Finding the Funny
by Bob Howard

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Open Mic Nights and Classes

 

So, you think you can be funny.

There are lots of ways to find out, but one of the most common is getting on stage at an open mic. Most folks think that if a club says open mic, anyone can get up there and take a shot. While that may be the classic definition, it does not always apply. You need to check the rules of the comedy club you are going to before you make that attempt at stardom.

Actually there are few open mic nights of any variety in the Phoenix area. Neither the Tempe Improv nor Standup Live in downtown Phoenix has an open mic night. Both of them have free shows and I will get to that later. But, if you want to get on those stages, you are going to have to take some classes or have some contacts.

There is a classic open mic night at Standup Scottsdale, 6820 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, on Wednesday nights. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8. The shows are free. If you get there early enough, you just need to sign up, and they will put you on stage for five to seven minutes.

They indicate you will get more time if it’s going well. I am not sure if they limit the numbers but my guess would be that there won’t be more than 10 to 15 performers on any given night just because most shows only go for two hours. No auditions, no requirements, just show up and go up. They seem to tolerate just about any attempts at humor and let the audience be the judge of what is happening.

The other regular open mic in town is at the Comedy Spot, 7117 E. Third Ave., Scottsdale on the last Sunday of the month. Doors open at 6 and the show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 with a two item minimum. You have to sign up for this show in advance on line, and they only book a little over 10 performers for each show. The comic’s time is five minutes their first time and five to seven minutes on subsequent performances if they like you. The comics are expected to promote the show and bring at least three to five audience members. If you don’t bring anyone, you lose your spot. They have a dress code and expect the material to be PG-13. They indicate that they will cut off the mic if you do something offensive or distasteful. To get a spot, you need to email them a list of prior shows and send a link where they can see a video of your comedy.

The Comedy Spot recommends that you take some classes on standup, and they offer them on a regular basis, which is another way to get initial stage time as most classes have a graduation night where all the students get a chance to perform. The Tempe Improv also has regular classes and graduation shows. These shows are usually on an off night in the middle of the week. But, many of them are free and it is another way to get on to a bigger stage.

Standup Live in downtown Phoenix is not offering classes, but they do have a once a month showcase show that is booked locally. It is on the last Wednesday of the month and admission is free. It is not even close to an open mic night because they use six local comics and a featured headliner. Most of the local folks you will see at these shows have been performing for several years or more. It is a great way to sample the better comics out there around town because the person booking the show is looking for proven talent and not first-timers.

I got started by taking a class and then performing for five minutes during an improv comedy show. My big break came in winning a comedy contest where the prize was opening at the Tempe Improv for a real headliner. In my case it was Wanda Sykes. If you have never tried it, I would start with the class and see how you do at graduation. You just never know where it will lead.

Bob Howard will be performing at the Comedy Spot on Friday, Feb. 24, at 8 and 10 p.m. If you want to e-mail him, send it to findingthefunny@hotmail.com.