Paraphrased: “The Audience is in the State that the Comedian is in. We suspend disbelief because we want to be apart of what’s happening on stage. We’re in it together. If your joke fails, make fun of it with/for the audience. Now they are laughing with you. Not at you.” I needed that bit right there. Thanks my guy.
When Johnny Carson would do a joke and it fell flat, and then he made fun of the joke falling flat, it felt like he was bringing us in with him and we were all on the same side, against the joke falling flat. It wasn’t us judging him; it was us and him judging the joke. What could have been embarrassing became a warm lovable moment.
His "Tea for Two" dance step was cool too. He also had a laugh/applause sign and paid laughers, and was very likable and kind of an institution, so all this helped him. But he was also great at ad libs (even when these wren't rehearsed already) and had a real nice humble affable side and a real sarcastic cutting evil side, which worked great in contrast (a comedy theme), so what the hell. He was the best talkshow host by far.
The thing about the audience being in the state the comedian is in.... I saw a really, really funny guy at a very small comedy club once. He was gentle and subtle and so polished and so funny that I knew I would see him again. The next time I saw him he had a slot on a rowdy Friday night TV programme. He absolutely bombed and I felt really bad for him. But I realised that the reason was he didn't come in matching the energy of the audience. And that is a key thing: When you come on stage you need to match the energy level the audience currently has, even if you want to gradually lead them to a different place.
Love your stuff Jerry. I have been watching all your videos. I'm a new to the scene comedy enthusiast. I love your statement about the audience being in whatever state you're in. Being in the restaurant world taught me this. Your guests and employees feed off you emotions when in management. Also love, the stay playful with the audience. Even when being heckled. I have a Open Mic gig at Laughing Skull Atlanta May 7th and doing a 6 week stand-up course start May 11th. Thank you for your content!
Dude your teachings are phenomenal! You are a master communicator, psychologist & each lesson is so spot on! I deeply appreciate your ability to always keep an eye on the on the bottom line of "show business." Thanks for this gift you are giving us Jerry! Robert from Providence RI
thanks for this. I prepared a few lines to use when a joke feel flat. That makes me feel prepared for the situation knowing a failed joke could lead to a funny moment. By the way, I find that "the audience is in the same state as the comedian" is also true with teaching a class.
Nothing much to say...except...a big thank you for such a wonderful program your providing to the globe...you are truly among the best comedy teachers I have ever met (online of course)...thank you a thousand times...
My perception, after only five minutes of watching this video, is that Jerry Corley is one of the few teachers of standup comedy who actually has something to say. Thanks, Jerry for the excellent tips, which I will add to my ammunition in this challenging but fulfilling field.
very wise man! very good advice..I always felt loved the second I hit the stage whether I was performing comedy or performing an act or singing. I feel no fear when I am on the stage and I have my set. I think it's funny and even if people don't laugh, I still don't mind if everyone doesn't. I too would make fun of myself when joke bombed..I would say things like "really? that was not funny? It was so much funnier in my head" or when I asked my cousin if it was funny and she said yes in sign language..okay, she is mute, but she was clapping!!!"Every audience is different! I just moved last year from ny to hawaii and I was just getting into comedy in ny and moved and have only done specific venues.. I noticed on facebook we have a few mutual friends and would love to brain storm with you. Subscribed to this channel. You are a Very clever man!!! Impressive!
Great tips Jerry. I have been a stage actor for many years now and I feel it's time to move from somebody written word to my own. I have always played with audiences and sometimes when things go wrong that can make a play a lot funny. So with your advice and knowing that an audience will still enjoy your perform in the moment, so bombing a joke may be a good thing😀. An 'audience will go with you if they like you' good tip thanks matey from Steven-Liverpool- England.
6:58 I love how you have a sudden itch when you say "how to get out of the ghetto" :-) Really good advice btw. I can feel my body improving my comedy set from the inside. Generally I do make sense. Thanks Jerry!
A thought on the first point - People hate to be wrong. They'll often do (or think) just about anything to avoid thinking they were wrong. The audience drove to the club and paid their money because they thought the comedian would be funny. They've committed to that before the comedian takes the stage. To convince them you're not funny, you have to convince them they were wrong to come to the show. That actually takes some work, to convince everyone "you were dumb to come watch my show". That's not something they want to believe. They want to believe the show they chose is good.
