in Montreal comedy take the stage. Join us and be part of the laughter, the cheers, and the unforgettable moments that make Montreal stand-up such a vibrant and essential part of the comedy scene.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

FAQs – Crafting a Joke: Mastering the Art and Science of Comedy Writing

1. How do I find my comedic voice? Finding your comedic voice is all about experimenting. Try out different styles, topics, and deliveries until you find what feels most natural. Your voice is a reflection of your personality, so be authentic—audiences connect with what feels real.

2. What should I do if a joke doesn’t land? If a joke doesn’t land, don’t sweat it. Use it as a chance to learn. Think about what might have gone wrong—timing, wording, audience? Then tweak it and try again. Comedy is all about trial and error.

3. How can I incorporate my personal experiences into my comedy? Your personal experiences are a goldmine for comedy. Focus on the parts of your life that others can relate to—those universal truths—and build your jokes around them. The more personal your humor, the more it will resonate with your audience.

4. Is it better to write jokes alone or with others? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Writing alone lets you dig deep into your own thoughts while collaborating with others can spark new ideas. Many comedians do both—write alone, then test their material with others.

5. How can I improve my timing in joke delivery? Improving your timing is all about practice. Perform as much as you can, pay attention to how audiences react, and be willing to tweak your delivery. Timing is a skill that develops with experience, so keep at it.

The post Crafting a Joke: The Art and Science Behind Comedy Writing appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

1. Embrace the Unexpected: The Power of Improvisation

One of the best stand-up comedy tips for beginners and veterans alike is to embrace improvisation. The ability to think on your feet and react to the unexpected can turn a good set into a great one. Whether it’s a heckler in the crowd or a joke that doesn’t land as expected, use these moments to showcase your quick wit and turn potential setbacks into comedic gold. It’s crucial, however, to tread carefully – the aim is to entertain, not offend. Strive to playfully involve your audience, making them a part of the humour in a light-hearted way, without resorting to put-downs. This approach not only keeps the atmosphere enjoyable but also ensures that every audience member leaves with a positive impression of your performance.”

2. Relatable Content: Connecting with Your Audience

The key to resonating with your audience lies in the relatability of your material. Tips for writing stand-up comedy often emphasize the importance of drawing from personal experiences and everyday life. Share stories and observations that your audience can see themselves in. This approach not only makes your set more engaging but also leaves a lasting impression. Observing and incorporating the nuances of daily life not only adds authenticity to your performance but also builds a bridge of familiarity and understanding with your audience. This connection not only makes your set more enjoyable but also more memorable.

3. The Art of Timing: Knowing When to Deliver

Timing is everything in stand-up comedy. It’s not just about the punchline, but also about the pause before it. Mastering the art of timing can elevate your performance significantly. Practice your set, paying close attention to the rhythm and flow of your jokes. Sometimes, a well-timed pause can make all the difference. This skill involves more than just practice; it requires a keen sense of observation and the ability to read the room. Adjusting the pacing of your delivery to match the audience’s energy can transform a good joke into an unforgettable moment. Remember, in comedy, the silence between your words can be just as impactful as the words themselves.

4. Experiment with Different Styles and Formats

Stand-up comedy is an art form with endless possibilities. Don’t be afraid to explore a variety of styles and formats in your creative journey. Whether it’s storytelling, one-liners, or observational comedy, trying out various approaches can help you find your unique voice. This experimentation can also keep your routine fresh and exciting for your audience. Each style offers a new perspective, allowing you to connect with your audience in different ways. By blending these approaches, you can create a dynamic and versatile performance that not only showcases your range but also keeps your audience captivated and eagerly anticipating what you’ll come up with next.

5. Engage with Your Audience: The Secret Ingredient

Engagement is the secret ingredient to a successful stand-up set. Interacting with your audience, whether through direct conversation or by reading their reactions, can create a dynamic and lively atmosphere. This engagement not only makes your performance more enjoyable but also helps you tailor your content in real time to suit the mood of the room. This level of engagement also fosters a sense of connection and intimacy, making your audience feel like an integral part of the show, rather than just passive spectators. It’s this interactive element that often distinguishes a good stand-up routine from a great one, as it demonstrates not just your skill as a comedian, but your ability to create a moment of genuine connection and entertainment.

