If you have watched comedy shows on television with a live audience, you will see there can be a lot of participation. In other words, the crowd are shown on the cameras and is asked questions by the comedian. Perhaps this is something you like, and you enjoy being part of the show. Alternatively, maybe you are thinking about going to see a stand-up comedy show but are worried you are going to be picked on.
Well, the truth is, every stand-up comedy show is going to be different. You just need to select one carefully. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when it comes to participation in a show.
Comedians Share Stories
First of all, remember that most comedians share stories about their lives. They want to engage with the audience and share what has happened to them, and often, there is a comic edge to the story. This means that the comedian is always going to be at the centre of the show. So, you do not have to worry about becoming the main character.
But you can expect there to be some participation from the audience during shows. For example, there can be some comedians that like to ask questions and chat with members of the audience. Of course, the majority of your participation is going to be contributing to the overall atmosphere. In other words, laughing at jokes.
If you want to go to a stand-up comedy show, you can always research the comedian you are going to see. You can watch videos online and get a better idea of what they are all about. Head to https://comedycarnival.co.uk/ to see what shows are on, and you can select the one you like the best. You might get an idea of what type of participation is required in the show this way.
Ways to Avoid Getting Picked On
If you are someone that does not want to get picked on at a stand-up comedy show, there are a few things you can do. Let’s check them out.
Do Not Sit at the Front
Often, people think that they get the best view at the front of the show. Indeed, this might be true. But, this is going to be a prime place to sit to be asked questions. If this is something that you do not want, you will need to pick your seat carefully. It might be best to sit near the back. Going early to the show can mean that you are able to select your seat.
Do Not Heckle
Despite it being accepted years ago, heckling is no longer something you want to do. Most comedy clubs do not condone this behaviour, and it can be very unfair to the comedian. Thus, if you start to heckle the performer, this is going to attract attention. Sometimes, a comedian will handle this behaviour by striking up a conversation with you or even making comments back to you.
Volunteer Your Friend
Sometimes, there will be comedians that ask for audience participation. If you are going to get picked on or have a feeling that the comedian is looking your way, you can always volunteer your friend instead. This way, you can have fun, but it does not have to be you that is answering the questions. Just make sure that your friend agrees to this first!
Concentrate on Having Fun
Ultimately, going to a stand-up comedy show is all about having fun. You should feel relaxed and be able to unwind. You can listen to the comedian’s stories and laugh the night away. Participation is not always required, and the best thing you can do is not think about it if you are worried. Most of the time, comedians are going to recognise someone that is truly uncomfortable, and they will select someone else.
