Mastering Stand-Up: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Successful Comedian

by Stephen Rosenfield

This entertaining and sharply written guide—for both beginners breaking into comedy and professionals seeking to improve their sets and advance their careers—examines the work of great comedians such as Louis C.K., Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Izzard, Moms Mabley, Hannibal Buress, Sarah Silverman, Richard Pryor, and more as a means of illustrating the most important techniques of performing and writing stand-up.Here, Stephen Rosenfield lays out a clear plan for achieving success, candidly explaining what works, what doesn't, and why. Including a 12-item "Successful Comedian's To-Do List," Rosenfield states, "Get undeniably good at each of these and you can kiss your day job good-bye. You will be a pro."The New York Times heralded Stephen Rosenfield as "probably the best known comedy teacher in the country." His alumni include some of today's most prominent comedians and comedy writers, such as Lena Dunham, Jim Gaffigan, Eric Slovin, and Jessica Kirson. Rosenfield has directed, coached, and/or written for these and hundreds of other comedians. As a pioneer in the field of teaching comedy, he founded the American Comedy Institute, the premier stand-up comedy school in the United States, in 1989.

Genres: Comedy, Humor, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Writing, Stand Up, Self Help

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2017

About the author

Stephen Rosenfield is the Founding Director of the American Comedy Institute. The New York Time’s heralded him as “the best known comedy teacher in the country.” Marc Breslin, owner of the Yuk Yuk’s, the largest chain of comedy clubs in Canada, said “Stephen Rosenfield is the best standup comedy teacher in North America.” Starz produced and aired the mini-series, Standup or Shutup, about his standup comedy workshops. His workshops were also the subject of a NPR documentary, hosted by Sara Fishko. His students have gone on to major comedy careers in the U.S. and around the world.

His students have performed standup on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Lopez Tonight, Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, CBS, FOX, Netflix, PBS, OWN, Bravo, FX, Starz, MTV, VH1, JLTV, Televisa and Univision.

Among the TV shows in which they appear in starring and principle roles are: Saturday Night Live, Girls, Silicon Valley, The Daily Show, Inside Amy Schumer, Louie, Portlandia, Key and Peele, Orange is the New Black, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Fargo, Bob’s Burgers, Broad City, Girl Code, Family Guy, Boardwalk Empire, The Jack and Triumph Show, High Maintenance, The View, 30 Rock, The Office, Last Comic Standing, Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious, Royal Pains, Es De Noche y ya Llegue, Enlisted, Best Week Ever, I Love the 1980’s, Rescue Me, Flight of the Conchords, Gotham Comedy Live, The Chris Rock Show, My Boys, That 70’s Show, 24, Ellen, and Seinfeld. They have appeared in such films as Ghostbusters, The Comedian, Drunk Parents, The Heat, Spy, Other People, Mascots, This is 40, Happy Christmas, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, Morning Glory, Away We Go, The Love Guru, Love Actually and 13 Going on 30.

They have written for Saturday Night Live, Girls, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Chris Rock Show. They have written and starred in their own one-person shows off-Broadway and at Carolines on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club and the New York International Fringe Festival. The one-person shows Stephen Rosenfield has co-written and directed include: A Complete Performer, now in its eighth year off-Broadway, For Kingdom and Fatherland produced by the New York International Fringe Festival, American Radical, and the MAC award winning, The Rock Albers Show. For three years he produced, directed and wrote for Rubber Feet, the sketch comedy group that appeared regularly at The Comic Strip.

He coaches and directs performers ranging from beginners to Emmy and Tony Award-winning and Oscar-nominated star talent. He directed and co-authored the Obie Award-winning musical comedy review, The Present Tense. He has directed plays at the Roundabout Theater, The Ensemble Studio Theater, The Actor’s Studio, Manhattan Class Company and the Intiman Theatre. He received the Los Angeles Drama-Logue Award and a Robby nomination for his direction of the musical, Charlie and Algernon.

Stephen has been a guest artist and lecturer in comedy at Brigham Young University, the University of Florida, Virginia Commonwealth University, Barnard College, University of Washington, The New School, New York University, Lawrence University, and the Union Theological Seminary. He was the founding Artistic Director of Humber College’s Program in Comedy, Professor of Theatre and Comedy, and Director of the Comedy Program at William Patterson University. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). Stephen has a BA in Theatre and Drama cum laude from Lawrence University and a MFA in Theatre Directing from Stanford University.

