How Does a Comedian Spend a Workday?
General Overview
A comedian is a professional entertainer that seeks to make audiences laugh by telling jokes and anecdotes or doing slapstick physical comedy. Many comedians give nightly or weekly performances at comedy clubs. Since comedians are responsible for writing original jokes and funny situations, many of them find work writing for TV and movies. Comedians find work in a variety of areas including stand-up comedy shows and variety shows, starring roles on sitcoms, as actors in comedic movies, as hosts on talk shows, and as writers on TV shows. Most comedians are naturally talented jokers who hone their skills by traveling the country and giving live performances. Most of the time no academic degree is required.
Typical Workday
Comedians usually work long, sporadic hours. Some days may last from early morning to late in the evening while other days may only entail a few hours of work. During a typical workday, a comedian begins by poring over the day's news events and pop culture happenings to become inspired and gain fresh ideas for new materials. Most of the day is spent coming up with jokes and anecdotes or funny scenarios that can be used in stand-up acts and other live performances. Then the comedian memorizes his act and rehearses it before taking it to the stage. Finally, the later part of the workday is spent performing the comedic routine for audiences at a comedy club.
Other Duties
Besides writing and preparing for their solo stand-up performances, many comedians work on material in groups and bounce ideas off one another. When working in a group, a comedian spends a workday working with other comedians to come up with fresh jokes, amusing anecdotes and hilarious scenarios to perform on stage as a comedy troupe. They may also incorporate props and costumes into their stage routines. As a team, the comedians rehearse together and work together to perfect the routine, and then perform in clubs and revues.
