Stand-Up Comedy

Stand-up comedy is when one person stands on a stage and tells jokes. The comedian talks to the audience and tries to make them laugh. Some comedians tell funny stories. Others make jokes about everyday life. It takes courage and practice to be a stand-up comedian.

How Stand-Up Works

A comedian writes jokes and practices them over and over. They test jokes at small shows called open mics. If people laugh, the joke stays. If they do not, the comedian tries a new joke. A good comedian knows how to pause and use timing to make jokes funnier.

Famous Comedians

Many funny people have done stand-up comedy. Jerry Seinfeld makes jokes about everyday things. Ellen DeGeneres started as a stand-up comedian before getting her TV show. Kevin Hart fills huge arenas with fans. Stand-up comedy is one of the most popular forms of entertainment.

Fun Facts

• Stand-up comedy started in music halls and vaudeville shows over 100 years ago.
• An open mic night is where new comedians try out their jokes for the first time.
• Some comedians write hundreds of jokes before finding the ones that are really funny.

Did You Know?

The longest stand-up comedy show ever lasted over 40 hours straight!