Standup Comedy

Frankly, I haven't done much Stand Up Comedy except once in a Toastmasters zonal celebration, which by the way went well, and several times at college in low stakes environments. And I dislike all mainstream comedy shows here in India. I've also found it tremendously difficult, far more than most public speaking - debates, speeches and hosting, to generate laughter in masses, mainly because of the debilitating audience judging hard from the onset when they know cracking them up is on my list. My prepared jokes generally fall flat and I succeed in making them laugh more at me than with my rhetoric. So I stick to a couple of tested (practiced) jokes when push comes to shove and play the thanksgiving turkey whenever it helps. You must be wondering what you could possibly gain out of reading this post.

The little success I've had has made me realise that Stand Up Comedy or humour in broad sense is like panacea to engage audiences. If you can, it's a surefire way of keeping it light as well as intense, and particularly works well in mature educated crowds who otherwise know all under the sun. Moreover I love the adventure - the feeling of gambling with everything you have on the stage. So I've decided to learn the craft before I need it - eating the elephant bit by bit, and jotting my learnings and likes here for feedback and love.

Okay - the second why about launching into comedy is these three people: Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais. I don't understand how they do it. I stole the Toastmasters gig with Jim Carrey's moves and it flew off despite me doing it. I'll post that video later but for now let me embed some of my favourite clips to celebrate.

Jim Carrey's Unnatural Act 1991

And that's what this place is about - the party is here and now

Watch out for St. Bernard

Robin Williams (the Obama gig)

Ricky Gervais - Gay Dolphins

David Brent dance from The Office

The dead terrorist by Jeff Dunham

Here are some more suggestions to watch for not only absolute fun but also to delve into a rave taste and absolute fertility to harness ideas out of everyday drudgery.
Family Guy
Brickleberry
Simpsons
Futurama