Rehearsal Tips for Comedians

Rehearsing alone in your room can feel uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as bombing alone on stage.

So how to rehearse?

1. The first step is to create a set list.

Whatever jokes you want to rehearse, organize them into a set list like you are performing on a show.

What’s your opener? What’s your closer? Is your fly down?

It’s important to get in this “show” mindset so that same energy you rehearse with will translate on the actual stage.

Once you have a set list, it’s time to perform!

2. The key to a great rehearsal routine is to practice as if you are on stage.

That means you are standing and holding an object as if it’s a microphone. I’ve used everything from hairbrushes to pens to lent rollers. Anything that resembles the feel of a microphone is great. However if your only option is a knife, just point your finger and use that.

Once you have a non sharp object, perform your set with the same pacing you would on stage.

That means remember to breath and also pause where you expect (hopefully) laughter to be. Bake that timing into your rehearsal so you can accurately gauge how long your set is.

An exception to this “standing” rehearsal style is rehearsing while driving. This is one of my favorite pre show routines. On the way to a show I will rehearse my set with the radio on. Which leads to the third rehearsal tip…

3. Rehearse with distractions.

Once you have overcome the discomfort of rehearsing alone, adding distractions is a great way to raise the stakes.

At most shows something is going to try and distract you. It could be a barista grinding coffee beans or even a homeless person dancing in the window behind you. Both of these have actually happened to me.

Rehearsing with distractions helps you to keep your eye on the prize when you are on stage and not get frazzled when something goes off the rails.

4. The biggest rehearsal mistake comics make is…

If you are rehearsing for a 5 minute set, don’t rehearse for the set to end exactly at 5 minutes. Aim for the set to end around 4:30-4:40.

This will give you the freedom to slow down and deliver your jokes more confidently. Otherwise you will be more worried about what part of the set you are in and if anything unexpected happens you are rushed to cram your jokes.

An unexpected benefit of rehearsing is that you will actually think of new punchlines.

Just performing your jokes out loud helps you to create more organic punchlines in your voice.

This is one of my favorite ways to break writer’s block when I’m feeling uninspired.

If you ever struggle with writer’s block or inspiration to write daily, I’m doing a Zoom workshop this Sunday sharing all my favorite techniques for breaking writer’s block and building a consistent writing routine.

I’m only opening 10 spots so if you’d like to join click the link below and join the waitlist. From there I will reach out to you personally!

See ya there!
Joel Byars