Breaking into the comedy scene can be extremely difficult, and comedian success stories aren’t all that common. For every Josh Denny, there are a handful of comedians that never got their careers off the ground. However, when a fledgling comedian does have the luck to meet a professional, there are many things they can learn. This knowledge is extremely valuable, and could even make or break a career. So what kind of information and knowledge should an aspiring comedian seek from a professional? Here’s what new comedians can learn from the pros.

Preparation

One of the most important things aspiring comedians can learn from the pros is how to prepare for shows. Comedy is a lot about preparation and readiness, and if you’re not properly prepared for a show it could be disastrous. There is so much to learn about timings, stage movements, and delivery that sometimes it is hard for new comedians to learn it all by themselves. Additionally, pro comedians can provide tips on other aspects of preparation, such as how to prepare yourself for hecklers and stage fright.

Inspiration

An important lesson aspiring comedians can learn from the pros is how to find inspiration in everyday life. Professional comedians are always finding inspiration for new material in everyday life, allowing them to churn out new material. A common problem aspiring comedians have is being unable to come up with new material. These new comedians struggle to find ways to create new jokes or stories, meaning they don’t have enough quality material to use on stage. Learning how to find inspiration for new material from the pros could be a huge boost for aspiring comedians and can allow them to come up with new jokes at a much faster pace.

Performance

Obviously one of the biggest areas where aspiring comedians can learn from pros is during the actual performance of comedy. Things like pacing, pronunciation, and crowd interaction are all important parts of comedy. However, these aspects are quite difficult to grasp without someone to teach you, meaning the majority of aspiring comedians have to learn these skills through trial and error. However, if you can learn the art of performing comedy from a seasoned professional, you’ll have a huge advantage over other aspiring comedians.

Networking

While learning how to create, prepare, and deliver comedy is vital, one of the greatest things a professional comedian can teach an aspiring pro is the art of networking. Comedy is a tough business, and many comedians struggle to make a living through their work. Properly networking with the right people makes it much easier to find gigs and perform, thus making it easier to earn money and make a name for yourself. Not only can professional comedians connect you with the right people, but they also can teach you how to make the most out of those connections.