Reviews

[Майя Ставитская · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mastering Stand-Up: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Successful Comedian" is the coolest book, and it may be useful not only for stand-ups. Anyone who has to deal with the practice of public speaking will find in it a lot of life hacks that can potentially make this process less painful and frightening, more productive. The ability to keep listeners and lead, not least is based on controlled laughter. Stephen is one of those rare people who understand how his mechanics work and can teach.

Mainly a practical guide, but also an encyclopedia of the genre, imbued with love for stand-up and its performers. This is a story in which comedy fights against racism, social inequality, all forms of oppression, in which freaky characters and people with disabilities get a chance to realize themselves.

Предположим, вы – идиот. И предположим, вы – депутат. Впрочем, я повторяюсь.<.b>
В рекламе часто показывают как хорошо порошки отстирывают пятна крови. Но что-то мне подсказывает, что если ваша футболка заляпана кровью, то стирка – не самая большая проблема. Может, сначала все-таки избавиться от тела?
Кто хотя бы раз в жизни не думал, что, неплохо было бы стать стендапером? Треплешь на сцене языком, а тебе популярность, бабки, гастроли, всеобщая любовь, люди радуются. когда ты появляешься... Ну ладно, я не думала. Потому что мне всегда казалось - это для тех редких людей, которые умеют смешить каждым сказанным словом, одним своим появлением. Автор говорит - вовсе не обязательно. То, что вы держите в руках эту книгу, говорит о вашем интересе к теме. А где интерес, там и способности, хотя бы даже скрытые от вас самой.

И наверно он знает, что говорит. Стивен Розенфилд директор и основатель Американского института комедии, его ученики номинировались на Оскар и брали премии Мак, Эмми, Тони, работают ведущими на телеканалах и записывают спешлы на Netflix он самый известный преподаватель комедии в стране по версии NYT. А у американского стендапа, в отличие от, например, российского, не только долгая и славная история, но и неоспоримое преимущество свободы слова. Ну, вы понимаете: то, что развивается в режиме наибольшего благоприятствования, интереснее, сильнее и разнообразнее стиснутого изначальными ограничениями.

Рассказывая о пути, приведшем его в стендап, Розенфилд, талант которого в том, чтобы делать людей смешными, говорит, что начинал карьеру как сценарист и драматург. Любовь к театру сохранил по сей день, но один момент изменил всю его жизнь. В сложной громоздкой, невероятно дорогой, вовлекающей множество людей и зависящей от многих факторов машинерии театра и кино, результат может оказаться волшебным, но в стендапе один человек на совершенно пустой сцене может сотворить не менее потрясающее зрелище. Вечно притягательная автономность, процесс творения, в котором ты, один за всех, против всех, со всеми.

"Ухожу в Stand Up" крутейшая книга, и может оказаться полезной не только для стендаперов. Любой, кому приходится сталкиваться с практикой публичного говорения найдет в ней массу лайфхаков, потенциально способных сделать этот процесс менее болезненным и пугающим, более продуктивным. Умение держать слушателей и вести за собой, не в последнюю очередь базируется на управляемом смехе. Стивен из тех редких людей, которые понимают, как работает его механика и может научить.

1. Видишь свое будущее в stand up along? Для начала выясни, в чем твоя оригинальность; научись писать тексты для выступлений; оттачивай свое мастерство; придумай сценического персонажа; расширь познания о комедии и учись у великих; выступай-выступай-выступай. Научись разбираться в видах стендапа и в том, как устроен бизнес, откажись от привычки винить в своих неудачах аудиторию, научись говорить "нет".

2. Дальше я конспективно набросаю основное. Виды стендапа: комедия наблюдений - смешное в обыденном; сторителлинг - искусство рассказывать историю; стендап-скетчи - сценки в лицах, где говоришь за обоих персонажей или за одного, а зритель догадывается об ответных репликах; акт-аут - элементы актерской игры. Неотъемлемый элемент стендапа стеб над знаменитостями (политиками, селебрити), людьми из своего окружения (свекровь, супруг, дети, соседи), зрителями, хеклерами (то же. что хейтеры в сетевом общении, кстати, книга предлагает недурные шаблонные решения, которые помогут нейтрализовать их)

Комедия оскорблений (в какой форме и до какого предела можно это себе позволить), самоирония, работа с залом, комедия персонажей, юмор на грани допустимого, импровизация (которая удивительно часто базируется на умении обращаться с домашними заготовками).