In conclusion, these stand-up comedy tips and tricks are designed to help you refine your craft and deliver a performance that’s both hilarious and memorable. Remember, the journey to becoming a great stand-up comic is a continuous learning process. Embrace each opportunity to perform, learn from your experiences, and most importantly, have fun with it. Your passion and enjoyment are contagious, and they’re what will ultimately make your stand-up set a smashing success. Keep these tips in mind, hit the stage with confidence, and get ready to crush your next stand-up set!

Montreal Comedy Shows at Comedyville

How have these tips influenced your approach to comedy? Are you ready to take your stand-up to the next level at venues like Comedyville? Whether you’re a seasoned comedian or just starting, we’d love to hear about your experiences with stand-up comedy. Share your journey and let us know how these tips have shaped your performances. And remember, if you’re looking to watch some fantastic comedy, Comedyville is the place to be. Let’s continue to celebrate and grow in the ever-evolving, laughter-filled world of stand-up comedy.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Top 5 Stand-Up Comedy Tips: How to Crush Your Next Performance appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

One important element of many of the most popular and successful comedy shows is the callback. A callback, simply enough, is a line in a routine that refers (or “calls back”) to something that happened earlier in the routine.

Callbacks do a lot to keep an audience engaged. Even jokes that are hilarious on their own may have less impact if they are disconnected from one another. By including callbacks in your comedy routine, you shape your performance into a cohesive whole. Audience members who might otherwise become distracted and stop paying attention will remain engaged with your routine.

Stand-up comedy can assume a variety of forms. But performances often follow the form of a story, at least to some extent. Storytelling is a natural way to build rapport with an audience. It is one of the most effective ways to form the connection between the audience and the comic on which stand-up comedy depends.

Good storytelling is, of course, an art. Every story has one or more themes and a narrative structure. Just think about how different parts of a movie related to one another. A scene at the end of the movie may include references — or callbacks — to the scene that opened the movie. It’s the same with a strong comedy routine.

Callbacks work because they ask the audience for something. That is the power of callbacks in Comedy. It might seem that dumbing down the jokes in your routine as much as possible is a smart strategy, but that isn’t the case. Understanding something that requires a little mental effort is naturally more rewarding. Using callbacks creates an “ah-ha” moment where audience members grasp what you were up to when you set up your callback a few minutes previously. They will enjoy understanding the clever way you structured the joke.

Callbacks are sort of like an in-joke between friends. Only someone who was there for the first part of the joke will understand the callback when it appears. This shared understanding will deepen the emotional connection between you and the audience, just like an in-joke does in a group of friends.

In one of his acts, for example, comedian Ron White mentions feeding his dog medicine by concealing it in a piece of cheese. At the end of the performance, then, he jokes about getting his wife to take medication by putting the pill in a bit of cheese. Another example comes from Jim Gaffigan, with the callback spanning multiple performances. In one of his comedy albums, he mentions a Catholic mass as being the longest experience in a person’s life. In an album released years later, he notes that the mass is still going on.

To put on a comedy performance that includes callbacks, you will have to put some real time and effort into crafting your routine. You have to look at the routine as a whole if you want to include callbacks. Just be sure not to shoehorn callbacks into your routine if they don’t actually fit. As powerful as callbacks can be, they can be hacky if done poorly. The best callbacks are the ones that occur to you naturally during the process of writing your routine.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

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Observational Comedy

Chances are that your very first comedy show was observational comedy. This style tends to be the most frequently performed over the years. Observational type simply makes observations about life, finding humor in it. If you’ve listened to a comedian discussing things like dating, food, or traveling, you’ve heard observational comedy. Famous comedians who helped perfect this style include Jerry Seinfeld and George Carlin.

Anecdotal Comedy

Anecdotal is a growing genre, and many of the most popular current comedians fall into this category. Comics using this genre focus on storytelling. Here, you are not likely to hear many short quips but rather engrossing stories. It is no surprise that anecdotal comedy is growing in popularity as successful storytelling can truly capture an audience. Some of the most famous names in this genre include Dave Chapelle, Hannibal Burress, and the late Norm McDonald.