This tips are great! I like that there is a parallel, at least with me, from watching a LOT of comedy (and reflecting a bit) and with the tips you outlined. Louis CK does well to reel the audience into his state and experiences in life and create that new, funny perspective that can also be relatable. It's strangely beautiful.
Great stuff as usual. I disagree a little in the "never bombing" thing however. There's just gonna be gigs that come with circumstances out of your control. Like a corporate gig at a bar and the CEO books you as a "surprise". You get up and try doing your set for drunk alpha male business men who could care less. I guess always tell your agent to tell any client to never have a comedian as a "surprise". But ya. There are circumstances sometimes that can handcuff you and hijack your set even before you start your first joke.
Totally! I did a bachelor party for an LAPD officer. They didn’t tell him that I was there to roast him. They had to hold that MF back. But I had fun getting away with calling a cop a bitch.
This video and as well as the ones you uploaded, have helped honed my skills even though I've only began to take interest in stand-up comedy for two weeks. I'm inspired to become a comedian someday, for now I'll try learning from your teachings. Heck, I've only begun to apply the Maxim of 5W's and an H. Thanks for this Mr. Corley :))
These advices are really smart, real experience there, a great comprehension of the psycologhy of any performance shine through this man's words! Thank you for sharing your experience with everybody, really appreciated it!
I will state that there is a lot of truth in the "when you laugh you're rooting for that comic to succeed" statement, which is partly why I bombed my ass off in a roomful of comics at my first and only Laugh Factory audition. NO ONE wants to see you succeed in those conditions.
I have been struggling my mind going blank every time I get up on stage. Granted I have only been trying out open mic twice in my life, but whenever I'm alone at home I can make myself laugh easily. But the meer second I stand in front of that mic in a room full of people, my mind immediately goes dark.
Jasonomnia Rehearse your set. It’ll feel weird to talk to yourself but it works. Even the late great George Carlin would recite his material at rapid speed before big shows to make sure he wouldn’t blank. It happens to everybody. Memorize your set and keep doing open mics. You’ll blank less and less often and eventually you’ll be thinking about making grocery lists while telling jokes on stage because you know your material so well.
The best way to get started is to just write a 5-7 minute act and find some open mics in your area. There's an app online called "Open Mic" it's a great resource, but not always updated. If that doesn't work, find a class in your area. The networking with other comedians and students at your same level is comforting.
the Omega Concern Jus to be clear, it’s rarely an “us against them mentality.” The audience is not your enemy. Once in a great while you need to pull out the big guns to close the deal with a heckler, but it’s rare. Being prepared is your job. That’s what you’re paid for. Most comedians don’t get a lot of practice dealing with hecklers, so it’s wise to write some comebacks to have in your back pocket. If you have experience, most of the time you can just use the moment.
I'm a 25 year veteran of stand up... Been off for 2 years... Needed this boost. Thanks great video my fellow funny man
All good points. Thank you! Seems quite intuitive
Paraphrased: “The Audience is in the State that the Comedian is in. We suspend disbelief because we want to be apart of what’s happening on stage. We’re in it together. If your joke fails, make fun of it with/for the audience. Now they are laughing with you. Not at you.”
I needed that bit right there. Thanks my guy.
Agreed even when I watch brand new comics .im up there with them like you can do this
You're an Excellent Comedy Teacher! Keep up all the Good Work! God Bless!!!
When Johnny Carson would do a joke and it fell flat, and then he made fun of the joke falling flat, it felt like he was bringing us in with him and we were all on the same side, against the joke falling flat. It wasn’t us judging him; it was us and him judging the joke. What could have been embarrassing became a warm lovable moment.
His "Tea for Two" dance step was cool too. He also had a laugh/applause sign and paid laughers, and was very likable and kind of an institution, so all this helped him. But he was also great at ad libs (even when these wren't rehearsed already) and had a real nice humble affable side and a real sarcastic cutting evil side, which worked great in contrast (a comedy theme), so what the hell. He was the best talkshow host by far.
