Comedy Writing Challenge

This article is part of a a series: From Open Mics to Paid Gigs.

Objective

• In this article, you are challenged to write a 10-minute set for the Local Comedy Showcase.

Prepare a set that crushes!

If you are a new comedian wondering how to move up from open mics to paid gigs, then this comedy writing challenge is for you!

• The challenge is to write 10-minutes of funny, original stand-up comedy.

Here’s how you prepared to write 10-minutes of funny comedy.

• From Open Mics to Paid Gigs, works like a free online course. It’s self-guided, so you can skip around and learn at your own pace. For example, you can scroll down to the Joke Writing Challenge (look for the green section).
• The purpose of the series is to share tips and advice to new comedians looking for information on how to get booked for gigs. For example, in this challenge you are writing a set for the Local Comedy Showcase.
• The first article, Moving From Open Mics to Paid Gigs, challenges you to write a set-list for a 10-minute set. Basically, your set list is an outline for 10-minutes of jokes. If you haven’t written a set list, now is a good time to start one.
• Next, you learned How some open mic comedians get booked for paid gigs by being memorable and professional. As an artist, you wrote funny jokes that make me want to hire you. Now, it’s time to be professional. Review your set list to make sure you have the best jokes for the show.
• If you’re funny, that’s why I’m hiring you. If I’m not hiring you to perform an opening spot on a comedy show, you may be asking “What do you need to get booked for paid gigs?” That’s why I wrote these articles. Surf through the content and get informed about a Media Kit. More importantly, check out the joke writing challenges to see how professional comedians adapt their material for a gig.

There is one secret to getting booked for your first stand-up comedy show and that’s to be incredibly funny and easy to work with. Make sure your set list includes the best jokes for the show. Be sure your promotional materials are in check. Write a short description of your act that helps me explain to audiences why they want to see your jokes.

There are significant differences between open mics and paid gigs because the audience expects more from a professional comedian. Memorize your act so you can perform it better. If I like your jokes enough to hire you, would you please love your jokes enough to remember them?

Now that you have a better understanding of what it takes to professional hold a beer in one hand, microphone in the other, all while generating uproarious amounts of laughter, then you’re probably interested in developing enough material for gigs

Now, we’re here at the Comedy Writing Challenge to write a 10-minute set list. It’s time to put it all together into one hot set of funny, original stand-up comedy. If you’re doing the work, then you may know how to write 101 jokes that kill!

Congratulations! You wrote your 10-minute set!

There’s one last Show Business Challenge to get you ready to move from open mics to paid gigs!

Suggested order

START HERE: From Open Mics to Paid Gigs (Series)

• Moving from Open Mics to Paid Gigs
• How some open mic comedians get booked for paid gigs
• What do you need to get booked for paid gigs?
• One secret to getting booked for your first stand-up comedy show

Scenario | Local Comedy Showcase

• Differences between open mics and paid gigs
• Developing enough material for gigs
• Comedy Writing Challenge
• Show Business Challenge

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