Insult Comedy

We probably don’t need to explain this type of comedy. If you are someone that enjoys when comics pick apart the audience, you are probably a fan of insult comedy. This brash style focuses on roasting others, often in very profane or rude ways. In fact, one of the best ways to witness this type of comedy is by watching a Roast. Pioneered by Don Rickles, leaders in this type of comedy include Jeff Ross and Jimmy Carr.

Deadpan Comedy

Deadpan comedy involves a delivery style that is incredibly dry with a matter-of-fact delivery. The punch line is typically said without any emotion, helping to catch the audience by surprise. A major feature of deadpan comedy is that it typically sets the audience up to think one thing is coming before shifting to something else. Top performers of this genre include Steven Wright and Anthony Jeselnik.

Topical Comedy

Topical comedy is often also called social commentary. Comedians that practice this particular style will typically write material that criticizes aspects of society such as government, movements, or other social structures. In fact, many stand-up comics will weave social commentary into their acts while using another style. For example, Dave Chappelle’s recent specials are very topical despite using anecdotal delivery. George Carlin was another comic that weaved social commentary into his observational style. Today’s cutting-edge topical comics include Hannah Gadsby and Vir Das.

Wordplay Comedy

If you are a practitioner of puns, you will probably enjoy wordplay comedy. This type of comedy tends to involve the use of tactics like puns, double entendre, and rhymes to entertain audiences. Thus, delivery tends to be filled with many one-liners. This style of comedy does not have as many performers. Some of the more well-known ones include Daniel Sloss and Demetri Martin.

Improv Comedy

Many people would likely not call improv comedy true stand-up comedy but rather a bit of a blended genre between traditional stand-up comedy and theater. After all, improv comedy often involves multiple people on stage interacting with one another as well as the audience. Improv comedy requires creativity and quick wits as performers must constantly adjust to the unexpected actions of other performers as well as ideas shouted by the audience. The iconic show Whose Line Is It Anyway? is a great way to see this genre while perhaps the most famed practitioner was Robin Williams.

See Many Comedic Styles at Comedyville Comedy Club!

If you would like to experience a wider variety of comedy and different styles of stand-up comedy, you can attend one of our hilarious shows at Comedyville Comedy Club. See some of the most hilarious Montreal comedy shows by checking out our list of upcoming shows.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post Different Styles of Stand-up Comedy appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Be Loose and Relaxed

People come to a live comedy show to relax, unwind, and have fun. When you get on stage to perform, you are basically doing the opposite of giving a formal speech. If you are feeling nervous and stressed, then do your best not to show it. Pay attention to your body language and the tone of your voice — both need to give off a relaxed, fun air. If you feel anxious, try at least to redirect those nervous feelings into an energetic, lively performance. Once on stage, make eye contact with members of the audience. This will build rapport and help you assess how well your jokes are landing.

Respond To What the Audience Does

Performing comedy is not a matter of delivering a memorized speech. While you should have the essentials of your routine mastered, you don’t want to be like a robot on stage. A crucial aspect of building an emotional connection with the audience is reacting in real time to them. If a joke falls flat, simply acknowledging the fact can help enhance the vibe of the show. If you recognize someone, say hello to them. Crack a joke if someone gets up to leave in the middle of your set. Simple things like this help to get the audience more involved in your performance, making the interaction between you and them a two-way street.

Handle Hecklers With Composure

Hecklers are the worst fear of some comedians. However, heckling is not always a terrible thing. In fact, if you handle a heckler the right way, you can make the show better. Most audience members will be predisposed to support you against a heckler. The key is to retain your cool. Come up with a funny response in the moment if you can. Just don’t become seriously angry or go too far in bantering with the heckler. You want a poised, balanced response that shows you aren’t shaken off your game. Overreacting will ruin the mood.

The relationship between performer and audience is what can make live comedy an incredible experience for all involved. The sense of a connection between the person on stage and the audience, plus the spontaneous, unpredictable nature of the interaction, is what makes it all so much fun. Follow the three key rules above and your interactions with a comedy show audience will go well.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

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Work On Your Material

If you want to perform at a comedy show, you presumably already have some ideas for the jokes you want to tell. Spend some time writing and reworking your routine. Generally, it takes some time to perfect a joke. Sometimes the difference between a great joke and an awful one is just a single word.

