Becoming a Comic

I want to be the best communicator possible. So I’m always working to improve my skills and sharpen my axe.

Last month Greg Baty and I enrolled in a stand-up comedy class at the Lake Norman Comedy Zone. Over 6 weeks, we studied the craft of writing and delivering stand-up comedy. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been so nervous in my life. The pressure to be funny is crazy intense. (They wanted us to aim for 9 LPM or Laughs Per Minute…and that’s harder than you think)

I have to give props to our two instructors: Joel Pace, who books comics for the Comedy Zone franchise and Johnny Millwater a comedian with a genuine love for the art. (Johnny’s the real deal)

Last night I went to my first legit open mic night…and absolutely TANKED. So, I’m definitely not ready for that HBO special, but I’m improving. I’ll do better next time.

Here’s a bone they threw us one night at class:

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF COMEDY

1. Thou shalt not say “I’m not good at this” or “This is my first time”
2. Thou shalt sell the punchline (believe in your material and sell it)
3. Thou shalt dwell in brevity…GTTF (Get To The Funny)
4. Thou shalt put the punchline at the end of your sentence.
5. Thou shalt knowth thy audience.
6. Thou shalt only use an accent if you can nail it.
7. Thou shalt deliver your punchline clearly.
8. Thou shalt not laugh at your own joke.
9. Thou shalt not steal material
10. Thou shalt never cut off the laughter and applause
11. Thou shalt always record your act.

Me at the Comedy Class Graduation Night