Local Comedy Show (A Realistic Scenario)

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

Scenario Objective

In this simulation, you will respond to an offer for a paid gig on the Local Comedy Show

Develop a 10-minute set for amateur stand-up comedy showcases

In this comedy show scenario, you get an offer to perform a 10-minute spot on an amateur comedy showcase. The offer comes from Sophie Donnbea, host and producer of the Local Comedy Show, a monthly showcase at the LowCal Brewery in Smalltown, Co. Sophia saw you at an open mic and thinks your jokes will get enough laughs for the show.

A comedy show that features a variety of comedians can be described as a showcase.

Details about the Local Comedy Show

WHO: Sophia Donnbea, comedian and comedy show producer
WHAT: A 10-minute spot on a local comedy showcase. It pays $25.
WHEN: July 14, 2021 8pm
WHERE: LowCal Brewery, Smalltown, Colorado, USA 80977
WHY: The LowCal Brewery offers a monthly comedy show. Sophia is the local comedian that books and hosts the show.

The Problem

The audience didn’t laugh at last month’s comedian.

Because some of the comedians failed to memorize their jokes, the audience stopped paying attention while the comic reviewed their notes.
A few comedians presented unfinished ideas that did not result in laughter.
Sophia and the headliner comedian sustained uproarious laughter for their portions of the show. Their experience suggests the crowd wanted to hear comedy and be engaged by a good performance.

The Solution | Develop a 10-minute Set

Outline a Set List

What’s the first joke?
Which jokes do you perform at the beginning of your set?
Which jokes are in the middle?
Whats the big finale?
Do you end on laughter?
Are you building laughs throughout your set?

Test 2-minutes of your act

Perform at open mics and try the first 2-minutes of your act

Comedy Show Business Challenge

Book the gig

Click on the tabs to see the gig requirements.

Get RehiredGet BookedNeeds Improvement

After successfully completing this simulation, you will get re-hired by exceeding expectations with an extraordinary submission:

Sustain laughter for a comedy performance
Joke quality exceeds expectations
Superior professionalism

To complete this scenario, you must get booked by meeting expectations with a satisfactory submission of the following:

Sustain laughter for a comedy performance
Almost all of your jokes get laughs
Effective response message

An unsuccessful attempt needs improvement:

10-minute set delivers inadequate amount and/or quality of laughter
Failed to book the gig

These articles may help you with this scenario.

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

Scenario | Local Comedy Showcase

Laugh, like, share.

Please share this article with comedians in your neighborhood comedy scene.

2020

Local Comedy Show (A Realistic Scenario)

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

Scenario Objective

Develop a 10-minute set for amateur stand-up comedy showcases