Your Momma’s so Fat…
Gather your best material for a night as a stand up comedian
by Wendy Burt and Erin Kindberg

"Gather your best material for a night as a stand up comedian Nobody ever died of laughter."
-Max Beerbohm

Ever been to a comedy club and been laughing along with the crowd at the brave yuckster on stage and wished it could be you? Well, funny girl, thanks to amateur night at your local comedy club, that really could be you!

As a budding Chris Rock, Rita Rudner or Bill Maher, there’s a spot for you on stage at amateur night at your local club. Roseanne Barr started doing stand up comedy as a housewife many years ago, and look at her now! Of course, your comedy styling may not bag you a hit prime-time comedy series, talk show host gig and six-figure wardrobe budget, but it might get you some sincere applause and a free comedy club T-shirt.

Don’t be intimidated by being on stage! Chances are, there won’t be a huge audience in attendance on amateur night, and since it’s showcasing new talent (or lack thereof), everyone’s sure to be gentle with you. Think of it this way—you are there to give hardworking folks in attendance the gift of a giggle or two, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get a standing ovation. Don’t sweat it and have a great time! If you’ve ever told a kooky story and had your coworkers totally rolling in the aisle, that’s sort of the same as putting on a performance. Now you just have to take your act away from the water cooler and put it under a spotlight!

Call local clubs and find out what the guidelines are for amateur night. You might be asked to submit a tape of your material before being allowed on stage. To get you in the performance mindset, deliver your material onto a tape machine so you can play it back and tighten up your routine to work out the stammers and slow spots. Taping yourself first is also a great way to time your routine, in case the stage manager wants to know how long you plan on keeping ‘em gripping their bellies in a fit of hilarity.

Attend amateur night first to see who else is there performing. You might be a nervous wreck before you go, only to discover your are far more entertaining than the middle aged computer salesman who does a 10 minute bit on what a bummer it is being bald and flatulent, or the bungling prop comic that keeps dropping stuff that he’s trying to juggle. Chat with other budding comics for any tips, and work on your material in front of a mirror to sharpen your delivery.

And if worse comes to worse, hope there’s someone really goofy looking guy in the front row that you can make fun of to take the pressure off! Ready, Set...You Go Girl!

1. Pick up a copy of How to Be a Working Comic: An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand-Up Comedy by Dave Schwensen.

2. Study at home with Sandi Shore's 'SANDBOX' Stand-Up Comedy Home Study Course System, available through Amazon.com.

3. Study the queens of comedy—rent or buy copies of the Carol Burnett show, "I Love Lucy" episodes or Joan Rivers’ routines on tape.