The Truth About Developing A Character For Stand-up Comedy

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 my professional opinion:

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 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 comedt 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 Chapter 2 (Interactive Writing Guide) in the free demos provided at Killersandup.com.

Cheers,
Steve Roye
The Professor of Funny for Money

About the Author/Founder of The Stand-up Comedy Tips Blog

Steve Roye is the author of the Killer Stand-up Comedy System and author of the content made available in the Comedy Pro Membership Program.

Over the past decade, Steve has established himself as a leading, globally recognized expert in the field of stand-up comedy material development, delivery and entertainment business strategies for comedy entertainers as well as speaking professionals.

For more information about Steve, please check out the About The Author section on this site.

Tags: acting classes, comedy books, comedy workshops, impersonations, stage character, stand up comedy