Stand up comedy is like a calling... you want to get on stage and tell jokes, but have no idea why. Stand up comedy is tough and it takes a tough person to do it. If you have that calling or you are just looking to get in a new low-paying career, then here are some tips for you.

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1. Find an open mic

The first thing to do is find an open mic in your area and contact the booker. Tell them you would like to try comedy and if you could get a date a couple of weeks out. Ask to do five minutes and let the know you'll bring some people... that always helps. 

The reason you want to book a show a few weeks out is to give yourself a goal and time to work on your jokes.

2. Write some funny jokes

Anyone can write jokes, but yours better be funny. You won't really know how funny they are until you go on stage. Giving yourself a few weeks to write before your first big performance is important. Don't just try to go up there and wing it. Really spend some time writing jokes and putting your life's stories into joke format. 

3. Memorize your set

Once you have your jokes written, then take time to memorize them. You don't want to go up there with a notepad, read jokes. You want to go on stage and tell jokes. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more comfortable the audience will be with you.

4. Invite your friends

Invite your friends out to your first show. Your friends are more likely to get some of your jokes and it will feel good having some support in the crowd.

5. Show time

When it is show time, there are a few things to remember... This might help...

5 Stage Tips For New Stand-Up Comedians

When it comes time to do your set, just crush it. Don't get too drunk or too high or anything. Just go up there and tell your jokes. 

If you do these things and put time into working on your jokes, I am positive you will do well. Just a word of caution... you could get addicted. Comedy can be addicting so be ready. It could change your life.

Thank you for reading and let me know if you have any questions about being a stand up comedian. I'll try to help you out. If you live in the DMV area then I can get you stage time. 

Good luck.