Episode 13: How Do You Approach the 'Show' in Show Business?
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How to Approach the "Show" in Show Business
The term "Show Business" is often split into two equally important aspects: the Show (the art of performance) and the Business (the strategy behind the scenes). In Episode 13 of Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is, Vince Carone and Dobie Maxwell tackle the Show side of the equation, offering practical advice and hard-earned lessons for comedians looking to elevate their professionalism on stage.
From respecting stage time to mastering the art of reading the room, this episode is a deep dive into what it takes to approach the Show with the discipline and preparation of a true professional.
Do Your Time: Respect the Clock
Comedy is a collaborative art form. Every show is a finely tuned machine, with each performer’s set designed to fit into the larger flow of the night. When you go over your time, you disrupt that rhythm—not just for the audience, but for your fellow comedians, the venue staff, and the show itself.
Professional comedians understand that timing isn’t just about delivering punchlines—it’s about respecting the clock. Practice your set with a timer to make sure you hit your mark. Running short is just as problematic as going over, so know your material and rehearse until your pacing feels natural.
Pro Tip: Time your set during rehearsals. Knowing how long your material runs will ensure you stay on track and avoid stepping on anyone else’s stage time.
Do Your Material: Play to Your Strengths
You’ve been booked because of your talent and the material that got you noticed. This isn’t the time to test or wing experimental bits with half-baked ideas. Doing your material means delivering the polished act you’ve prepared—a performance that shows respect for the audience, the booker, and your craft.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt to the crowd or throw in the occasional ad-lib. But the core of your set should be rock-solid and rehearsed. Think of it this way: your audience deserves your greatest hits, not the rough draft of your next album.
Pro Tip: Save new or untested material for open mics or practice sets. Paid gigs are not the time to gamble with your reputation.
Watch the Show: Stay Engaged
One of the easiest ways to connect with a crowd is to stay engaged with the show itself. Watching the other performers gives you a sense of the room’s energy, what material is working, and how to avoid repeating topics. It’s also a mark of respect—to your fellow comedians, the audience, and the craft.
By watching the show, you can adapt your set to better fit the mood. For example, if an earlier comedian bombed with edgy material, you might choose to keep things lighter. Conversely, if the crowd is roaring at dark humor, you know you can lean into your edgier jokes.
Pro Tip: Watching the show helps you adapt your material and delivery to fit the vibe of the night, making your set feel more connected to the audience.
Read the Room: Adjust on the Fly
Great comedians don’t just perform—they listen. Reading the room is about gauging the energy and adjusting your set to meet the audience where they are. Maybe the crowd is rowdy and you need to slow things down, or perhaps they’re quiet and you need to dial up your energy.
Think of it as a conversation, not a monologue. By paying attention to the audience’s reactions, you can fine-tune your timing, tone, and material to create a stronger connection.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to what’s working for other comedians in the lineup and use that knowledge to tailor your delivery and material.
Dress the Part: Look Like a Pro
Your appearance is the first thing the audience notices when you step on stage. Whether you’re performing at a comedy club, a corporate event, or a festival, your wardrobe should reflect professionalism and confidence.
This doesn’t mean wearing a tuxedo to an open mic—but it does mean dressing with intention. Look sharp, feel confident, and show the audience that you respect the stage. When you dress the part, you set yourself apart.
Pro Tip: Always dress slightly better than the audience. It shows you respect the stage and the people who came to watch you perform.
Why the "Show" Matters
This episode is a masterclass in professionalism for the performance side of comedy. Vince and Dobie’s advice doesn’t just apply to comedians—it’s valuable for anyone who takes the stage or needs to engage an audience.
Listen now to learn how to nail your performance and approach the "Show" in Show Business like a true professional.
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