3. Руководство по созданию материала к выступлениям: черновики, записывай все, что кажется тебе смешным, каждую шутку, которая рассмешила твоих друзей, ничего не выбрасывай, ты не знаешь, когда это может пригодиться. Поверь, что ты автор комедии, лови свое чувство юмора, не воруй чужие шутки. Не переживай, если в начале смеха на твоих выступлениях мало и раздается он не часто, но в идеале нужно добиваться, чтобы он звучал каждые 10 секунд. Редактируй черновики, больше сокращай. Не беспокойся о переходах и подводках, ты не лекцию читаешь. Открытый микрофон хорошо, но ориентироваться на то, как воспринимают твое выступление коллеги не стоит, для тебя важен смех зрителей, которые заплатят за билеты: что смешно "своим", часто бывает непонятно широкой публике и наоборот, людей смешит то. что специалисты могут счесть дурновкусием.

Пиши на высоком накале эмоций: не "слегка раздражает" а "разорвать готова", не "ну нравится", а "ах, обожаю!" - страсти продаются лучше. Разберись в соотношении сет апа (тела шутки) и панч-лайна (ее ударного окончания). Если чувствуешь, что в ней есть потенциал, но зрители не смеются, попробуй поменять эмоциональную подачу на диаметрально противоположную: не "ненавижу свою работу" а "обожаю ее" с тем же текстом. Обкатывай черновики в неожиданных местах: на вокзале, в метро, в переходе. Составь сет, поставив хорошие шутки в начало выступления, слабые в середину. лучшие в конец.

4. Руководство по выступлению. Волнение и что с ним делать (ничего, волнуются все); веселись и радуйся встрече, люди откликаются на тех, кто к ним расположен; используй на сцене максимально доступный диапазон эмоций. Выступление: что сделать перед (проверить микрофон, свет, уточнить у организатора тайминг и свою очередь); подача, темп (слишком быстрое говорение не сюда, замедляйся), акценты, паузы с "докручиванием" панч-лайнов мимикой и пантомимикой. Рассчитай время, запасись экземпляром своего текста на крайний случай, но не читай по бумажке. Никакого алкоголя и наркотиков перед выступлением, только вода и воздух.

"Ухожу в Stand Up" главным образом практическое руководство, но это еще и энциклопедия жанра, проникнутая любовью к стендапу и его исполнителям, Стивен рассказывает о них массу интересного. Жаль, что большинство американских исполнителей нам не знакомо, а особенность восприятия смешного ставит высокий барьер между носителями языка и теми. кто учил его по книгам. Но о тех, кого знаем, например Стиве Мартине, было безумно интересно, узнать, что он закончил свою карьеру в стендапе из-за того, что, собирая на выступлениях стадионы, не мог говорить - рев обожающей толпы заглушал его голос, даже усиленный микрофоном.

Это история, в которой комедия борется против расизма, социального неравенства, всех форм угнетения, в которой фриковатые персонажи и люди с ограниченными возможностями получают шанс реализоваться. История служения миру через смех
Рождаясь, ты получаешь билет в цирк уродов; рождаясь в наше время, ты получаешь билет в первый ряд.

[Roozbeh Daneshvar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is this book good for? I think it can be anyone. It is supposed to be about stand-up comedy and all the aspects of it. Yet, I think it has more to offer: to tell us how humor works in our communications. It finally answered many of my questions on why some jokes do work and why some don't. I used to have a friend who was insisting on the same type of joke, the same theme and the same delivery, over and over again, and I could never understand why not only these "jokes" were not funny, but also sometimes annoying. This book shed some light on that case at last.

I was impressed by the density of information throughout the whole book. It delivered solid and concrete materials from the very first page to the very last page, without ever diluting the content. I could not find even one page in the entire book that you can take out. I take this as a sign that the author knew well what he was writing about and he didn't have the need to expand the book to a certain number of pages.

In some sense, this book might take some fun out of comedy shows: it dissects comedy so well that you might start paying more attention to the mechanisms of and the structure behind the comedy, rather than simply enjoying the end result. But it might also help you enjoy comedy even more; I'd guess it depends on you. I was in a stand-up comedy recently and while everyone was laughing, I could not help myself but to count laugh per minutes of the show, as I learned from this book.

[Allan Guttman]

Mastering Stand-up Comedy
by Stephen Rosenfield

reviewed by Allan Guttman

There are a lot of books out there about creating comedy, but I have never read one with as much clarity, warmth, humour, intelligence, honesty, wisdom, humanity and dedication as Mastering Stand-up Comedy.

