Life of a comedian part 5 (cont) 14th Oct 2010
A great deal of self-confidence is required if one is to make it through the first few years in this profession (and over 90% don’t), since failure, disappointment, rejection are standard and form part of the learning curve.
A pro comedian must adapt to peers’ comments and take criticism well. The ability to work with others is critical to success in comedy.
Comedians perform on club circuits and if lucky do private function around the country.
Being a solo comedian can be an “if-you-win-I-lose” type of career. “There are only so many laughs on any given night, and if possible, you want to get all of them.
Solo stand-up comics can face a significant level isolation. At the same time, studying fellow performers’ material, style, delivery, and presence are facets of the successful comedian’s life.
No academic requirements exist, but many performers get their start in college or acting, thereby gaining some exposure to large audiences.
Stand-up comedians have a more uncertain road than other performers or singers, going from club to club, writing material, practicing and refining it, and hoping for a break or a chance to move into the corporate or higher paid arena.
It is not unusual for an aspiring stand-up comic to log more than 200 days per year away from home.
More than 30 percent of exiting comedians slide smoothly into acting, where they face much the same odds against success.
The skills associated with comedy—the ability to make others laugh, defuse tense situations with a well-timed remark, and think on one’s feet—are invaluable assets in any other career (End).