COMEDY SHOWS IN MONTREAL

Stand-up comedy is a comedic style in which a performer presents material live in front of an audience, usually speaking directly to them. The performer is commonly referred to as a comic, stand-up comic, comedian, or simply a stand-up. They deliver a series of humorous stories, jokes, and one-liners, often called their shtick, routine, or set. Some comedians use props, music, or magic tricks to enhance their performances.

Stand-up comedy is considered the “freest form of comedic writing” and is typically seen as an “extension” of the performer themselves. Improvisation in stand-up is often compared to jazz music. The writing process of a comedian is likened to the process of composing a song. A comedian’s ability to refine their material has been compared to crafting a samurai sword.

Stand-up comedy shows and comedy club.

Some of the main types of humor in stand-up comedy include observational comedy, blue comedy, dark comedy, clean comedy, and edgy comedy. Alternative stand-up comedy departs from traditional, mainstream comedy by breaking the usual joke structure, performing on unconventional stages, or subverting audience expectations. This can include, but is not limited to, Shaggy Dog stories and anti-jokes.

Stand-up comedy is often performed at corporate events, comedy clubs, bars and pubs, nightclubs, neo-burlesque shows, colleges, and theaters (audiences tend to applaud more in theaters). Outside of live shows, stand-up is frequently distributed commercially via television, DVDs, CDs, and the Internet.

It can take about 10 years for an amateur comedian to perfect the technique needed to become a professional; it is a continuous process of learning through failure.

As the name suggests, “stand-up” comedians usually perform their material standing up, though this is not mandatory. Similar acts performed while sitting may be referred to as “sit-down comedy.”

Comedians are more likely to exhibit “psychotic-like” traits than the average person; most comedians display a form of “magical thinking” and tend to be introverted and somewhat anhedonic.

Stand-up comedy shows and comedy club.

A comedy show can (rarely) feature a single comedian, a multi-performer showcase format, or the traditional opener, feature, and headliner structure.

A traditional format typically begins with an opening act, known as the host, compère (UK), master of ceremonies (MC), or simply the “opener.” For 10–12 minutes, the opener usually warms up the crowd, interacts with audience members, makes announcements, and introduces the other performers. This is followed by the “middle” or “feature” act, which lasts 15–20 minutes but ideally has “30 minutes of solid material.” The feature is then followed by the headliner, who performs for about an hour.

The second definition of an opener applies when a touring comedian’s opening act can perform a 25-minute set (the opener also serves as the feature).

The “showcase” format consists of multiple acts performing for roughly equal durations. This is typical in smaller clubs such as the Comedy Cellar, Montreal Comedy Club, or Jongleurs, or at large events where billing multiple names allows for a venue larger than what individual comedians could draw. A showcase format may still include an MC.

Stand-up comedy shows and comedy club.