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.