Doing Your First Stand Up Routine

 For those with a known sense of humor, wanting to get into comedy - be forewarned: getting up in front of a crowd is a lot different from telling jokes with your buddies around the barbecue.

I'm not saying that as a scare tactic, nor am I trying to freak you out by going in front of a large audience.

What I mean, is that it takes a lot of preparation.  First, and most obvious step, is writing it.  Jot down ALL ideas that come to you, and then continue to speculate on funny things about everyday life.  Don't try to hard, or the humor will disapear.  Let the humor come to you as you go about life.  Then keep jotting all of it down. 

Then write your complete routine, in a formal fashion.  Then your next goal is actually NOT doing an open mike night.  Do the routine in front of family and friends.  See what jokes are funny in advance first.  Plus, this gives you practice and confidence before going up on stage.

Being up on stage is not that frightful.  See, if you keep in mind that you are going up there to make these people laugh, it's a lot easier.  Just keep thinking in your head how funny you will be and how much they will be laughing.  That way, you'll be less nervous and much more confident.

Look around in your area for the clubs, bars, etc, that hold open mike nights and plan out everything so you'll know when to go up and when to have your material ready.

And mainly HAVE FUN WITH IT.  The more you do open mike nights, the funnier you will become.  If your first routine doesn't go over well, don't worry...don't give up. Remember, that was your first time up there!  Just remember what went right and wrong, then make the adjustments from there.