Practice

Stand-up is a form of public speaking. Public speaking can be intimidating. Practicing beforehand can help a lot to reduce discomfort. You want, at the very least, to have your routine down pat. You don’t necessarily need to memorize every word — in fact, it’s often better to have a looser, more improvisational approach — but you do need to have the essential elements fixed in your brain.

Record Yourself

As you are reworking your routine, be sure to record the audio or video of your routine. Listening back will often reveal whether or not a particular joke is likely to land properly. Recording yourself is essential to getting the timing right for jokes, which can be the difference between a joke that flops completely and one that brings down the house.

Perform In Front of Friends

Performing your routine in front of friends or family will serve as a useful trial run of the actual performance. An audience of friends isn’t the same as an audience of strangers, but it is closer to the real thing than practicing alone in front of your mirror. Your friends can give you valuable feedback on both individual jokes and your overall performance.

Go Out and Give It Your All

Fortune favors the bold. Half-measures don’t pay off. Don’t allow doubts or worries to hold you back from going all in. If you are going to do something, do it all the way. So, before going on stage, psych yourself up a little. Pump up your energy by telling yourself you got this — that you know you can do it. Belief is the first and most essential ingredient of success.

Doing well the first time you do something is always desirable. While it might not be the end of the world if your first performance goes poorly — many stand-up comics who went on to huge success have experienced precisely that — you would obviously prefer a happy outcome. Follow the five steps described above to maximize your chances of success.

Want to perform at one of our shows? Get in touch with us today.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The post How to Perform at a Comedy Show for the First Time appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Sitting in The Front Row of a Comedy Show

So why should you sit in the front row at a show? Why do you sit in the front row of a rollercoaster? Why do people sit in the front row at a whale show at SeaWorld? The thrill! Staring at the back of someone’s head in the 5th row on a rollercoaster sounds fine, but kinda boring. Do you know what’s way better? Sitting in the front row and staring at the upcoming twists and turns that are going to bring you to the brink of blacking out.

Sitting in the 12th row at a Sea World show means you’ll see slivers of a massive whale in the spaces between all the heads in front of you. But in the front row, you’ll see an unobstructed view of a severely depressed whale coming down from an awesome jump into the air, splashing tons of piss-filled water into your face. Hey, as long as you consent, I’m not here to judge what kind of water you like splashed on your face. All of these experiences force you to face that potential threat of death in the face and say, “I’m not afraid of you.”

Should I still do it?

No, sitting in the front row at a comedy show will not whip your body around like a ragdoll or cause you to be covered in fish water but the thrill still exists. At any moment, one of the comics could start a conversation and put you on the spot. Now, everyone in the audience is waiting to hear your answer and watch the comedian spin it into gold (hopefully). And then, when the comedian moves on to the next audience member, you experience that rush of adrenaline. A wave of relief washes over you and it seems like the ride is done. Then, when you least expect it, they turn their attention back on you and the next big drop on the ride comes into view. It’s a vulnerable, exciting, and exhilarating spot to be in and not many have the stomach for the adventure.

Final Word

Sitting in the front row at a show is rooted in that animal instinct we all have to approach danger and come out the other side alive. It’s that kind of risk-taking that led Microsoft, a computer company, to create – arguably – one of the best video game consoles of all time, the Xbox. It’s risks that led Beyoncé to drop her self-titled album in 2013 without any prior promotion. And any time I hear the word ‘bee,’ I think of two things: Beyoncé and that horrible Bee Movie with Jerry Seinfeld. But it’s usually a 90/10 split. If you find yourself at a show in Montreal, Toronto, or even Newfoundland and you’re feeling up for an adventure, sit down in the front row and strap in.

Post by Jonathan Motney
Jonathan has been writing and performing comedy in the DFW area for over 5 years. He looks to continue contributing to the comedy world until he becomes unfunny due to age and/or fatherhood.

Post exclusively contributed to Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.

The opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author.

The post Why Sit in The Front Row of a Comedy Show appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Watching a comic tell a good joke is like watching a car drive by. Seems pretty simple from the outside…just some seats and a cage rolling by on 4 tires, big deal. But when you actually look at all the components of the engine and suspension that have to function in order for that car to defy physics and roll forward, it becomes clear that this is a well-oiled (hopefully) machine that has a lot going on behind the scenes. That’s exactly what a comic goes through to craft a good joke!

