Stand-Up Comedy Terms

In this article, , I’ll guide you through more of the language of stand-up comedy terms. We’ll teach you even more stand-up comedy terms and phrases so you can check them off your list.In my previous articles in the Aspiring Comedians’ Checklist, I’ve covered:
Stand-Up Comedy Videos to Harden Your Funny Bone
Read Stand Up Comedy Blogs to Fuel Your Dreams
Study the Styles of Comedians to Unleash Your Inner Comedian
Watch Stand Up Shows to Ignite Your Comedy Passion
Get Your Jokaholic Fix – Addicts Guide to Joke Books
Speak Like Comedians – Decoding Terms Part 1

The plethora of stand-up comedy terms and phrases is almost endless. I know I’ve been collecting them for more than thirty years. Again, I’m putting more in this article under relevant categories, so they are easier to present.

Now coming to the stage:

Types of Comedy Clubs and Venues

Comedy clubs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique atmosphere and style. From small intimate venues to large theaters, there are plenty of options for aspiring comedians to haunt. Here are several stand-up comedy terms.

• open mics any venue where anyone can get on stage and do a few minutes of stand-up comedy.
• traditional clubs
• showcase clubs
• venue
• bringer
• improvisation

These are the most recognizable types of clubs, yet there are many venues for comedy to know about, like those who rent a moving truck, park it and perform out of the back of it for street audiences. How committed are you?

Functions within Stand Up Comedy Clubs

Comedy clubs and rooms can be very intimidating as there are so many logistics and functions most people aren’t aware of. Here are some stand-up comedy terms to help you feel more comfortable.

• lineup list of the order of comedians and the time each is slated to perform in a show.
• drop in
• guest spot
• light, the
• lottery
• time slot

These are common aspects you’ll be dealing with as a comedian. The more you spend time in comedy clubs and rooms these will become commonplace.

Comedy Club Stage Equipment

One of the most important things to learn before performing is the stage equipment. Go to open mics and clubs and get on stage to get to know the tools of the comedy trade.

Here are some:

• microphone (1) Phallus shaped device to enhance the volume of voices. (2) Long for mic.
• mic technique
• mic stand
• spotlights
• cord
• PA system

Don’t forget about the stage itself. Some are big and some are tiny. The more familiar you are with stand-up comedy terms, the more comfortable on stage you’ll feel.

Stand Up Comedy Audiences

Comedy club audiences are not just passive spectators – they play an active role in the success of a stand-up comedy performance. They provide the much-needed laughter, applause, and validation that comedians thrive on. Their laughter fuels the performer and encourages them to keep going, giving their all on stage.

Conversely, audiences can be feckless, mean, loud, rude, and dismissive of the comedian’s art. Their soul crushing comments and silence knock many off the path. Worst yet, there can be no audience at all. You’ll be dealing with these highs and the depths of degradation sometimes all in one evening.

Here are some stand-up comedy terms to help you understand the challenges:

• hecklers (1) Audience members, usually drunk or high, who talk out loud or make comments and interrupt comedy shows and the comedian’s rhythm. (2) A mental social disease.
• applause break
• crowd work
• real audience
• groaners
• walking ovation

To withstand comedy audiences you must become a psychologist, sociologist, babysitter, nurse, cult leader and executioner. Be prepared to develop Multiple Personality Disorder.

Stand Up Comedy Performing

Performing stand up comedy requires not just knowledge of material, but the logistical information surrounding those performances. There are many situations you must deal with before, during, and after shows. Here are some stand-up comedy terms to help.

• bomb to perform comedy shows that get few or no laughs. See die, dog it, crickets, eat it, flop, suck, tank…
• 3-5 and 10
• kill
• set
• stage time
• warm up

You’ll learn the importance of each of these aspects the further you get into becoming an open mic comedian.

Stand Up Comedy Work and Representation

There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that comedy agents and managers will help you get work and build your career. The bad news is that no one will represent you until you’re making enough money that you don’t need them. Comedy Catch 22. Up until that point you’re self-employed and must learn how to continuously get comedy jobs.

As you venture up the K2 of your comedy career, these are some of the landings you’ll encounter along the trail to finding your sherpa and getting to the top. Here are a few more stand-up comedy terms.

• PA representation people in charge of booking and arranging personal appearance work for comedians.
• 4 Cs
• avails 
• booker
• road work
• fill in

Once you feel confident in your skills, start reaching out to comedy clubs, event organizers, and booking agents. BTW whenever you perform, you’ll never know who’s in the audience, there may be someone watching who could potentially offer you a gig.

Getting work as a stand-up comedian may take time, but with dedication, persistence, and a genuine passion for making people laugh, you can achieve your goals. Stay positive, keep writing, and never give up on your dream of getting paid to do what you love – making people laugh. And it all starts with knowing stand-up comedy terms.

Misc Stand Up Comedy Terms and Phrases

This group of stand-up comedy terms and phrases are some of the things I think you should be familiar with when you’re around comedians.

• gig
• blue material
• downstage center
• merch
• set list
• step on laughs
• Inside joke

By understanding the stand-up comedy terms and lingo, you’ll have a greater appreciation for the art of comedy and be able to talk about it like a true comedy aficionado. The more you browse through my glossary the better prepared you’ll be to go to the clubs and interact with the working comedians.

Next Up

In my next article, How to Become a Comedian Blog Series – Aspiring Comedian’s Checklist: 10 Reasons to Be Killed “Live” by Top Stand-Up Comedy Assassins, I’ll encourage you to attend the live performances of your favorite comedians. Then when you run into them, you’ll have real knowledge of what they do for a living.

Laughter is contagious, pass it on.

Free On Demand Webinar: How to Build a Stand Up Comedy Routine