Chocolate cheeks comedy on UA-cam UA-cam UA-cam chocolate cheeks comedy show
The thing about the audience being in the state the comedian is in.... I saw a really, really funny guy at a very small comedy club once. He was gentle and subtle and so polished and so funny that I knew I would see him again. The next time I saw him he had a slot on a rowdy Friday night TV programme. He absolutely bombed and I felt really bad for him. But I realised that the reason was he didn't come in matching the energy of the audience. And that is a key thing: When you come on stage you need to match the energy level the audience currently has, even if you want to gradually lead them to a different place.
Love your stuff Jerry. I have been watching all your videos. I'm a new to the scene comedy enthusiast. I love your statement about the audience being in whatever state you're in. Being in the restaurant world taught me this. Your guests and employees feed off you emotions when in management. Also love, the stay playful with the audience. Even when being heckled. I have a Open Mic gig at Laughing Skull Atlanta May 7th and doing a 6 week stand-up course start May 11th. Thank you for your content!
Dude your teachings are phenomenal! You are a master communicator, psychologist & each lesson is so spot on! I deeply appreciate your ability to always keep an eye on the on the bottom line of "show business." Thanks for this gift you are giving us Jerry!
Robert from Providence RI
You've got comedy down to a science
He taught me everything i needed to know when i first started.
GREAT pointers Jerry. Phenomenal advice from a master writer/performer. Thank you for sharing!
The stuff about dealing with jokes that bomb - absolutely diamond.
Brilliant, Jerry! Thank you so much. You are a treasure.
Loved the tips in about being in the moment. So much good stuff in here. Thank you Jerry!
Thank you so much for this. As a very new comic this eased my nerves a bit 🙏🏽
thanks for this. I prepared a few lines to use when a joke feel flat. That makes me feel prepared for the situation knowing a failed joke could lead to a funny moment. By the way, I find that "the audience is in the same state as the comedian" is also true with teaching a class.
Nothing much to say...except...a big thank you for such a wonderful program your providing to the globe...you are truly among the best comedy teachers I have ever met (online of course)...thank you a thousand times...
My perception, after only five minutes of watching this video, is that Jerry Corley is one of the few teachers of standup comedy who actually has something to say. Thanks, Jerry for the excellent tips, which I will add to my ammunition in this challenging but fulfilling field.
Great pointers Jerry. Love it.
You are one of the best! I appreciate the due diligence you take to the craft!
Best escenic tips I ever heard! Greetings from Costa Rica! 🇨🇷
I love all of your useful tips for comedy. This one included.
Great comedy advice. Appreciate you taking the time to make this video.
very wise man! very good advice..I always felt loved the second I hit the stage whether I was performing comedy or performing an act or singing. I feel no fear when I am on the stage and I have my set. I think it's funny and even if people don't laugh, I still don't mind if everyone doesn't. I too would make fun of myself when joke bombed..I would say things like "really? that was not funny? It was so much funnier in my head" or when I asked my cousin if it was funny and she said yes in sign language..okay, she is mute, but she was clapping!!!"Every audience is different! I just moved last year from ny to hawaii and I was just getting into comedy in ny and moved and have only done specific venues.. I noticed on facebook we have a few mutual friends and would love to brain storm with you. Subscribed to this channel. You are a Very clever man!!! Impressive!
Wow a handful of advise, learned a lot from your videos and thanks a ton for sharing..
That's some great advice and a very constructive perspective to have!
such helpful advice--just bought your e-book, great help to write jokes--thanks Jerry!
Thank you so very much. I will practice this and get better with my comedy.
Great tips Jerry. I have been a stage actor for many years now and I feel it's time to move from somebody written word to my own. I have always played with audiences and sometimes when things go wrong that can make a play a lot funny. So with your advice and knowing that an audience will still enjoy your perform in the moment, so bombing a joke may be a good thing😀. An 'audience will go with you if they like you' good tip thanks matey from Steven-Liverpool- England.
I've watched a bunch of your videos. You have great insight, thanks again.
6:58 I love how you have a sudden itch when you say "how to get out of the ghetto" :-)
Really good advice btw. I can feel my body improving my comedy set from the inside. Generally I do make sense.
Thanks Jerry!
