How to Do It Standing Up: The Friars' Club Guide to Being a Comic, a Cut-Up, a Card, a Character or a Clown

by Barry Dougherty

No one knows more about being funny than The Friars Club, and now they reveal their personal tricks of the trade-and give away their favorite material--in this easy-to-use manual for aspiring comics, comedy writers or just plain show-offs.

The funniest men and women in showbiz discuss the art of being funny, and author Barry Dougherty puts it all together in the first and last Friars Club manual for anyone who wants to be a comedian--or just act like one. The book covers such important matters as What's funny--and what's not; the many forms of jokes, one-liners, anecdotes, stories, impressions, puns, ad-libs, wisecracks and more; choosing material and putting together a routine; developing a personal style; writing your own material--and much more.

In-depth, personal interviews with a host of well-known comedians punctuate the text, along with lots of examples of their funniest material.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2002

About the author

Barry Dougherty is the author of non-fiction books that highlight the humor and wit of celebrity roasts, standup comedy, and hysterical historic spots like the legendary Friars Club. And he never heard a joke he didn’t like–at least while in front of the person telling it. His humorous perspective on his own life’s journey plays out in essays that highlight his ability to find the lighthearted moments in everyday living. He's shared his work both in publications and as a contributing reader on the Living Out Loud: Writers Riff on Love, Sweat & Fears essay tour. He also presents his work in his one-man show entitled, "My Life In 5 Essays by Barry Dougherty."

Reviews

[John G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything associated with The Friar's Club is of high quality. Insightful, intelligent commentary and analysis. This book isn't really about mechanics or a how-to book at all, it's more about letting comics talk about their experiences and philosophies about humor and comedy. Found it to be pretty honest about its assessment, like that it had conflicting attitudes. Very enjoyable book.

[D Maurice Waddell]

Great book for young comedians....