Stephen Rosenfield speaks from the heart (and from many years of experience as a teacher and comedy writer) to help potential (and working) comedians fulfill their comedy dreams.

He does it by creating a masterful set of chapters which move step by step through the whole process from neophyte to pro, along with brilliant advice about the psychology of both audiences and comedians. It is as if he’s talking to the reader personally and with empathy. He even supplies an email address in case you have questions for him.

There are chapters on the forms of stand-up comedy, writing material, performing, dealing with nerves, creating a stand-up persona, getting “undeniably good”, dealing with fear and doubts, the importance of hard and consistent work, and the business of stand-up—all with a very personal voice. There is also insightful analysis of the work of actual comedians, including how some of the jokes were re-written make them stronger.

Full disclosure: I have seen Steve at work in the classroom, and have also worked extensively in the comedy and teaching world. People who are as knowledgeable and supportive and so absolutely dedicated to their students are relatively rare. If you have a burning desire to do stand-up, or even just a curiosity about what it takes to do it well, read this book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently decided to try stand-up comedy. I don't even know why because I get so nervous before going on stage. Yet for some reason I feel compelled to do it.

I'm taking a weekly class, which I think is crucial. I need someone to force me to write material and perform.

But I wanted more and this book was it. Rosenfield gives you tools to apply to your writing and you can immediately see your set getting more laughs.

His section on overcoming nerves was life changing. I had my first performance yesterday where I didn't feel tortured by "the voice" harassing me. I haven't felt comfortable performing on stage since I was a little kid.

I highly recommend this book to any live performer (comedians, improv, acting, etc.) who wants to get better faster, have more fun, and get more laughs.

[Shalaj Lawania · Rating 5 out of 5]

If stand-up is your calling, then this book is perfect. Cogent, well paced and insightful - highlighted elements of stand-up that I never noticed or considered intentional routines.

[William Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t a lot of books on stand up. This is mostly due to the macho “don’t ask for directions” many male comedians take with their work. “You go out, you perform, repeat. Don’t read books. Don’t take classes. If you’re not funny, you’re not funny, period.” You could never tell that the field was male dominated.

This is the first book (that I have read) on stand up comedy that obliterates that idea. To be quite honest, reviewing this book feels wrongheaded as I will be re-reading and breaking down each chapter over the next few years. It’s not a book so much as it is a bible. Instantly recommending this to anyone even vaguely interested in trying stand up. I have so much material to rewrite now.

If there’s any nitpick, it’s that this book was clearly written and published before the #MeToo Movement. Oy. It’s not a big problem (some of Louis’ material is still great) but it does stand out. Just a word of warning!

[Harold Citron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came at this book from two points, first, as a recommendation from a friend and second, as a lover of humor and stand-up comedy.

I have always stood in awe of those who have mastered this art. There are any number of jokes and routines that have been committed to memory solely from the number of times listening to or watching their performances. Reading Mr. Rosenfeld's book provided not a 'frog-dissecting' cold analysis of humor, but a careful blueprint and map to the craftsmanship that goes into becoming a successful stand-up comic.

Perhaps the most amazing part of Stephen's writing is how broad-based his advice and guidance goes. While I have never made a living telling jokes, I have given numerous presentations over the years to clients. This work provides a solid foundation to any style of public speaking, humorous or serious. Indeed, I often found myself thinking of various techniques I learned through experience and training, only to find the very ideas within a few pages or a chapter pointing to the same benefit for those pursuing a career in stand-up.

With short chapters that focus on specific points, the book, while detailed and comprehensive, is a quick read, that can be consumed in selective parts or as a whole.

In conclusion, an excellent work that should find a home in many bookshelves.

[Stven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book with lots of good practical advice for someone who wants to know how to go about getting started doing stand-up comedy. Nuts and bolts stuff like how to write a first draft and how to edit based on how well material goes over when you try it out in front of a crowd. The advice about actually "mastering" stand-up can be summed up in two kernels of not-so-secret wisdom that apply to any talent: do it over and over, and improve it as you go along. So I'd have given the book a different title. Nevertheless, an engaging read.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an aspiring comedian but I've been fascinated by comedians for a long time and I've been seeking to understand how all of it works under the hood. There's so much insight into how comedians think and work in this book!

If you Are an (aspiring) comedian, then this is your handbook.

While listening to the book, I've spontaneously written my first ever 5-minute comedy "special" that I will deliver on a friend's birthday party. I'm definitely having fun.

