Is crowd work ruining comedy?

This is just one of the many questions I answer on this week’s podcast, but for real though…

I can’t open social media without seeing a crowd work clip. Some are 4K multi-cam productions in theatres and others appear to be shot on a flip phone in their parent’s basement.

So the question is…will this trend ruin comedy?

And the answer is…NO (kinda)

This new trend of crowd work clips will not ruin comedy, but it may certainly change it.

Crowds may become more disruptive hoping to get their 5 seconds of fame on a TikTok clip.

Comics may become more focused on capturing a crowd work moment instead of crafting a set they can one day record as a comedy special.

The truth is, both of those things are already happening…but it’s not too late to turn this crowd work cruise around!

Something to keep in mind:

Whatever you post online is there forever so ask yourself if you’ll still be proud of this content in a year. If the answer is no, then skip the upload button and write more jokes.

I know it’s tough when you see a comedian blow up on social media seemingly overnight but it’s important to know you can never be seen too late, but definitely discovered too early.

If you went viral tomorrow, would you be ready? Do you have a solid feature/headlining set to back up all the new ticket sales you’ll get?

So be patient and just focus on getting as good as possible.

A great way to get better is by listening to this week’s podcast and sharing it with your fellow comedians!

I really want to get more consistent with these emails so please reply to this one for motivation to keep ‘em coming. Thanks!

Check out this week’s podcast here:

Keep grinding comedy fam!
Joel Byars