A thought on the first point -
People hate to be wrong. They'll often do (or think) just about anything to avoid thinking they were wrong. The audience drove to the club and paid their money because they thought the comedian would be funny. They've committed to that before the comedian takes the stage. To convince them you're not funny, you have to convince them they were wrong to come to the show.
That actually takes some work, to convince everyone "you were dumb to come watch my show". That's not something they want to believe. They want to believe the show they chose is good.
This tips are great! I like that there is a parallel, at least with me, from watching a LOT of comedy (and reflecting a bit) and with the tips you outlined. Louis CK does well to reel the audience into his state and experiences in life and create that new, funny perspective that can also be relatable. It's strangely beautiful.
Your the best I really appreciate and now I get the light I will make my dream to be a comedian
Great stuff as usual. I disagree a little in the "never bombing" thing however. There's just gonna be gigs that come with circumstances out of your control. Like a corporate gig at a bar and the CEO books you as a "surprise". You get up and try doing your set for drunk alpha male business men who could care less.
I guess always tell your agent to tell any client to never have a comedian as a "surprise".
But ya. There are circumstances sometimes that can handcuff you and hijack your set even before you start your first joke.
Totally! I did a bachelor party for an LAPD officer. They didn’t tell him that I was there to roast him. They had to hold that MF back. But I had fun getting away with calling a cop a bitch.
Jerry thanks for the tips very insightful
This video and as well as the ones you uploaded, have helped honed my skills even though I've only began to take interest in stand-up comedy for two weeks. I'm inspired to become a comedian someday, for now I'll try learning from your teachings. Heck, I've only begun to apply the Maxim of 5W's and an H. Thanks for this Mr. Corley :))
Thanks for the video! Gonna start makin my kids laugh
This is some great stuff. Thanks man !
I wish I were in l.a. to attend your classes. These r great
These advices are really smart, real experience there, a great comprehension of the psycologhy of any performance shine through this man's words! Thank you for sharing your experience with everybody, really appreciated it!
I will state that there is a lot of truth in the "when you laugh you're rooting for that comic to succeed" statement, which is partly why I bombed my ass off in a roomful of comics at my first and only Laugh Factory audition.
NO ONE wants to see you succeed in those conditions.
You are a goddamn genious Man. Greetings from Argentina
Good stuff. Thanks!
I think the jerk is being shown empathy too. It's in us too.
Ten years ago…You haven’t aged Jerry….
That’s one advantage of being bald
Thanks Jeff!! This really helped
I'm doing a 20 min feature show for a show in Nov I think I have about 5 now
Thank you.
I have been struggling my mind going blank every time I get up on stage. Granted I have only been trying out open mic twice in my life, but whenever I'm alone at home I can make myself laugh easily. But the meer second I stand in front of that mic in a room full of people, my mind immediately goes dark.
Jasonomnia Rehearse your set. It’ll feel weird to talk to yourself but it works. Even the late great George Carlin would recite his material at rapid speed before big shows to make sure he wouldn’t blank. It happens to everybody. Memorize your set and keep doing open mics. You’ll blank less and less often and eventually you’ll be thinking about making grocery lists while telling jokes on stage because you know your material so well.
Great video
Jerry doesn't know his ass from his ens🙈
man, thanks a lot for the advice! shouts from Ukraine!
YOUR AWESOME
Thank you, this is quite inspiring!
I know this is late and somewhat repetitive, but does comedy have irony in it? and how successful would it be if I use it as a tool.
I was wondering... How too get started?
The best way to get started is to just write a 5-7 minute act and find some open mics in your area. There's an app online called "Open Mic" it's a great resource, but not always updated.
If that doesn't work, find a class in your area. The networking with other comedians and students at your same level is comforting.
Jerry Corley thanks for your advice
...yep... That's the way I wrote it... 🤗
If it's not us against them, then why attack a heckler with pre-written kill lines?
the Omega Concern Jus to be clear, it’s rarely an “us against them mentality.” The audience is not your enemy. Once in a great while you need to pull out the big guns to close the deal with a heckler, but it’s rare. Being prepared is your job. That’s what you’re paid for.
Most comedians don’t get a lot of practice dealing with hecklers, so it’s wise to write some comebacks to have in your back pocket. If you have experience, most of the time you can just use the moment.
IS IT?
Or you can just be funny.