[Joe McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not some vague pontification on stand-up comedy. I had started Steve Martin's video "Master Class" series, and was turned off from the beginning. Rosenfield starts off as your personal coach. He points out what works and doesn't work in stand-up. He guides you through putting together a routine and honing it, how to deal with hecklers, and how to find your niche. These are all practical actionable steps.

[Christin Neal DeLoach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started stand up comedy about 2 years ago and read this book cover to cover. I now (minus Covid times) perform regularly, help teach stand up classes and run shows. I re-read this book every 6 months or so just because. I emailed the author and he emailed me a great response.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading mastering standup. My favorite part of the book was the part about forms of stand up comedy. I had never thought about the different forms of standup comedy before.
Its so exciting to think that I might be able to write jokes that are funny and the express my point of view of the world. Instead of repeating other peoples jokes I could be repeating jokes that I came up with. I had never thought that I could do that before reading the book. Writing my own original stand up comedy is what I want to do.
I also liked part 3 of the book where the author tells how to write a first draft of material, writing setups and punchlines, and other things relating to writing comedy down.
Before I read mastering stand I would watch a stand up comedy and think how could they come up with those jokes. The comedians must need only a few minutes to write down a joke that will get huge laughs. I could never do that. By reading the book I learned that it can take a lot of work to write a joke that will get huge laughs. The book gave me confidence to try and write my own standup comedy. If I do the work maybe one day I can write funny jokes also.
I thought the book was very thorough. And its not that long so it was a quick read even for me. I am glad I read it. Now I need to get started writing jokes.

[Leif Ahrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Order it and be prepared for changes in your life!

I just finished chapter five of your book „Mastering Stand-Up“ and I can’t really believe it: I wrote my first material. It is anecdotal stand-up which I am going to use as opener for one of my trainings/seminars. Wow - feels good.

I used to work as onair-personality for one of the leading radio programs in Germany (HITRADIO FFH) in the 90s and early 2000s. It never came to my mind, that comedy can be learned. I thought the other onair-staff writing funny things, are gifted by whatever. Since today I know I could have learned it - and compete with them. Since quitting my job in the radio-business I started a training-business. That runs well, but I want to expand to the market of speaking. Which I will do with funny speeches for business-events. The goal is to get 10 paid engagements in 2019. Let’s see how long it will take me to get there. My first material based on your book will be on stage (audience will be seminar-participants) next Monday first and then again on Wednesday the same week. Can’t wait for the experience starting a seminar with stand-up.

Again. Thanks for your inspiration.
Regards from Wiesbaden in Germany.

[Odile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I saw it in the Stanford magazine: I had the challenge of being the first speaker at 8AM on the second day of a conference so I started with a couple of corny space jokes to wake up the audience and it worked! My ambition is not to become a stand-up comedian by far. However I was really amused by the reactions of people to my jokes at various gathering since then.
The book talks about how to make comedy work: it is a simple easy read. It also makes it clear that to make it work, like most things in life, it takes focus, commitment, hard work and lots of practice. Talent is really hard work. Clearly the examples are based on comedy and successful comedians, many remarks apply to many careers or life endeavors: originality, genuiness, vividness, likeability.

Only 3 stars because it is pretty specialized reading. However I enjoyed this easy read.

[Priscila Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que bonito leer este contenido. El autor es uno de los maestros más inspiradores que he conocido via libro; me sentí en una clase presencial por lo ligero, anecdótico y gradual de sus enseñanzas.

Está es una guía para concretar la esencia de nuestra actitud ante la vida y sus circunstancias en la escritura, y en caso de que quieras escalar a performance tu material, cuenta con el método para que cada opinión compartible tenga el sello único de tu personalidad como comediante en el escenario.

Una de sus bases es que una vida sin problemas y conciencia de los mismos es un campo infértil para la comedia. Pese a que esta idea tiene un dejo desalentador, en cada capítulo encuentras el constante recordatorio de que podemos crear lazos con la comunidad a través del diálogo cómico.

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocked at how good this was

It was like a breath of fresh air. He covered everything you need to know as a stand up in the physicalist sense and in the spiritual sense too. The only thing I wish he elaborated more on was the legendary comic Mitch Hedberg haha. Love his style, but overall amazing book! I seriously recommend any new comics starting out to read this! I just did my first standup at a bar a few nights ago and I killed it! It was the best feeling ever, and am still high from the experience. 10/10 would read again

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Mastering Stand-Up while at the library and decided to pick it up, as I have been flirting with the idea of doing standup comedy. I enjoy performing, and people think I'm pretty funny, but I'm just so damn lazy, which is why I haven't pursued it.

