Many of the popular stand-up comedy books, courses, workshops and classes suggest that an individual who wants be successful as a comedian needs to develop a special and unique stage “character”.

Oddly enough, none of these books give much in the way of insight on exactly how to develop this “character”. The same can be said of most stand-up comedy workshops and classes as well.

In my opinion, this is just another example of how “conventional wisdom” on stand-up comedy makes it much more difficult than it really is.

Here’s what you need to know about developing a “character” for your stand-up comedy:

1. If you want to become a special stand-up comedy “character” — someone who is vastly different than who you are in everyday life…

I would strongly suggest that you seek out an acting coach, acting course or acting classes for “character” development as opposed to seeking out a stand-up comedy teacher.

Trying develop and become a completely different and unique “character” equates to a lot of hard work and an increased measure of difficulty on top of also trying develop and deliver comedy material that works.

2. For naturally funny people, let me say that whether you recognize it or not, you are already a unique “character”.

It is this natural character — the natural speaking style, facial expressions, voice inflections and body language that gives an individual the “funny” power they have in everyday life.

So, I say that developing a special “character” is not a requirement at all in order to develop or deliver a big laugh stand-up comedy act.

There are always going to be individuals who have an affinity for expressing a range of different “characters”, doing impersonations of celebrities, etc.

In most cases however, you will find that these folks have been doing these things since youth — many times without any formal training. Should they use this skill in their stand-up comedy act?

Absolutely, provided it doesn’t become a roadblock to developing stand-up comedy material that works.

Here’s the last word:

If you are a naturally funny person, you are already a unique and proven “character”. To try to develop a different “character” simply adds an additional huge roadblock to developing stand-up comedy material that works well in record time.

For more on this topic and other myths that hold funny people back, please check out the 5 free online lessons provided at Killerstandup.com.

For more information about Steve Roye, author of this blog and the Killer Stand-up Online Course, click here.

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