I don't know if many of you know this, but I did the stand-up comedy circuit a few years back.  I bombed one time and decided I didn't want to do it anymore.  Well, recently we've been going to a free comedy thing at a local pizza place - Sprung, Saraih - Pegasus Pizza in Kirkland is a BLAST.  I was encouraged by one of the comedians to get out there and start writing/performing again.  I am so very nervous, though because I bombed so horribly when I last did it.  I am thinking about starting to carry a notebook with me so I can write down ideas for material.  Does anybody have any feedback/advice?

CL???

Do it….. seriously, do the notebook thing…. I find that the funniest shit (or the stuff that gets most response) is every day shit…. I mean, I have never done stand up, but still, that is what I have seen work you know??? Relating to people on a level they know…. just remember, every comic has their bomb situations…. and bomb jokes…. that just don't do well for what ever reason…. just keep plugging.

You may be barking up the wrong tree with me.

I've never done stand-up and I don't really have the desire to. I do improv whenever I can, and I would love to do something like "An Evening With Kevin Smith" where people ask me questions and I respond with funny quips and stories, but I can't write a joke to save my life.

I say keep the notebook. I have found myself in funny situations where I do think about how I would deliver it if I were doing stand-up, and maybe if I had written it down I might be tempted.

I would also say to get your material, and memorize it. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a comedian onstage with note cards and it was horrible. If you know you're material than you can improvise around it.

I can't think of anything else right now, but let me know how it goes. Plus i'd love to hear some of your observations and maybe offer some writing tips.

NOTEBOOK, NOTEBOOK, NOTEGBOOK!!

I did it for a while MANY years ago.  IT was a lot of fun…but the first few times I was sared shitless.  Got quite a few laughs.

Write stuff down…when you say or do things and people laugh about that story, write it down.

Then, figure out how to deliver it…practice in the mirror…then, pull a few friends around and try it out on them.  If they laugh, then go to a bar…and just sit there…and if you can work in a few of the stories to see how they react in a one on one setting.  If they laugh…then get up on a amature night..

It's a lot of fun…once you get over the fear…or past the first few beers.

Practice having friends heckle you…and remember witty respocnes. You'll need them.