Don't Wear Shorts on Stage: The Stand-up Guide to Comedy

by Rob Durham

Rob Durham has written a book on the ins and outs of being a stand-up comic. Hilarious and enlightening, he uses some funny experiences of his own with famous and not-so-famous people to give some great tips on getting started in the biz. "Rob Durham 'gets it' as a performer and a teacher of how to get going in the comedy business. He covers the little things that so many new guys ignore. This is the book I would have written. . . if I had the time, interest, or word-processor." --Jimmy Pardo"I support this book unconditionally!" --Maria Bamford"Read this book before going to your next open mic night." --Tommy Johnagin

158 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2011

About the author

Rob Durham is a touring stand-up comedian and a high school English teacher, so his students learned right away not to heckle. As an author, he’s published the highly praised book, Don’t Wear Shorts on Stage, and has just recently released his first YA novel, Around the Block.

With a smile that says I didn’t get my braces off until I was 27, Rob shares the frustrations and joys of teaching. For almost two decades, Rob has built an original act that favors the cleaner side of comedy but should still be kept away from the ears of his students (though they are impressed that he’s opened for 2 of the 3 uncles on Full House).

Reviews

[Jeremy Nunes]

I love everything about this book!

[Bobbi Patrick]

Accurate. That's the best way to sum it up. Durham nails it and that's why it's not some happy "follow your dreams to the top" BS that other books might suggest. Comedy is a rough industry and this book SHOWS that. He answers questions I wouldn't have even thought of asking. It's comedy realism.

[Scott]

This is a great “primer” for people interested in exploring stand-up comedy as a potential career. I’ve toyed with the idea (really, fantasized) and this book gives you a dose of reality. It’s a bit dated and repetitive, and it ends on a somber note, but overall it was worth the read.

[Ron Brown]

Classic!

Proves that the path of comedy is a strenuous path but a path that is worthy for the strong of heart. Classic!

[John G.]

I enjoyed this book, think it's honest and truthful, but also rather bleak and dark. It kind of gave me the impression that all the time and dues paid doing stand-up comedy really weren't worth it. I think this book adequately addresses the mean-spirited, egotistical, narcissistic, sadistic side of comedy, mainly coming from warped and burnt out stand-ups, and greedy club owners and managers. It has a very submissive spirit to it and seems to have damaged the psyche of the author a bit. That's my take on it friends.