Stand-up comedy is a complicated art form to master, or to even try. Writing jokes and getting over stage fright are just the tip of the iceberg; then, one has to worry about delivery, timing, stage presence, and not being racist, all of which have proven to be very difficult.
One aspect of comedy that is often overlooked is proper comedic etiquette. It can be helpful to know a few of the unspoken rules of the game, because one accidental slip-up could cost you your reputation. That’s why we asked comedian Graham Phillips some tips on comedy show etiquette while he smoked a cigarette during his friend’s set.
“First off, respect the venue,” Phillips professed, just before spitting phlegm directly in front of the bar’s entrance. “Spend money and tip the bartenders, every little bit counts. I don’t perform on any shows without buying at least one drink, and tipping 20%, which is why I have to ask, do you guys have any money?”
As it turns out, many of the most important things new comedians can know about the industry are all too often lessons learned after they do something wrong. Phillips elaborated on this when he returned with his rail drink and stood by a sign that read “No Drinks Beyond This Point”.
“These kids come in and they have no clue how they’re supposed to act,” he continued, after lighting another cigarette and blowing it directly into the faces of incoming patrons. “You see them being disruptive, and you want to say something. But then you remember you were a newbie too eight months ago, and you let it slide. Oh shit, my buddy just finished up, I gotta go.”
Phillips concluded his lesson in show etiquette by putting out his cigarette on the side of the building, and bumping into people on his way inside, yelling, “Yeah! Great set!”
By Tyler Dark.
The Bringer 