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How to be a Comedian and Smash your First Gig: Learn Stand-up comedy - Series Book one
Louise Stevenson is a Stand-up Comedian, Writer and Comedy Coach with over 20 years Comedy industry experience. As CEO of Brighton Comedy Course, Louise has a solid background in helping aspiring comedians realise their dreams and has acquired a reputation for delivering quality stand-up comedy courses with consistent 5-star reviews over the last decade. This How-To book is packed with real content that’s been successfully tried and tested. Paired with Louise’s experience and knowledge as a stand-up comedian, this is a serious guide to stand-up comedy which will provide you with the confidence, expert advice, and practical exercises to craft your material and take the stage. There are tips from well-known comedians and real-life stories from Brighton Comedy Course graduates, who share their own experiences of writing comedy material, the comedy circuit and the challenges and rewards of Stand-up comedy. This book • Encouraging and motivating instruction from a real-life comedian and coach. • Structured content in easy-to-understand chunks. • Writing, editing and performance homework exercises and tasks throughout the book. • Knowledge on sourcing, writing, editing, and structuring material. Insights on confidence, comfort zones, mindset & beating nerves. Know-how on opening and closing lines, delivery, timing & stage performance techniques. Understanding of audiences, joke formulas, comedy genres, and hecklers. This book will give you the tools you need Write a killer set. Take the stage. Make an audience laugh. Your journey starts here. Buckle in. ABOUT THE SERIES The Learn Stand-up Comedy Series provides aspiring comedians with the tools and knowledge to do the job. This step-by-step book will help lay strong foundations to be the best comedian you can be, encouraging best practice, good routines, and professional standards. The follow up book The New Comedians Handbook is for the next stage of the journey. It will cover everything a working comedian needs to know about the comedy circuit and the comedy industry. It will provide the opportunity the know-how to stand out in a crowded comedy scene and thrive in the comedy industry. There is the odd swear word or adult reference within the book but nothing too racy.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2020
13 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 14, 2020
If you want down to earth, no nonsense advice on starting and developing as a stand up comedian then this book is for you. It is an easy read full of the author's advice and experiences which are always encouraging and realistic too.
The book is well structured taking you from the beginning to developing your set. There are a number of exercises along the way which you would be advised to immerse yourself in properly to get the most from the learning.
A book can't manifest the same human experience as being on a good stand up course but it's certainly the next best thing. Louise runs a variety of such courses and her depth of experience of coaching and enhancing comedic talent is poured into How to be a Comedian and Smash your First Gig.
Case studies of emerging comedians and their motivations are interesting not least in seeing the pathways of their journeys. They are inspiring too.
The book never pretends that stand up is the easiest thing to do but it does suggest how many have benefited from exposure to learning about stand up comedy.
At 125 pages the book is concise. This stands in its favour. If you're starting out you probably don't want to be delving into a tome - a more focused and easy to follow to guide being just the ticket. There are a variety of books on stand up comedy but Louise's Stevenson's guide can proudly sit amongst them offering an easy to follow and practical guide to starting out and developing. The book is easy to read and a small investment in terms of taking you forwards. Recommended.
The book is well structured taking you from the beginning to developing your set. There are a number of exercises along the way which you would be advised to immerse yourself in properly to get the most from the learning.
A book can't manifest the same human experience as being on a good stand up course but it's certainly the next best thing. Louise runs a variety of such courses and her depth of experience of coaching and enhancing comedic talent is poured into How to be a Comedian and Smash your First Gig.
Case studies of emerging comedians and their motivations are interesting not least in seeing the pathways of their journeys. They are inspiring too.
The book never pretends that stand up is the easiest thing to do but it does suggest how many have benefited from exposure to learning about stand up comedy.
At 125 pages the book is concise. This stands in its favour. If you're starting out you probably don't want to be delving into a tome - a more focused and easy to follow to guide being just the ticket. There are a variety of books on stand up comedy but Louise's Stevenson's guide can proudly sit amongst them offering an easy to follow and practical guide to starting out and developing. The book is easy to read and a small investment in terms of taking you forwards. Recommended.
