What To Expect At A Comedy Show
If you attend a live comedy show, it is a one-of-a-kind experience. To best experience live comedy shows, here are some basic expectations and considerations to make the experience better for everyone.
GET YOUR SEATS QUICK!
Seating typically fills up quickly for live comedy shows, so it’s important to be on time. People arriving late interrupt the show, interfere with the audience’s enjoyment, and will miss some of the jokes. Unique moments in Standup comedy shows are frequently prefaced with other jokes in an ongoing theme, and if you aren’t there, you’ll miss those moments. It’s also possible the comedian may comment on your lateness to embarrass you! Be respectful; and be on time.
MATURE CONTENT WARNING!
Most evening comedy shows are meant for mature audiences. Jokes are frequently inappropriate for children, and can have explicit content. Comedians are relating to other adults in their shows, and the material could be offensive for underage people. Adult jokes aren’t meant for tender ears, so beware!
PUT THE PHONE DOWN!
It is important to silence your cellphones and keep table talk to a minimum. While it might be tempting to shoot a video or try to take photos, most venues request you put your phone away, and pay attention to the comedy show in front of you. Comedians earn their living selling tickets to their shows. Posting videos of their performances on social media could impact their paycheck. Also, the light from your phone will be distracting with darkened house lights. Having fun at a show is the goal!
LAUGH OUT LOUD!
Comedians just want to make you laugh. At a standup comedy show, you get to enjoy the jokes along with the audience. The whole point of going to a comedy show is to laugh; and laughing is contagious. Most comedians feed off of the laughter in the audience, which makes the comedy show much more enjoyable. Comedians only know they’re doing a good job by audience laughter, so if you like the jokes, laugh loud and often!
COMEDIANS FOR ALL TASTES
It’s unusual for a live comedy show to have just one comedian, and they typically have multiple comedians. Some comedians like to engage the audience, while others do not. When you attend a live comedy show, follow the comedian’s lead with regard to audience inclusion. Usually, the front row is known as the “splash zone”, meaning a comedian may do crowd work jokes to those audience members. If you like being a part of the show, the front row is a great place to sit!
READ UP!
Read the flyer for the show. It will tell you which comedians are in the show, if there is a price for entry, or even special giveaways. Comedy shows usually last for 1-2 hours. An open mic may be available at a show. This is where local comedians practice or try new material, and where new comedians get their footing. It can be a great opportunity to see new comedians before they become famous!
Remember to relax, sit back, listen, watch, and enjoy the show. Comedy shows are joyful experiences designed to elicit laughter. Take the opportunity to appreciate the hilariousness of life. If you are looking for live comedy shows in Miami or South Florida stand up comedy, take a peak at our calendar for upcoming shows!