The book was excellent, and had some great tips on, well, mastering standup. And it was nice to know that there were some things in there that I am already doing or working on, courtesy of being in Toastmasters. I really enjoyed the book, and in fact, I think I will purchase it down the road.

[Dillon Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not recommend enough to aspiring comedians or even pros that are always striving to improve. Rosenfield is clearly deeply involved, in tune and aware of what makes a great all around stand up performer, and he covers all bases.

Ranging from writing material, your stage persona and even an immensely helpful chapter on silencing your inner critic, this is a must read, with a highlighter included. I’ve left this with so much more wisdom on the form than I had going in, and I am already feeling the results from applying what really resonated with me onstage. A must for all comedians.

[Angela Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a standup comedian, but I sometimes tell jokes in my class. it was a pleasure to read Mastering Stand-up. Its a a clear and well-written book, with many tips on how to tell a joke well. I sometimes laugh at my own jokes and this book helped me put that behavior in perspective. I learned that the most important thing is to enjoy your time with the audience, and to focus on strategies that communicate well. Lots of great tips, and very practical.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

My question: Would Mastering Stand-Up be useful in a public speaking class? Not for that public speaking class that so many students take in their first year of college.

But, for the second or third level public speaking class, this book would be surprisingly useful.

It’s also a fun read (no surprise)! I was smiling most of the time I was reading and sometimes laughed out loud. Warning: like stand up routines, the book is covered in obscenities and bad language.

[Dmitry Semenovykh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книга написана в жанре бизнес-литературы . У меня такой подход, то есть 300 страниц советов и рекомендаций, вызывает раздражение. Лучшие части книги - разборы шуток, но их было лишь несколько в начале. Дальше скорее продирался по книге. Надеялся, что книга будет вдохновляющей и подтолкнет к творчеству, а получилось наоборот.
В тоже время явных проблем по содержанию, когда бы я думал "Что за чушь", в книге нет.

[Nawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mastering Stand-Up is an excellent resource for any aspiring comedian. The author does an excellent job explaining the fundamentals of comedy, while weaving in exemplary anecdotal stories that help drive the points home. The book’s practical approach and comprehensive content, as well as the author’s expertise make it an invaluable resource for those looking to break into or improve their stand-up routine.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

For aspiring stand-up comedians this book is an absolutely must-read! From techniques and tips to industry anecdotes and comedy history, Stephen Rosenfield has compiled a unique and useful book that can be a guide toward improved performance as well as an honestly fun read (I was laughing out loud!).

[Greg C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen's insights are engaging and invaluable to anyone interested in pursuing, or regularly performing stand-up comedy. His writing is clear and concise and provides great advice as to how to best navigate the many bumps in the road to becoming a successful comic. A definite must read for any lover of stand-up.

[Alex Beige · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clear! So useful. So straightforward and motivating. It's so obvious reading it that you're getting the perspective of a professional. He even takes the time to break down stand-up comedy into specific genres so as to better understand what you'd like to pursue. It's a nice book for confidence onstage

[Jef McDonough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could've gone a little deeper on comedy writing. Joke structure was covered pretty well, but I'd like more on joke theory. If I'm a robot reading this, I still don't know how to be funny.

That said, everything else about stand up was covered in great detail. The author is supportive and nice, and he uses a lot of good examples.

[I · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Audiobook version of this book and couldn't get enough of it. I have always had an interest in comedy and tend to try and find humour, in most things, regardless of politically incorrect it is. This book explains everything you need to know about comedy, as well as being a historical repository of great comedians and their work over the last hundred years.

[Samuel Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I found shocking about this book is that it breaks down the formatting on how to write a funny joke. How to be funny is often not clear, so seeing an expert explain building a joke was extremely fascinating. It also breaks down the tricks of performing, managing jokes per minute, as well of how the industry works. A must-read for people interested in stand-up comedy.

[Becky L Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

audiobook. amazing. based on something Pierre Nouvelle said in his book Why can't I just enjoy things, I thought "what would it take to do standup?" and "hmmmm maybe I could do standup" and this book just happen to be in audible plus so it was an absolute no brainer. totally worth it. great information.

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a good book on the ins and outs of doing stand-up comedy

Really great book for anyone in trying to pursue standup, I wish I had this when I started.
This book carries you through from the start to the end, it gives actionable straight forwards advice on what to do, and also gives great real life examples.