October 11, 2020
‘How to be a Comedian’ is a slick and informative guide packed full of useful hints and tricks of the trade. Written by Brighton Comedy Course leader and circuit veteran Louise Stevenson, the guide takes you through everything from writing and editing a set, dealing with nerves and hecklers, and even getting started with networking.
As well as first hand advice from Stevenson herself, there are quotes from well-known comedians and amateurs alike, which give honest and no-nonsense advice that will be invaluable to anyone getting started in the field. At the end of each chapter there are ‘homework’ pieces, which range from sketch-writing activities to video analysis. These tasks are a vital part of the experience of the book, so readers beware: this isn’t a free ride. The road to success requires a lot of time and effort, and readers are expected to put the time in to put what they’ve learned into practice.
As someone who has always enjoyed watching stand-up comedy but has never attempted it myself, I found this book an enjoyable and enlightening experience. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on dealing with nerves and confidence, which were encouraging and almost therapeutic, containing nuggets of wisdom that can be applied to numerous life situations.
A must for comedy fans and stand-up hopefuls.
As well as first hand advice from Stevenson herself, there are quotes from well-known comedians and amateurs alike, which give honest and no-nonsense advice that will be invaluable to anyone getting started in the field. At the end of each chapter there are ‘homework’ pieces, which range from sketch-writing activities to video analysis. These tasks are a vital part of the experience of the book, so readers beware: this isn’t a free ride. The road to success requires a lot of time and effort, and readers are expected to put the time in to put what they’ve learned into practice.
As someone who has always enjoyed watching stand-up comedy but has never attempted it myself, I found this book an enjoyable and enlightening experience. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on dealing with nerves and confidence, which were encouraging and almost therapeutic, containing nuggets of wisdom that can be applied to numerous life situations.
A must for comedy fans and stand-up hopefuls.
November 8, 2020
Hi,
I have attended Toastmasters for the last 5 years and I am always interested in improving my public speaking and confidence in front of a crowd. Toastmasters is great for teaching you how to structure speeches, increase your confidence and to learn to funnel your nervous energy into creating a speech. I wanted to go one step further as well though and I wanted to learn how to deliver comedy. This book did it for me. It taught me about spider charts which is a great thing to have for all speech writers and about Transparency Bias which is a great thing to know. The writing guides are great in this book and show if you want to get there it is all about hard work and practice. I thought there were also some great comedy elements to the book like Big John and the story of how Louise when she was younger wanted to get more attention that she felt was unfairly thrown onto her big brother. It has encouraged me now to go even braver and try her conedy course they sound fantastic Best Reil
I have attended Toastmasters for the last 5 years and I am always interested in improving my public speaking and confidence in front of a crowd. Toastmasters is great for teaching you how to structure speeches, increase your confidence and to learn to funnel your nervous energy into creating a speech. I wanted to go one step further as well though and I wanted to learn how to deliver comedy. This book did it for me. It taught me about spider charts which is a great thing to have for all speech writers and about Transparency Bias which is a great thing to know. The writing guides are great in this book and show if you want to get there it is all about hard work and practice. I thought there were also some great comedy elements to the book like Big John and the story of how Louise when she was younger wanted to get more attention that she felt was unfairly thrown onto her big brother. It has encouraged me now to go even braver and try her conedy course they sound fantastic Best Reil
September 2, 2021
Having attended Lou’s course I can attest to her abilities. She’s very easy going and no nonsense and this comes across in this book. I’ve done comedy before and last time bought a load of books which were ok but not great at the practicalities of actually doing stand up. This is a lot nearer the task of getting an act together in that it is well structured and covers most bases. It also has comedy in it which removes the dryness often found in how to guides.
One of the guiding principles is the need to put the work in across all areas from researching to writing to performing and the book illustrates how and offers exercises to achieve this.
Would recommend to any aspiring stand up and even to established comedians who want any easy guide to deconstruct and polish their own act further.
One of the guiding principles is the need to put the work in across all areas from researching to writing to performing and the book illustrates how and offers exercises to achieve this.
