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Becoming a professional comedian is a long, difficult process that relies on hard work, dedication and a bit of luck. I'll share with you some of my experiences of performing stand up professionally.

I've been performing comedy for three years now in the U.K. I make money from doing it but I still have to supplement my income through other means. It's sometimes tough but it's always interesting. Consider that the top circuit acts still have to work 6 nights a week (sometimes doing up to 3 gigs in the same night) to make a decent living. Unless you're a huge star it's hard to make obscene amounts of money.

When you start out it's important to realise you will have to invest a lot of time and a lot of money (mostly your travel expenses). Just consider it an investment in yourself rather like a university degree. He is a brief look at how to get started on the comedy circuit.

Open Mic Nights

There are open mic comedy nights everywhere. If there isn't one near you then why not set one up? 5 minutes is generally the slot time on these nights.

Open Spots

Basically a slot on a professional night except you don't get paid. These are harder to get than open mic slots but far better because you'll be on a bill with other professionals. Some clubs will only have you if done a certain amount of gigs or can have been recommended by another more established comic. Phone them or email and just ask them what their policy is.

Gig! Gig! Gig!

Gig as much as you can and as often as you can. The beauty of stand up is you can't practice it in front of the mirror. It can only be done onstage. Feedback should come form an audience's reaction and not your friends.

Networking

When you start to get more gigs under your belt you'll meet more and more other comics. These people are your greatest tool. Don't be afraid to ask if they no of any other opportunities for you to try your stuff out.

Don't run before you can walk

It's not wise to start trying to get into the bigger clubs until your ready. Getting 20 minutes of great material will take at least or two. Work in stages. Get your 5 minutes together and work your new stuff in slowly but surely. Once you've got a tried and tested 10 minutes of material then start looking for open spots.

You'll find that as you get more experienced and more and more promoters get to know then your gig diary will start to fill, your fee will go up and you'll soon be making some money.

Do you want to be and act or an MC or both

Some acts make great M.Cs and lousy acts and vice versa but it's possible to do both. MC'ing can help you with getting comfortable being onstage and it's a useful forum to try new material. See what discipline you enjoy most.

Other avenues for your comedy

I've found that doing comedy professionally has lead to many other income streams come my way. Don't be afraid to diversify. I've hosted non comedy events, written and performed comedy songs for radio and more recently I've been writing plays for children. Use the confidence that stand up gives to try your hand at other interesting projects.

Good luck and try and be funny!

Learn more about this author, Reeves Peterson.
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