On Stand-Up Comics and Natural Humour

Last Wednesday, I was lucky enough to snag some tickets to a stand up comedy club in Downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. I am an avid fan of Saturday Night Live from the early 2010s/Bill Hader era. Therefore, I constantly stream stand up routines of my favorite comics.

(Actually, as an aside, I am sometimes a little too involved with the act that some people in the audience might think that I am a heckler because I laugh loud and make side comment. I made a conscious effort to control myself during last week's performance.)

It is very interesting to observe stand up especially when formulating jokes for a comic panel. A good joke is told in parts–it starts off as a personal story, then there is the background and rising action, and then it ends with a punchline that the comedian keeps returning to during the routine.

One thing I noticed about stand up is that the comedian prepares a set routine. Several of the jokes used have been rehearsed and it might be the tenth time the comic has performed the set in front of a live audience. I also got the feeling that some of the comics are angry, crude, and have a very negative energy surrounding them, especially when dealing with individuals that distract them from their timing by talking during the show.

Now, throughout the night, there was a host that resembled a garden gnome with a tattoo on his forearm that was introducing each act and he was landing homeruns and was naturally a funny person, he made jokes about himself that were relatable and good natured. He did not appear to be as stressed out or look as angry as the other performers. It made me realize that some people have to work for the laughs and that others earn them naturally.

Maybe one day, I will be brave enough to attempt stand up at an open-mic night. I certainly have enough life experience to squeeze into a five minute window.


I highly, highly recommend anyone with an interest in writing comedy to watch a Stand-Up Comic night. It might teach a few lessons about writing and how to be funny in your own work.