Would recommend to any aspiring stand up and even to established comedians who want any easy guide to deconstruct and polish their own act further.
November 3, 2020
Great intro for budding stand-ups and comedy fans.
This a practical and accessible short text for those thinking of starting on the stand-up comedy circuit or just wanting to know a bit more about how stand-up comedy works in practice before setting out.
Louise writes clearly with simple guidelines, straightforward humour, and honesty ("I can't make you funny..."). While she pulls no punches about the amount of time, effort and work needed to make it in the world of comedy, her book makes the initial stage of the journey fun.
Many of the writing and performing exercises would be of benefit to anyone looking to improve the preparation, delivery and audience reception of their general presentation or public speaking skills. You always remember the people who make you laugh...
This a practical and accessible short text for those thinking of starting on the stand-up comedy circuit or just wanting to know a bit more about how stand-up comedy works in practice before setting out.
Louise writes clearly with simple guidelines, straightforward humour, and honesty ("I can't make you funny..."). While she pulls no punches about the amount of time, effort and work needed to make it in the world of comedy, her book makes the initial stage of the journey fun.
Many of the writing and performing exercises would be of benefit to anyone looking to improve the preparation, delivery and audience reception of their general presentation or public speaking skills. You always remember the people who make you laugh...
November 11, 2020
I'm a graduate of the authors IRL comedy course, and her easy chatty clear direction comes through in the book (and her Glaswegian accent: it's good to see the word "gobsh*te" in print). The book is divided into short targeted chapters covering writing techniques and style, and practical tips, often asking you to watch particular comics, and conclude with exercises that you actually need to do to move forward. The chapters build and build, and conclude with practical steps to getting a gig. It's not a book you'll read in one go; it'll take you through the work needed to become a stand-up, and out the other side. Hard work, but worth it
November 13, 2020
Delighted that this has been published! A MUST for anyone thinking of having a go at stand-up. I completed Louise's beginners comedy course in Brighton (highly recommended) a couple of years ago, thoroughly enjoyed it, but was feeling a bit 'rusty' after not performing for a while. This book also helped with writer's block, as the exercises get the creative juices flowing. As well as having lots of practical food for thought, there's also loads of entertaining stories that brought a smile to my face. A great glimpse into the mind of a stand-up. Perfect for beginners in comedy, and also as a refresher for those of us who already have had the basic training. Get. It. Now. Or. Else! :-)
November 4, 2020
I was really impressed with this. I guess I thought it would be a bit theoretical/autobiographical, but not at all; It’s an intensely practical guide and workbook, with substantial exercises to do at the end of each chapter, and a wealth of great advice from Louise and many famous stand-ups. In particular, I really liked the charts - they really help! - and the exercises in different comedy styles. I’d urge anyone contemplating trying their hand at stand-up - or even looking to improve their confidence in public speaking - to buy this book.
November 5, 2020
This will make you both laugh and learn so much about yourself!
Love this this guide on how to be a comedian and understand how you can become more confident doing so. I am already learning so much about myself just by following the set tasks! It's a journey and an interesting insight into the craft. Written with a really personal, genuine and funny voice of experience and easy to read and follow!
Love this this guide on how to be a comedian and understand how you can become more confident doing so. I am already learning so much about myself just by following the set tasks! It's a journey and an interesting insight into the craft. Written with a really personal, genuine and funny voice of experience and easy to read and follow!
November 11, 2020
Great beginners guide to stand-up, outlining the ins and outs of writing and performing as well as invaluable tips about entering and working in the industry. The book is presented in a bite size chunks with practical tasks, which as the title suggests, prepares you for your first gig and more.
The book does not favour a certain style or type of comedy, instead the author encourages the reader to find your own funny. Highly recommended for anyone who’s thinking of taking the plunge.
The book does not favour a certain style or type of comedy, instead the author encourages the reader to find your own funny. Highly recommended for anyone who’s thinking of taking the plunge.
