Forget testing your routine at a new comedy club --or, you know, your grandparents' basement. What a new comic needs is one of the toughest venues in the world: college. College comedians are a prized commodity at bigger universities who have the budget to hire entertainment.

It may seem a stretch, but universities are looking for the next big thing. Most comics starting out may try to avoid universities like the plague, thinking they're saving themselves for superstardom before they "step down" to pleasing a bunch of drunken college co-eds; however, the truth is some of the harshest and most ruthless critics are students. They're on the brink of adulthood and want to flex their big people skills by giving anyone who crosses their path a hard time, especially those who are to entertain them. This isn't in any way to deter college comedians from performing for them. This is only to give you a taste of what's waiting for you as you begin your domination of the stage and your drive to win over the crowd.

Let's cut to the chase. Universities are going to go with the most popular thing they can afford. Because not every school has the pull to book the top comedians, an up and coming college comedian is just the right price and the right amount of green for their budget. You'll have to face the fact --the most you'll be paid is between $2500 and $5000. However, any college event planning committee is going to expend a great deal of energy promoting you --after all, if they want their money's worth; they're going to need to reach as many people as possible. College radio, newspapers, and news shows reach a vast array of people in the community. Your name and face will be plastered everywhere; everyone will know you're coming.

New comedians need as much exposure as they can possibly get. If one goes the college comedian route, they'll be sure to gain a wider fan base, if not a cult status amongst college and university students alike. College comedy shows are also the perfect venue in which a new comic can promote herself. If you would like anyone to join a mailing list --by the way, if you don't have a website, get one, quickly-- you won't be disappointed. There's no publicity like free publicity.



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Hopefully, these tips will help you get an edge on the competition.

First of all, you need to do your research and know your competition. You can learn by watching guys like Leno and Letterman on TV. These guys are on top for a reason. They're current and they're good. Besides watching pros on TV, go to the local comedy clubs as often as you can and compare yourself to the guys performing there. If your routines aren't as polished as theirs, then you have a lot of work ahead of you. Pay attention to what kind of material they use, and take notes on what goes over well and what doesn't.

Secondly, you want to get yourself a manager. This is someone who is paid to help you develop your career. He will tell you how to get gigs, and what to do once you've got them. If you have a good manager, he will be brutally honest and tell you if he thinks you have a chance of making it. For this reason, you should perform your routines for him before you perform for anybody else. This way, you'll really know where you stand.

If you're serious about getting into standup comedy, you may want to consider consider taking formal standup or improvisation classes. These classes will actually teach you how to deliver a joke. Think about it. The difference between a hilarious joke and one that falls flat is all in the delivery. Standup comedy classes will help you with your delivery so that your jokes get the laughs.

In order to make it in the standup comedy business, you have to have the right attitude. You need to believe in yourself, and have thick skin. Not everybody is going to like you, and you may even get booed off the stage or hit by a few rotten tomatoes. If you do, use them as learning experiences and figure out how to get better.



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There are a few things you need to know before you decided to do comedy routines.

First of all, you need to know your audience. It doesn't matter how good your routine is if it isn't a good match for the people you are joking with. Don't tell risqué jokes if you aren't sure that your audience will appreciate it. A nursing home might not be the best place to try out your newest R-rated routine. So know your audience.

Keep your jokes current.

This is most important if you are doing current events or political comedy. Jokes about Nixon won't go over if your audience doesn't remember when he was in office. This goes along with knowing your audience. You want to make sure that your material is as relevant as possible. If you think this will be a problem for you, then go with more generic material.

Lastly, you need to practice. A great routine is no good if you lose your place halfway through. Tell your jokes in front of a mirror and study your delivery and timing. Try using different tones of voice and facial expressions. Then tell your jokes for friends, and ask for their honest feedback. Listen when they tell you what works and what doesn't work, and pay attention to what makes your friends laugh.

If you think you can make it in standup comedy, you need to know that it isn't easy. You need to know the audience you will be performing for and keep your jokes current. Once you have that, you need to practice your routine until you've got it down pat.



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Do you remember what it is like to hear the sound of children laughing? It is joyous, carefree and full of wild abandon. Do you remember the last time you laughed like that? Unfortunately somewhere during our transition from child to adult, we are taught to "grow up," to "be dignified," and worst of all to "wipe that silly smile off your face!"

We become "adults" who face all of our "adult" responsibilities with solemn faces and heavy hearts. Today our lives are more fast paced than ever before. As a result, most of us at some point begin to feel overwhelmed by life. Feelings of sadness, anger, and depression are often the result.

However, in all of the ways we are advised to manage stress, laughter, though appreciated, is rarely seriously considered as an antidote. Yet it is nature's own way of healing our bodies and emotions - and what a powerful coping mechanism it is!

Many studies have been conducted on the actual physiological effects laughter has on the body including:

* Activating the release of endorphins, the "feel good"chemicals of the body.
* Protects the functioning of the blood vessels by increasing blood flow, which can help to prevent heart attack plus other cardiovascular problems.
* Decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection fighting antibodies, thus boosting the immune system.
* A hearty laugh relaxes the entire body, alleviating physical tension. Muscles have been shown to continue in a relaxed state for up to 45 minutes after.

Additionally, laughter also has numerous positive emotional and social effects including:

* Making us more attractive to others
* Adds to the overall enjoyment of life
* Helps to defuse potential conflicts
* Encourages teamwork
* Strengthens relationships

Okay, now that we know how powerful an effect laughter has on us, how can we incorporate more of it into daily life? One of my favorite tips is to purchase a cd of your favorite stand-up comedian and listen to it during your daily commute to work.

For those of you who have children, join in with them when they are at play. Who says that play is just for kids? Playing with your child is just plain stress relieving fun, plus it will strengthen your bond with your child! Another excellent tip is to watch reruns of your favorite funny movies or television shows. Reruns of comedy classics such as The Cosby Show or I Love Lucy will make you laugh no matter how many times they are viewed.

Also, reread funny stories or books whenever you get the chance. The point is to exploit every opportunity you can to add more balance to your life by increasing your joy. It is easier than you think, but the benefits to your well being can not be measured.



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