On the surface, he looks calm and ready (my friend bet me I couldn’t get an Eminem quote into a blog…pay up, Justin) but if you hopped into a time machine to see the journey a comic goes through, you’ll see it all started with some clacking on a keyboard or an organic conversation or an experience that triggered a funny idea. From there, the pain begins. Pain can mean different things to different people. But pain to a Montreal stand-up comic is silence. Pain is presenting an idea that’s funny to you and then receiving a blank stare back from the audience. But it’s within this horrible pain that the (at this point) “bad” joke begins to evolve.

A comic could easily throw that joke away and move on to another one but if they know there’s a nugget of funny in there then they begin to mold it. You can adjust the timing, or reword some parts to give it a better flow and each adjustment brings the joke closer to eliciting that elusive mouth noise comics chase every time they step foot on a stage, laughter.

Can you sit down and write out a hilarious joke on the first try and then deliver it on stage to uproarious laughter right away? Yes, but you have a better chance of meeting your celebrity crush, getting them to fall madly in love with you, and run away from the fame to start a dairy farm in Idaho. So, next time you’re watching a comedy show at Comedyville and you hear a good joke that makes you laugh just know that that joke works because the comic army crawled through the pain until they found what works. So, if you want to write a joke that works, step one is to actually write something down that makes you laugh. Step two is to walk onto that stage and dive into the pain. And, finally, step three is to experience the evolution of your joke from infancy to hilarity.

Post by Jonathan Motney
Jonathan has been writing and performing comedy in the DFW area for over 5 years. He looks to continue contributing to the comedy world until he becomes unfunny due to age and/or fatherhood.

Post exclusively contributed to Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author.

The post How to Write a Comedy Joke That Works appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.

Crowd work was invented when the performers in ancient Greece forgot their lines during the performance of a play and decided to have a short conversation with a member in the front row instead of waiting in silence. Interesting? Yes. Accurate? No. Crowd work is just conversation so whenever the hell bipedal apes started grunting at each other is when crowd work was invented. Duh.

Reasons For Doing Crowd Work

There are a couple of reasons why comedians do crowd work. One, it’s an easy replacement for when a stand-up set isn’t going super great or if they want to get some stage time without a fully fleshed-out stand-up set. It can also keep them on their toes and help them develop quick reflexes when an audience member becomes unruly.

Good comedians command the attention of the room and when an audience member tries to turn the attention to them, a comedian’s job is to put that audience member in their place via verbal lashes. Second, people like hearing other people get roasted. Much of our lives are filled with polite small talk and professional exchanges at work that can be boring and draining. So, when a comedian at a comedy club in Montreal tells the audience member that they look like a person that complains about the temperature of their poutine, the audience eats it up.

A Way Out

To a comedian, crowd work can be a reliable backup plan in the event that their planned set of jokes isn’t working with the audience. Sometimes jokes that worked in the past just don’t work on a particular audience. It can be because of the vibe in the room, the previous comedian that went up, or just the comedy gods humbling you. If all else fails, crowd work can help save the day. You can find something funny with a couple of questions. Sometimes, the comedian doesn’t even need to think of a quick punchline. Funny can happen organically if the comedian chooses the right questions to ask. And it’s a beautiful thing to watch…even if you’re the audience member being asked.

The Final Word

Back to the original question…when to do comedy crowd work? If you see an interesting audience member and want to dig deeper into their whole situation or if your planned jokes aren’t quite landing and you want to get a couple of laughs before your set is over, these are two good instances when crowd work can help. The real beauty is that the answer to the question is ‘whenever the hell you want.’ You get to own the time you spend on stage and if you feel like doing some crowd work then, by all means, ask that man in the front why he looks like a banker from 1972.

Post by Jonathan Motney
Jonathan has been writing and performing comedy in the DFW area for over 5 years. He looks to continue contributing to the comedy world until he becomes unfunny due to age and/or fatherhood.

Post exclusively contributed to Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.

The opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author.

The post Timing Your Comedy Crowd Work: Tips for Getting It Right appeared first on Comedy Club in Montreal - Comedyville.