November 11, 2020
Even if you think you have no intention of getting up on stage then this book will make you want to and, even better, will give you the tools to succeed. It’s not just for aspiring comedians though. Anybody who wants to write will find nuggets of inspiration and great ideas for generating material and kick starting their creative thought process.
Whether you want to be live at the Apollo or give more polished presentations at work, then this book is your friend.
Whether you want to be live at the Apollo or give more polished presentations at work, then this book is your friend.
November 11, 2020
I bought this book after attending Louise's Comedy Course and was not disappointed.
The book is every bit as entertaining and informative as the course itself and acts as a great refresher and encouragement to get out there and gig.
Even without having done the course first, this book is such a great guide to giving comedy a go and will inspire you to write your own material and have the confidence to take your first steps in stand up.
The book is every bit as entertaining and informative as the course itself and acts as a great refresher and encouragement to get out there and gig.
Even without having done the course first, this book is such a great guide to giving comedy a go and will inspire you to write your own material and have the confidence to take your first steps in stand up.
November 12, 2020
Having done Louise's beginners stand-up comedy course (twice!) now, I bought a copy of the book from her launch event this summer. It's a great guide on how to get from the point of "OMG people think I'm funny" to "holy crap, I've got a gig!" in a relatively step-by-step way.
The material she presents here is mostly the same as her course, so if you have even the faintest notion you're funny (haha OR bonkers) have a read and see if her instruction can help you refine your "ho ho ho" :)
The material she presents here is mostly the same as her course, so if you have even the faintest notion you're funny (haha OR bonkers) have a read and see if her instruction can help you refine your "ho ho ho" :)
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September 2, 2021A really good read for anyone thinking of becoming a standup comedian; packed full of writing excercises, explorations into different styles of comedy, tips for handling hecklers and the practical advice and experience of already-famous comedians. Louise runs comedy courses in Brighton and it's also nice to hear from those that have benefited from her ample practical experience as a working standup comedienne.
April 25, 2023
This is a concise and practical guide to starting and developing as a stand-up comedian. The author's depth of experience coaching and enhancing comedic talent is poured into the book's well-structured format, taking readers from the beginning to developing their set. The book never pretends that stand-up is easy, but it does offer practical advice and exercises to help readers benefit from learning about stand-up comedy. It is an easy and recommended read for anyone starting out in the field.
October 29, 2020
Actionable, practical tips to writing your first comedy set and getting ready for your first gig. Even though I'd already done my first gig, Louise gives some solid advice on how to sharpen your material to make it even funnier. Spattered with exercises and tips, this book is a must for any budding comedian.
November 14, 2020
Thoroughly recommend this book not just to budding comedians but to anyone who is interested in improving their public speaking or writing skills and learning a bit about themselves along the way. Loved the author’s engaging, practical approach and the way she demystifies the art of comedy, encouraging us all to find our own ‘funny bone’.
November 11, 2020
As a budding comedian I am always looking for inspiration from other comedians but when a friend told me about this book it took me to another level.
Thanks for the help as this book is like the bible for stand up comedians.
Thanks for the help as this book is like the bible for stand up comedians.
April 25, 2023
Very practical, with some interesting concepts on how to develop material. Other books or bits online don’t get into the mind of a comedian, and the steps then take. Excellent read, couldn’t recommend this more
April 25, 2023
I read the book prior to being fortunate enough to attend the Author’s course. It’s a really well written guide on how to write your first 5 minutes, what works and what doesn’t as well as pointers on nailing your first gig- highly recommended!
October 28, 2020
This book is great if you're completely new to stand up and you're looking for advice and tips that will help you to understand how to put a decent 5-7 min set together
October 29, 2020
This book is excellent, really glad I bought it, I can't put it down - full of useful hints and tips. A must for any wannabie standup comedian. You need to buy this book.
September 2, 2021
Louise has written this great guide using her valuable and extensive experience as a comedian. It has very wise advice on comedy performance, and fab tips on writing material which help enormously if you're struggling to write funny, all extremely useful. It's an entertaining and informative read. If you want to try out stand-up comedy it's a god-send and a must buy!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews