Whether you’re on the fence about dipping your feet into the comedy pool or you’ve been swimming for decades, I can’t stress enough how important stage time is. If you’re a big name (or even a medium or a small name), I don’t have to tell you this, because you already know. However, if you’re a bigger name, you get stage time pretty often, so finding and spending time at open mics probably isn’t something you’re worried about.
OK, so yes, while many open mics may be targeted primarily at beginners, regardless of the level of performer, mics have something to offer everyone. In addition to trying out material in a relatively anonymous way, you can also make new friends, discover a cool new comedy (or dining) spot or even just kill a couple hours before a paid show. You may also be making new fans, maybe without even knowing it.
It’s not only comedians who attend open mics, though that is the bulk of the audience, usually. Their friends attend, staff members who work at the venue, patrons who wandered in for a drink or bite and found themselves amid a random mini comedy conference, and maybe the club owner or booker might even be in attendance. You never know who is going to be anywhere, at any time.
So yeah, open mics are totally worth it.
Can’t get yourself out of the house? Consider doing an online open mic or setting one up a small workshopping open mic with a group of comedy friends.
Today’s Comedy Inspo:
Check out the wealth of funny tee shirts on RedBubble.com (maybe even start your own line?)
Would you perform or watch a show at a virtual comedy club?
If you’re late to the Eric Andre boat, I’m sorry about that. Go watch every episode, now. In the meantime, buy the new book that he and his creative partner, Dan Curry wrote.
That’s it for now, see you next time.