Week 1-'What is it to be a Stand up Comedian?'

'What is it to be a Stand up Comedian?'
As I previously explained 'Stand up Comedy' is an Umbrella term, a term that can be used to refer to a variation of different things, and so to start my research I thought I'd start with a broad definition and then expand on it.

This is how Wikipedia defines 'Stand up Comedy':
"Stand-up comedy is a comic style in which a comedian performs in front of a live audience, usually speaking directly to them. The performer is commonly known as a comic, stand-up comic, stand-up comedian or simply a stand-up. In stand-up comedy the comedian usually recites a fast paced grouping of humorous stories, short jokes called "bits", and one-liners typically called a monologue, routine or act. Some stand-up comedians use props, music or magic tricks to enhance their acts. Stand-up comedy is often performed in comedy clubs, bars, nightclubs, neo-burlesques, colleges, and theaters. Outside of live performance, stand-up is often distributed commercially via television, DVD, and the internet."
I've highlighted the parts of this definition that I'd like to relate too in my routine however I'd also like to point out that even the second sentence of the Wikipedia definition starts to show the way in which 'Stand up Comedy' and 'Stand up Comedian' is an umbrella term.

As well as this definition, I would like to look at expectancy, reputation, dark humour and music in Stand up Comedy.

Week 1-Stand up Lecture

Today I had my introduction to 'What is it to be a Stand up comic?' We started the Lecture with a warm up to relax us and not to take ourselves too seriously so we could get into the comedy easier and quicker, something I'd like to find a way to work into my routine. First we looked at Jeremy Lion who, the audience find comedy from his edge as a child's entertainer and that he is quite opposite to the stereotypical child's entertainer; he drinks alcohol in each of his shows and occasionally swears. When he does swear, it's effectively funny because it doesn't happen often which brings comedy as it's unexpected by the audience, especially because of the idea of Jeremy being a child's entertainer. So is 'being a Stand up comic' about being unexpected?

Another comedian who plays on the unexpected is Andy Kaufman who did all types of unexpected things such as wrestling women, singing the mighty mouse theme and turning up to booked venues as other aliases. He really questions 'What is it to be a Stand up comic?' as it would seem the majority of people laughed because it was Andy Kaufman on stage, not because he was particularly funny. For example, after being diagnosed with cancer and revealing it to an audience hours later, they laughed at him. I feel it's fair to say part of 'being a Stand up comic' is about reputation.

Then we explored a comedian I really enjoy, Frankie Boyle. His humour is dark and so we discussed how we, as humans, naturally enjoy things that are generally condemned and that we're not supposed too which is why I find him so funny. Therefore, is 'being a Stand up comic' about being dark?

As I begin this unit I'm starting to see that a 'Stand up comic' is an umbrella term; a term that can be applied in a number of different ways and can refer to a variation of different things.

Proposal

For my specific unit I propose to look into Stand up comedy and, more so, focus around a question such as 'What is it to be a Stand up Comic?' or 'What methods are used by Stand up comedians and how can they be applied?' By doing so I hope to produce, within a five week period, a stand up routine that I can perform either as part of a Gallery evening or within a Comedy Club. If I am able to arrange and perform within a Comedy Club, I think it will test my routine and performing abilities as well as support my research. On the other hand the Comedy Club's reaction could undermine some of my research however I still feel the specific unit will be a success for what correct research will be done as this is a new subject area and so there is potential for me to learn a lot about Stand Up.


As a starting point for my specific unit and routine, I plan to use and exaggerate stories of my life including relatable relationships such as parents siblings and current and ex-partners in my final routine, which is a technique I think is used by comedian Lee Evans very often throughout his live shows. I also hope to use, effectively and appropriately, recent stories from the news as done effectively by Russell Howard who also uses media in every episode of 'Russel Howard's Good News'. Frankie Boyle is a comedian who has also heavily influenced my decision to choose Stand Up as my Specific Unit; he is a Comedian who also uses stories from the news as comedy material however is also very controversial, and in many cases offensive. By researching these comedians and their techniques I hope to answer 'What is it to be a Stand up Comic?'


When researching, the resources I will use will mostly be the internet, through my phone or computers, and search engines however I may also make observations on performances when watching the Television or on demand on Netflix. On the first week of the process, I will attend a lecture given by my mentor on Stand Up. During week three of the process, if I am able to perform at a Comedy Club, I hope to visit the venue for research and watch some other amateur comedians.


Week One -Attend Lecture on Stand Up Comedy
                    -Begin Research on Comedians, techniques and beliefs and 'What is it to be a                              Stand up Comic?'


Week Two -Decide on Focus on a set of beliefs and begin to develop a routine
                    -Continue research


Week Three-Show routine to family and friends and gather feedback for improvement and to                            some extent, back up research
                     -Finalise research


Week Four -Finalise routine




Week Five -Perform Routine as part of a Gallery evening or within a Comedy Club
                    -Evaluation through Viva



My Specific Unit's successfulness will not be measured by the audience's reactions to my final routine but by how far the routine complys to my research, and hopefully answer, of 'What is it to be a Stand up Comic?' However the audience's reaction will give me an indication of whether or not people agree with my views. For these two reasons, I plan to record my final performance. At the end of the process I shall evaluate my work through a Viva.

Proposal (1st Draft)

For my specific unit I propose to look into Stand up comedy and, more so, focus around a question such as 'What is it to be a Stand up comic?' or 'What methods are used by Stand up comedians and how can they be applied?' To do so I shall study the work of a variation of different comedians, such as Frankie Boyle and Russell Howard, including their beliefs and ideologies. Over a five week period I hope to adapt these beliefs and methods into a routine that I am able to perform as part of a Gallery evening or within a Comedy Club.


By completing this specific unit I hope to expand and vary my performing skills and learn the secrets of what it is to be seen as 'funny'. My main concern is that when I finally perform, the audience may not react the way I expect them too however I realise that is part of learning 'what it is to be a Stand up comic'.


My work will be largely independent as I plan to perform the routine alone however I will be working closely with my Mentor Mr Nobel to make sure I am focused around my aims and occasionally with a limited number of friends and family members to see what parts of my routine work well and which do not.


As a starting point for my specific unit and routine, I plan to use and exaggerate stories of my life including relatable relationships such as parents siblings and current and ex-partners. I also hope to use, effectively and appropriately, recent stories from the news.

Week 1	Research Comedians and beliefs
Week 2	Decide and Focus on a set of beliefs and begin to develop routine
Week 3	Gather feedback from friends and Family
Week 4	Final routine preparations
Week 5	Perform routine at a Gallery or Comedy Club